key cylinder missing on trunk-can't open..
 

I have a 1978 240D i purchased a couple weeks ago. the key cylinder is missing from the push button release. i can't get into the trunk. there's spare parts in there! any advise??

With the cylinder gone you should be able to just stick a straight blade screwdriver into the slot at rear and turn.

yup, turn the screwdriver to the left, and push in. it should open right up.
John

thanks guys...i'll give it a shot after work. i played with it a little the other day, but didn't get anywhere. when i do get it open, should i just buy a replace the whole unit with a used/salvaged lock and key?

that is your perogative, but I would get a replacement tumbler from MB dealer... keep the single key syndrome secure. if you are thrifty, you could pull the tumbler out of a junk car, then dissasemble it and a few doors, get new leaves and match it to the tumbler in your door...
John

didn't work....
 

here's a pic....

ok, a little lesson on taking digital pics...
use the viewfinder to focus on the object you want to take the picture of... the autofocus should be center of the viewer. some cameras have a option of a crosshair or box to aid in centering.
nice plate though. white back cali plate. nice red letters...:silly:
anyway, ya feel the yank on that chain?
what's the point in the photo? maybe lift your aim a bit, and center on the button, you may be too close, and not have a macro setting. check and see if you have a macro setting...
John

I think from what I can make of his picture, it looks like he didn't correctly identify the problem. He said the button part was gone, leading us to think that it was removed and he could just do the screwdriver trick, but what I can make of his pic it looks like the button was damaged or broken and the bottom half is still in there, as if a thief had tried to bust into it in the past. If the part that held the tumbler isn't still trying to lock it, he might be able to drill the center of it for an easy out, and then use the easy out to bite into it and give it the left twisting motion and push. Otherwise he's going to have to try getting it open from the inside or getting the tumbler remains out so he can turn it.

yup, crappy picture-sorry. i rushed the pic and the post. the tumbler is gone (no remains) and the lower quarter of the tumbler housing is busted off. i'm a thin guy, but i don't think i'd fit through the opening for the first aid box to get into the trunk....
i've tried to find diagrams and blue prints online of the trunk lock design, but had no luck.

if no one has figured it out by tonight, I can go take the mechanism apart on my 78 parts car, and see if I see a solution for you.
John

Take a 3/8 carbide drill and finish drilling the rest of cylinder out. Angle your drill hitting the bit at 2 o'clock and shaft angled to 7 o'clock.

When I had no keys for my 240, I pulled the first aid box, and used a long rod with a bent end to reach back to the black plastic cover by the latch, popping that off revealed the vacuum actuator, I then pulled the lever toward the right side of the car, which unlocked it so that I could push the button in (or remains in your case) and open it came. I am told that this is difficult for most people though and that I just got lucky,lol.

picture
 

Latch mechanism.


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Have a great day.

awesome, you rock!

finally!!
 

i got it open! quite simple now that i know how it works......

since the tumbler is missing, all you need is rigid heavy gauge wire (coat hanger will due), bend a 1/2" at one end to a 90 degree angle, place angled section of the wire to the three o'clock position-against the cylinder housing, apply a little downward pressure to the truck lid, and push (not pull like i was doing) with the wire. you should feel a small amount of resistance, but will be amazed at how easy this is.........