Hi list,
My boyfriend's 1983 240D has the following issue--if the steering wheel is locked, the key won't turn (except after extensive swearing and trying for half hour). Any advice? He is just leaving the key in turned a fraction so the wheel won't lock...then covering it up with a hat...and locking the doors. Thanks for any help.
Gretchen
1981 240D

Better switch out that ignition tumbler pronto, or just pull it and use a screwdriver until you can replace it. Go to the dealer and get one keyed to the VIN(comes with another key) or buy one from Fastlane for a bit less(NOT keyed to VIN- you'll have to use a separate key to open the doors). If you wait, the tumbler will become deadlocked and you will have to pay a locksmith to drill it out. That's BIG $$$$$$
Search the forum for 'ignition tumbler' and 'paper clip method'

Oh yeah, a palm sander(with no sandpaper in it) applied to the area as you try to turn the key will help 'jiggle it' that one last time so you can turn it.
This ain't something to mess around with, unless you enjoy paying $800 to have a locksmith tear up your dash.

__________________
'02 BMW 325i
'85 300D 450k
'93 190E 2.6 170k(killed by tree)
'08 Ducati Hypermotard 1100S 6k
'06 Ducati S2R800 14k(sold)

I assume your boyfriend knows that if he locks the car first and then turns the wheel it "pre-loads" the steering wheel lock and the only way to release it is first to turn the wheel to "unload" the lock and then turn the key...but in case he doesn't you can be the one to educate him.

The fact is, there may be nothing wrong with the car, just operator error.

Are you sure he understands that the steering wheel should be turned to take the pressure off the key lock before he tries to turn the key??

__________________
Marty D.

2013 C300 4Matic
1984 BMW 733i
2013 Lincoln MKz

for the time being, until you had it fixed, to keep this thing from happening , try to turn the steering wheel to a 3'o clock or 9'o clock position before pulling the key out, therefore the lock will not engage, so you won't have to deal with "turning the key for half hour" to be able to unlock and start.

__________________
'85 300D Turbo - CA Version

It's unclear to me whether the problem is the tumbler or the steering lock. It's usually the ignition tumbler. I think you could test it by seeing if the ignition tumbler still locks up even when the wheels are turned in one direction. If so, the problem would be the tumbler. If not, the steering lock. Another way to test it would be to remove the tumbler (not hard when you get the key turned) and see if it still locks up when it's out of its housing. I got a new tumbler from the dealer for $66.50 and it came with a key.

In the meantime I hear the sander trick works wonders.

Good luck!

__________________
Ralph

1985 300D Turbo, CA model
248,650 miles and counting...

He might just need a new key. Is it well worn? If it is, go to a Mercedes dealer and get a new one, or two. Keys are made of softer metal than the pins in the tumbler. Keys are easier and cheaper to replace than tumblers.

You better tell him to fix it ASAP. Otherwise he will really be swearing.

http://dieselgiant.com/repairignitionlock.htm

__________________
1981 300D 147k
1998 VW Jetta Tdi 320k
2001 Dodge Ram 2500 141k
1979 300D 234k (sold)
1984 300D "Astor" 262k(sold)
Mercedes How-To and Repair Pictorials
I love the smell of diesel smoke in my hair