230 ce

[makem]

I bought my first Merc last night ( '81 230 ce ). Only problems seem to be
ignition switch, solved thanks to your archives, and the drivers door lock.
The lock won't turn either way so I have to unlock through the passenger
side which is a bit of a pain. My question is do I do the obvious and strip
down and lubricate/replace or could it be something to do with the vacuum
system. Also did this car come with central locking as standard. Passenger
door lock works fine

 

[kiwi_bloke]

help is on the way!

If you unlock from the passenger side do all the other doors unlock? Im not sure if the CL works from the passengers side, but if the drivers door doesnt unlock with the central locking then i would say its a vaccuum problem. Ive got no idea weather this is correct or not, im just speaking theoretically

Have you tried spraying some WD40 into the locking barrel? can do wonders.....also have you tried another key??

 

[MARKGW]

I got my first merc this week too - '85 230TE. Drivers lock v. stiff + needs fiddling to unlock and to remove key after. Mines done 176,000 miles and I've been wondering just how many times that door must have been locked and unlocked. This would be the most used side (particularly when the central locking still worked...)

So - could these locks just be getting old?

New barrels anyone?

ps.Once had a mini which did the opposite - you could unlock it with your fingernail.

 

[jaymanek]

All Mercs have central locking. Yours will only work from drivers side.

To test, open the drivers door, close and then lock from inside. Do all the doors lock?

First get the drivers lock sorted. If the lock is jammed its nothing to do with the vaccuum, i guess uve tried WD40 etc... If that fails, go and order a new barrell from the dealer. It will fit your key.

Then if the central locking does not work with the new barell, then u need to look into it... Could be a vaccuum leak, electrics at the motor (under the rear seat) or the motor itself could be dead)....

 

[jaques2k]

My drivers side lock didn´t almost turn at all, I had to remove the lock + barrel + handle completely, lubricate it with rost-off and WD40, and force it to turn with some good pliers (with the key inserted - but DO NOT force the key to turn, get a grip on the other end of the barrel). I feared the worst when it gave a loud "knack" and then turned fully open to one side, but after that the lock has been a dream. Likely, there´s something which has corroded inside the lock, and just needs lubrication. My 380SE has gone 241 tkm., so I won´t guess your lock is worn out already. Try to remove it completely out of the door - it´s much more easy to see how it works, and to lubricate it then. And by the way - put some grease around the mount hole(s) in the door when you mount it back to prevent corrosion. Good luck!

 

[makem]

Thanks for all replies. I've tried central locking from inside- no joy so I've a problem there. Looks like stripping down the lock first and lubricating.
Once that's fixed sort out the central locking. Might come back to you on
that one as Haynes don't list a manual for the 230 CE before '85.

 

[TimN]

The locks are servicable if you have the patience. I did all of mine and they now work a treat. I think that I did a script on the procedure some time ago. Try a search on my name. You could cheat and just swap the barrels with the passenger door.

Not all MB were sold with central locking. It may come as standard in the UK but my father's bought in Dubai did not have it.