Can you change Ignition barrel without original keys?

[F1 240D]

Hi, I mislaid my one and only set of keys for our 81 240D. I had one key for the doors & trunk, and a different key for the ignition. I found my valet key, but it will obviously not work in the ignition (tried anyway!). My question is; is it possible to replace the ignition barrel without having the key? I called the dealer but they said the barrel was obviously changed aftermarket so ordering a replacement key against the VIN would be no help. I see that Fastlane have a replacement barrel for $42 but I do not want to order it if I cannot install it without having the original ignition key.
I have in-laws coming at the weekend who were going to drive the car so it could not have come at a worse time. Please help! Thanks.

[F1 240D]

Oh, and yes I didsearch the forum but the procedures and advice I found all seemed to say you need to have the original key to twist the ignition lock to position #1 to remove the barrel from the housing. Since I do not have this key, does this mean I am out of luck?

[leathermang]

Ask your local MB dealer if they can make you a new key with the vin and your proof of ownership....

[d.delano]

I like your screen name. Clever oxymoron.

[F1 240D]

Yeah, I called the dealer but they said that it sounded like the barrel was changed independently so the key they order against my VIN# will probably not work.

[Brian Carlton]

Unfortunately, you are SOL without that key. You cannot replace the barrell without rotating it to position 1. And you cannot rotate the barrell without the key.

There are procedures for this situation, but, all of them are ugly.

[Dervman]

Originally Posted by F1 240D

I found my valet key, but it will obviously not work in the ignition (tried anyway!).

The Valet key should work in the ignition and doors, but not in the trunk or glovebox locks. Otherwise, what use is it to a valet??

[Dervman]

OK, now I get it, the Ignition lock was changed so the valet key won't work DUH

Your only solution may be to have your Dealer order a new lock and key assembly against your VIN Number (which will at least mean all the keys will now be the same) and then hire a locksmith - or a car thief - to turn your lock to the #1 position so it can be removed.

The dealer quoted me $105 for a new key & lock assembly coded to the VIN#.

How wore out is your ignition tumbler? Its going to be a bear to get that thing out of there without the proper goods. I scathe at people that change ignition tumblers agianst the cars stock ones and forget to make note of it somewhere hehe.
How much is a new tumbler and keys (the proper ones) from the dealership?

[R Leo]

Provided the lock barrel/wafers are in good shape and, there's nothing wrong with the rest of the locking assembly, a competent locksmith should be able to pick the lock and turn it to posn #1 to remove the barrel.

If any part of the lock is broken you're SOL.

See here: Hosed lock

[Johnhef]

find those keys!!

otherwise time to bust out the drill...

my ignition had been replaced in my 123 when i got it, I changed it back to the original key set, cost $27 with the key.

[miamimike]

Originally Posted by F1 240D

Hi, I mislaid my one and only set of keys for our 81 240D. I had one key for the doors & trunk, and a different key for the ignition. I found my valet key, but it will obviously not work in the ignition (tried anyway!). My question is; is it possible to replace the ignition barrel without having the key? I called the dealer but they said the barrel was obviously changed aftermarket so ordering a replacement key against the VIN would be no help. I see that Fastlane have a replacement barrel for $42 but I do not want to order it if I cannot install it without having the original ignition key.
I have in-laws coming at the weekend who were going to drive the car so it could not have come at a worse time. Please help! Thanks.

I had a similiar situation with a 190D last year. The trunk lock was kaput-someone jimmied up the lock in a theft attempt. I bought another complete lockset(minus key) and took it to a really good locksmith here in Miami and he MADE me a key without the original. Cost me $70 more or less. Can be done.

[billrei]

Originally Posted by miamimike

I had a similiar situation with a 190D last year. The trunk lock was kaput-someone jimmied up the lock in a theft attempt. I bought another complete lockset(minus key) and took it to a really good locksmith here in Miami and he MADE me a key without the original. Cost me $70 more or less. Can be done.

Being able to bring a lockset to a locksmith who can then disassemble it is way different than having a lock sitting behind an armored steel barrel. Always make a spare key and keep it somewhere safe!!! So I wonder if F1 240's guests enjoyed the bicycle tour of Sillycone Valley....