What a fun old car... cold weather made it tricky to get the key in the door of my '77 240D this morning, and then I had to be really delicate about unlocking the door. Both doors seemed to suffer from this same problem.

But tonight I blew it: 31 F degrees out and I broke the key off in the door keyhole. Better than the ignition I guess, but I'm really kicking myself.

Any ideas/experience with this problem? I was thinking I might krazy glue it back together, then yank it out. Just a first thought.

TIA & Cheers,
JB

I would hold off on the superglue until a last resort, just remember, one slight wobble sideways or just a hair too much so it forms a glob and bammo! permanently keyed lock. Depending on how far in it broke off, can you get a pair of small tip needlenose on it, maybe if ground down slightly? Is there enough of it to be able to pry on the remains with a pair of bent out paperclips or a dentists pick? Is there an opening or hole in the rear of the lock cyl that you can use to push it out or blow it partially out with compressed air to get hold of? would removing the lock cyl and tapping it at a slight angle on a block of wood let it slip out enough to grab?

Only reason I suggest all this is, I know it's a lot of work, but think about the cost of a new set of MB keys and locks if that lock got glued together.....

$50 locksmith has gotta be path of least resistance

Remote electric door lock. Never have to use the key again!

Mine is on its way from ebay! Can't wait to install it!

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I wrote up a how to on removing the tumbler. It's not hard to do and you could save the lock smith fee. http://www.peachparts.com/Wikka/W123DoorLock

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1979 240D- 316K miles - VGT Turbo, Intercooler, Stick Shift, Many Other Mods - Daily Driver

1982 300SD - 232K miles - Wife's Daily Driver

1986 560SL - Wife's red speed machine

OK, in the morning light it was not too hard to remove the key stub. Needle-nose pliers did the trick. Thanks for all the input.

But now it is still cold as hell and the locks won't turn -- I'm locked out for fear of breaking another key. What's the underlying problem here? Do old MB locks always have trouble in cold temps?

Cheers,
JB

it happens sometimes to me too. try to get at the moving parts, clean the gunk off them then lube them up.

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1980 500SE/AMG Euro
1981 500SEL Euro
1982 380SEL
1983 300TD
1983 500SEC/AMG Euro
1984 500SEC
1984 300TD Euro
1986 190E 2.3-16
1986 190E 2.3
1987 300D
1997 C36 AMG
2003 C320T 4matic

past: 1969 280SE 4.5 | 1978 240D | 1978 300D | 1981 300SD | 1981 300SD | 1982 300CD | 1983 300CD | 1983 300SD | 1983 380SEC | 1984 300D | 1984 300D | 1984 300TD | 1984 500SEL | 1984 300SD | 1985 300D | 1986 300E | 1986 560SEL | 1986 560SEL/Carat | 1987 560SEC | 1991 300D 2.5 | 2006 R350

see response #6 very good explanation on how to remedy the situation... except he left out how to remove the handle in the first place.
Dieselgiant has a nice write up on removing the door panel, I would go there and follow that to the letter, then look at the end of the door, there is a small black plastic plug that covers two #3 phillips screws and if you have the window rolled up, you will see the third screw that lines up with the hinged end of the door handle, you will need a LOONG phillips to get at it. remove all screws, and the door handle comes out pretty easy, when you put it back, make sure to line up the long rod with the door lock spot. you will see what I mean.
then go to the above site and follow the write up on the door lock repair.

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John HAUL AWAY, OR CRUSHED CARS!!! HELP ME keep the cars out of the crusher! A/C Thread
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My drivers:
1987 190D 2.5Turbo
1987 190D 2.5Turbo
1987 190D 2.5-5SPEED!!!

1987 300TD
1987 300TD
1994GMC 2500 6.5Turbo truck... I had to put the ladder somewhere!

open up the key lock cover and pull it out with tweezers. replacing the lock cover is not so easy however. you may be better off removing the whole handle first and then try using a needle to push it out.....

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