I wouldn't have pulled the tumbler....it takes a bit but you could get a factory key for the car for under 40$ from any mercedes dealer....you just need the latest registration/title.

What did you do to pull the ignition tumbler also? Did you drop the column? Pull the ignition plug off the back of the ignition?

Finally....There is no such thing as a smoking deal aka cheap mercedes...this is just one issue of many I am sure...

__________________