Door latch

[Ricardo]

The female part of the door latch, the chrome piece on the frame rather than the door, has a rubber and brass insert. Are these rubber parts available and has anyone tried to replace them. I've checked the usual suppliers, but not my MB dealer yet. I suspect that mine are worn and are the cause of the somewhat harsh clunk on closing both doors. I've tried adjusting, but can't get a nice sound or feel.
Ricardo

[TheEngineer]

The trick, to set the female portion of the latch, is to loosen the bolts somewhat and then close the door. Then you can push or pull on the door until the door is flush with the body. Then you open the door and tighten the screws. It may take a few tries to get it right. It's easy once you know how.

1969 280SL,Signal Red, A/T, P/S, A/C, Both tops.    Ret. engr. 1967 230SL - Sold

[hauser]

My passenger side door doesn't seem to work as smoothly as the drivers side.  Should I loosen the female part just enough to get it to shift into position once I close the door?

1969 280sl 5 spd        1999 ML320          Gainesville,Fl.

[Ricardo]

My problem isn't the alignment, I have the door positioned well and new door seals too, just that the feel and sound of the closing is harsh, as though there is metal to metal contact. It looks like these rubber sleeves should protrude from the latch and offer some cushioning effect. Compared to my other Benz's, the SL's doors don't have that "quality" feel when closing.
Ricardo

[Benz Dr.]

Benz Dr. says, '' Having female part in right position makes all the difference.''

Daniel G Caron

[Cees Klumper]

The complete female part should be available through some suppliers - the Van Dijk catalog lists it at around $50 a piece. The picture includes the rubber part.

Cees Klumper in Amsterdam
'69 white 280 SL automatic