My first question is, how did this happen? I can still use my key to open the door lock, but my OCD (Obssessive Compulsive DIESEL) wants my car to look like from the showroom...I hope I dont have to order a new lock!!!!!

I had to have the locks replaced after someone used a screw driver on both sides to try to get in while I was nearby reffing a soccer game. Insurance covered it as a Comprehensive claim. It was done at the dealer to ensure that I still had to use just one key.

__________________
87 300D 265Kmi
Factory rebuilt crate 603.96x engine at 200K

to steal that car.
I have seen that damage before.
Theft attempts by uneducated idiots always does damage...

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1985 300SD
1983 300D
1984 190D
2003 Volvo V70
2002 Honda Civic

https://www.boldegoist.com/

Are these cars harder to break into than the average bear?

The reason I ask this is I've only got one key

Cheers,

Bill

Carrameow,
I just had the same thing happen to the passenger side lock on my 1982 300SD. I went to a junk yard, got a newer looking handle from a donor car($7.50), then went to my favorite locksmith (see my earlier posts about my lost keys) and had the old handle removed, and the lock cylinder transfered from the old handle to the new handle, and the new handle installed on the car, about 45 minutes total. $50 labor + $7.50 for the handle = $57.50 out of my pocket. Of course, I could have done the cylinder transfer myself, as it really doesn't involve any special tools, just the know-how, and saved $50. But he's a cool guy, makes a good pot of coffee, and I always learn something else about locksmithing in general when I visit him. Good luck.

SteveKaa

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1982 300SD 338k miles

Yes and no. They have a barrier inside the door to prevent the use of a slim jim. However, I've seen a locksmith reach inside the cabin with a tool and pull the lock knob up in a matter of seconds. Of course, that only works if you have the factory lock knobs in place.

Bill, get yourself down the the MB dealer (have proof of ownership in hand) and have them order you a VIN cut key. Yes, they're kind of expensive at around $25, but they work perfectly, are made of steel so they last a very long time, and don't deposit wear particles in your locks.

__________________
Rick Miley
2014 Tesla Model S
2018 Tesla Model 3
2017 Nissan LEAF
Former MB: 99 E300, 86 190E 2.3, 87 300E, 80 240D, 82 204D Euro
Chain Elongation References

Man, that much for a key? I haven't been dumb enough to lock myself out of a vehicle for years but now I've jinxed myself.

A $25 key is probably cheaper than to call a locksmith out to let me in.

Thanks for the heads up on the price

Cheers,

bill

I've only got one key that' worn out, that's the one on the 220D. New key still works in the tumbler, but I have a new tumbler too for when I get it running (if ever!). All the other original keys are fine (32, 19, 17, and 16 years old, 200,000 plus miles on everything bu the 220D).

Someone tried to yank the lock cylinder out with a dent puller. Won't work (Benz is a bit smarter than GM), but leaves you with an ugly door.

You cannot yank the lock cylinder out of a Benz ignition, either, if that's any consolation. Rather hard to break into without smashing a window, and somewhat difficult to get to the ignition without doing major nocticable interior damage, too.

You never see Benz anywhere near the top of most stolen cars, wonder why?

Peter

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1972 220D ?? miles
1988 300E 200,012
1987 300D Turbo killed 9/25/07, 275,000 miles
1985 Volvo 740 GLE Turobodiesel 218,000
1972 280 SE 4.5 165, 000 - It runs!

Mine is missing on my 87 as well. Been planning to get a donor part and switch the "weather guard" cover over.

The last two keys (124 & 201) ran me $20 a piece, and do seem to be much better then anything cut by a local locksmith. The 87 key seems worth the money, as they really hold up. The earlier security key for the 190 (201) is not near the quality of the 87 key.

I would get that spare ASAP if I were you.

Look at your door keys (those of you with w126's and perhaps others?)
They are high security keys
which means they HAVE to be ordered from the dealer (I had to) and are extremely hard to pick
if you have ever had one of these tumblers apart its obvious why they are tricky...
lots of stuff to get right in there heh
facinating devices though
until you drop one of the leafs under the workbench!