PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum - View Single Post - Lost Keys 79 450SL How can I change ignition lock cylinder

redghost · #16 02-01-2017, 01:20 AM

I really hope you only need the one key for all your locks. If the ignition was changed, you are in a bit of a pickle.

The ignition tumblers are NLA. My 74 450sl was acting up at the ignition, having been gummed up with brass and graphite over the years. The tumbler has been superseded five times and ends up NLA, not made, ever again. Classic Center can not get it, Germany does not have them. It took six months to learn this, as the dealer, classic center and MBUSA all got on the trail. As long as the car is younger than 1984, you can order a tumbler from Germany or classic center. Before then, you are out of luck.

I was able to get one last turn of the key to start the car and drove straight to a reputable locksmith. He removed the tumbler, cut a reference key, cleaned and rebuilt the tumbler then put it back and made sure the new keys worked all doors and locks. All for $40. The classic center tumbler (special order, twice) was $80, but since it was never going to come, I was able to get the charges reversed on my CC.

The only way to get the ignition lock out if you do not have a working key, is for it to be drilled out. That destroys your lock. Then you need a new tumbler. Catch 22. SO, for my own mental health, I have a spare tumbler on my parts shelf. It is a pull from a early w123 and was rebuilt to fit my keys. If you can find an ignition lock from any benz between 1968 and 1983, you will be able to have that installed.