I feel obligated to write this post because Google helped save me from spending a ton of $$$$ on fixing my car. My warranty expired begin. of June because of time, not mileage. Right before it expired, I went to MB in Sacramento CA and had the 40k service, $800 later everything was fine with the car. One month when I was getting out of my car, and the driver side handle did not open. It felt like the spring behind it had broke! I am not rough with the car I have only owned it for a year. However, I have noticed the door handles not always being smooth when opening.

I called the service department at my regular MB, and he said that is common! That he had it happen to his car and MB is not lovely with their warranties, once expired they won't cover anything. I explained it is a safety hazard my vehicle had just been there, and I had been locked inside my car. He said I would have to order a new door panel and would cost min. $1500. I live three hours away.

I then went to the forums online and found a Youtube video, of someone replacing the inside door, because this is a widespread problem. I had a friend who is good with cars watch the video, and he was able to find a door from a junkyard online. So, please look at Google and yes you can do the repair yourself it just takes time. Everything works fine and he secured the door handle tighter than MB had.The parts costs under $50. I have no idea if MB knows this happens yet still does not put something on the door handle to make it last forever. Cars last for decades without a door handle popping off. Best of luck!