I just wanted to report a repair of my ignition lock, which seemed to be failing a couple of weeks ago. From information posted at this site, from posts on Pindelski's site as well as help from forum member jbaj, I was able to turn the key to Position 2 and use a stretched out paperclip (of the proper wire diameter) to take the tumbler out, along with the metal screw-in piece that surrounds it and a rubber sleeve that also popped out. The removal was straightforward. I have the tumbler with just one release hole (I know that some have 2).

Once it was out, I cleaned the tumbler with compressed air and a lot of 'brasslike' metal flakes came out. I then cleaned it with a silicone lubricant that I was told would act as a solvent (and which seemed to). A lot more metal flakes came out.

I also has 2 non-Mercedes keys that were made at a shop from the original. Neither seemed to work anymore, yet my original steel cut Mercedes key is fine. From Pindelski's site, those replacement keys may have been the problem. I discarded those and will only use the original from now on (and will plan to order spares for this car).

Putting the tumbler in wasn't bad, just turned the key and used my paperclip tool as stated elsewhere, but I didn't manage to get the surrounding metal screw-in collar, nor the rubber sleeve, back in yet. However, since it works fine, I am not sure what useful function they play, besides making it look better. Does anyone know?

Nice thing was that I didn't have to buy any new parts (yet). Since the tumbler had just been replaced fairly recently before I bought the car 2 1/2 years ago, I am glad I didn't have to buy a new one so soon...

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dannyf
1984 Mercedes 300 SD 214 K miles. Runs on WVO ~ 22 mpg over 8 K on WVO
1997 VW Passat TDI 156 K miles. Uses biodiesel and diesel. ~ 41 mpg
1996 Mercury Villager gasser. ~ 20 mpg

Rubber sleeve: looks

Metal collar: resists theft/tampering with the lock.

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Gone to the dark side

- Jeff

'Were the two non Mercedes keys Brass? (You're looking for the source of the
Brass "Flakes".

Mercedes keys are steel and the wear takes place in the tumblers.

ANY sign of "funky" action with the original key usually signals tumbler wear.

You do not want to have to deal with a "locked" tumbler.