2005 W203 C200 Bouncing Lock - Door Actuator Repair - I'm in Some Trouble !!

[johnsco]

I have attempted to repair the left hand door actuator on the C200 SE Coupe.
It has been suffering from the well-known "bouncing lock" problem.
The job has been an absolute pig to do.
Getting the actuator out was a pig.
Replacing the broken spring in the actuator was a pig - although I have now got the actuator working OK.
BIG PROBLEM .... After much trying, I cannot get the actuator in position to re-install it.
When I removed it, after I had removed the screws and disengaged it from the door handle, it felt as if I was ripping it out of position.
It was not easy to see what the problem was.
When I have come to refit it, I cannot get it in position .
There appears to be a flimsy plastic construction in the place where it needs to go - This is probably what made removal difficult.
I cannot understand what it is there for (Maybe something from factory assembly time).
Does anyone know what this is ?
Is it important ?
If I rip it out, will I regret it ?
This question has been asked before on the forum:

CL203 Door lock replacement! Aaarrgggh... | General Discussion

Hi all, hope someone can help! I have 'bouncing door lock' syndrome on my 2001 CL203 (C180). I have a replacement lock and have somehow managed to remove the old one (there was blood, much swearing but remarkably, no damage to the car). However, for the love of God I cannot get the new lock in...

forums.mbclub.co.uk

The OP was referred to a video, which I also used, but it does not explain how the actuator goes back in place.

I have taken one or two photos looking into the aperture in the edge of the door where the door catch sits.
You can see the plastic obstruction including a black plastic hook.

I need help.
It's freezing and dark out there and the job is abandoned for today.
Any help appreciated.
... and Yes .... The red marks are blood .... Mine !

I'll post again when I get the job done
Thanks.
J.

 

[Jobsworth]

Did you remove the handle from the outside of the door first?

 

[johnsco]

Did you remove the handle from the outside of the door first?

Yes

 

[johnsco]

Good Morning MB experts .... The sun's shining and it's a bit warmer.
I still need help and advice.
Failing this - Then - in about half an hour I'll be getting the angle-cutter out again.

 

[johnsco]

Following a bit of amputation - It's back in position.
I'll tell you later whether everything still works OK !!!

 

[mersum1es]

I have changed mine W211 door lock, indeed longest time spent wiggling that block back in position...
I didn't know W203 needs so brutal metal removal, inW211 it was only drilling couple of rivets...

 

[johnsco]

It's all back together and has been working fine for a couple of days.
I'll do a write-up on it in a couple of days.
There were a lot of problems to overcome and to learn from.
Today I've got bigger problems, in that the C200 Kompressor won't start.
The car strikes back !!!
See my request for advice in the ENGINE section.
J.

 

[Maureenecoots]

I wonder is that blood on the door?