1966 230sl Drivers Side Door Pull Handle?

[acbrock]

Hi,
I was buying some parts from a guy (Radio/Gas Cap) and asked if he had a Drivers Side Door handle Pull.  He did not think the drivers side had a pull handle.   He does mostly 280s and said they dont.  I honestly could not remember the panel but was sure I was missing something from the door.  When I got home I check my panels and it does have holes for the handle.  I have been searching pictures online and dont see a pull handle on any?  Was this an option?  Just curious if this was aftermarket, if so I won't put it back when I redo the panel?

[acbrock]

Just did another YouTube and Forum dive and have not found a 230 with the drivers door pull?

[BobH]

Hello, very early cars had pull handles on both doors, but the drivers side handle was removed on later 230's, so your car didn't originally have one

https://www.sl113.org/wiki/Interior/DoorTrim

https://www.sl113.org/forums/index.php?topic=4740.msg29690#msg29690

[mbpaul]

I have a 230SL that I bought new.  It is a USA model made in late 1965 but it was registered as a 1966.  There is a door pull on the passenger side but none on the driver's side.

[acbrock]

Awesome thanks guys!
BobH thanks for the posts!  What great information.  Sorry I did not find that one my own!  That explains it all, down to the the last car that had the handle factory installed!  I will not be putting it back on!  Funny it was the missing part.  I guess Original Owner put it on and then realized it got in the way and took it off!
Aaron

[BobH]

I have a 230SL that I bought new.  It is a USA model made in late 1965 but it was registered as a 1966.  There is a door pull on the passenger side but none on the driver's side.

Wow, mbpaul, i know there are some long term owners on here, but you must take the trophy for over 57 years ownership!

[114015]

I have a 230SL that I bought new.  It is a USA model made in late 1965 but it was registered as a 1966.  There is a door pull on the passenger side but none on the driver's side.

As Bob mentioned...,

Hello, very early cars had pull handles on both doors, but the drivers side handle was removed on later 230's, so your car didn't originally have one

... all 230ies after serial no 000915  (and 250ies/280ies) had no longer the (bit flatter) grab handle on the driver's doorpanel.
Only before.


Achim

[Benz Dr.]

They removed the pull handle so that your knee wouldn't hit it while shifting. Probably not as critical on an automatic transmission car but few early 230's were auto anyways.