300SD lock cylinder - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

Old Dies · #1 07-28-2008, 09:59 AM

I have an 81SD with the security ignition lock. The lock is apparenly broken and the key will not turn it. It wouldn't turn one night so I jiggled the key for 10 minutes and it turned and started right up. Next morning it would not turn at all. Spent the weekend trying to get it to turn with no success.
Question is am I going to need to get the lock drilled out? Anyone deal with this one before?

vstech · #2 07-28-2008, 10:16 AM

first try spraying some brake cleaner in there, put a towel under it, cause it will be messy all over your seats and floor carpet.
see if you can get it to turn. if not, try a sander without the paper on it, to jiggle the mech while you try turning the key.
if it turns DO NOT TURN IT BACK.
get the paper clip in the hole! then get some needle nose pliers to unscrew the collar and remove the tumbler.
go to the dealer and get a replacement. it will match your vin, and it will come with a new key.
reverse assembly!
also try jiggling the steering wheel too. sometimes the wheel lock holds the key stationary.

Old Dies · #3 07-28-2008, 10:23 AM

Hmmm, have twisted the steering wheel back and forth, I had drivin it straight into my garage and there is no loading on the steering lock.
Had not thought to try brake cleaner and a sander to vibrate it with.
Thanks, that will keep me busy tonight I am sure.

Chadahar · #4 07-28-2008, 01:33 PM

At least you have the key....I don't, PO's indy bought a MB tumbler, not keyed to the VIN and with only one key. Key broke out of the plastic holder and was lost somewhere in my travels with the SEC Thursday night. (all keys on the same ring(BIG MISTAKE). Anyway Can a locksmith pick this Lock and move it to the position to take out the tumbler and loosen the outer Ring. It is a skinny key(original width key will not fit the slot), with no spine like the original keys. Was a steel key, not laser cut, I have a VIN keyed tumbler and Valet key coming from MB, but I do not want to take the steering gear apart to get the tumbler out if possible.

vstech · #5 07-28-2008, 01:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chadahar

At least you have the key....I don't, PO's indy bought a MB tumbler, not keyed to the VIN and with only one key. Key broke out of the plastic holder and was lost somewhere in my travels with the SEC Thursday night. (all keys on the same ring(BIG MISTAKE). Anyway Can a locksmith pick this Lock and move it to the position to take out the tumbler and loosen the outer Ring. It is a skinny key(original width key will not fit the slot), with no spine like the original keys. Was a steel key, not laser cut, I have a VIN keyed tumbler and Valet key coming from MB, but I do not want to take the steering gear apart to get the tumbler out if possible.

yes, if you have an older 123 style tumbler, any locksmith can cheaply pick it, and make a set of keys for you...

Chadahar · #6 07-28-2008, 02:05 PM

This is a 126 car. but the key was a machined key, not laser cut with the spline. One hole in tumbler to remove. I just talked to a local locksmith and he says he can make a key for it.. $125.00 to come (5-6 miles) and make the key. Better than tearing the car apart to get it apart I guess.

Old Dies · #7 07-29-2008, 12:06 PM

I used the vibrating sander and shook the tumbler out last night. Good advise, it released and turned, came right out with a paper clip pushed through that hole.
I called a locksmith and he said to check the steering lock also. I checked and checked it, it seems to release just fine.
I cleaned the lock assembly and oiled it with WD 40. It snags with the first attempt to turn it, if you push the key in it will turn. I take it that means the problem is the lock tumblers.
Question is this a dealer parts only? Can the tumbler be repaired? Have a call out to that locksmith now.

vstech · #8 07-29-2008, 12:34 PM

the tumbler can be repaired, but why do it? go to the dealer in the car, (use a screwdriver to start the car) and take in your registration and they will order you a new vin matched tumbler with a new MB cut security key! and it will match your doors and trunk and glove box!

while you are there, order a valet (round head) key for another 25.00 and have a key to hand to a valet or mechanic so they can't get into your glove box or trunk!

redassag00 · #9 07-29-2008, 12:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by vstech

the tumbler can be repaired, but why do it? go to the dealer in the car, (use a screwdriver to start the car) and take in your registration and they will order you a new vin matched tumbler with a new MB cut security key! and it will match your doors and trunk and glove box!

while you are there, order a valet (round head) key for another 25.00 and have a key to hand to a valet or mechanic so they can't get into your glove box or trunk!

^^^
What he said.
When I got my SDL, i had a security key for the door (laser cut) and a W123 key for the ignition. Ordered myself a matching one for about 120 bucks with a new key, and never looked back.

I need to order myself one of those valet keys too....

Old Dies · #10 07-29-2008, 12:57 PM

I have heard about the valet key, how does that work? I mean when I unlock the door the trunk unlocks as do all four doors.

vstech · #11 07-29-2008, 01:00 PM

you can lock the trunk into the vertical position, then the vac lock will not unlock it.
and the valet key will not fit in the lock to un lock it, nor will it fit in the glove box lock.

redassag00 · #12 07-30-2008, 09:59 AM

Valet key on the right. Its missing the groove down the middle

FWIW Ilco Blanks are brass, not like OE keys which are steel.

vstech · #13 07-30-2008, 12:13 PM

hey redass, that guy mowing is just having too much fun...

Chadahar · #14 07-30-2008, 02:25 PM

MY MB keyed to the VIN keys(master w/tumbler, Valet) do not work in the Doors or trunk or Glove box. Upon looking at my old door key
It has the same pattern, but the pattern seems to be superposed on the new keys, I.E. 180 out of phase. Door trunk and Glove box tumblers have not been replaced.
I laid all three keys together and the pattern cut is the same pattern, except that on the new keys the pattern is superposed from the old key. Like maybe the key blanks were put in the machine upside down??? I mean the old key has the right pattern for the doors, trunk and glove box. but the pattern is right on the Star side of the key and the U(trademark side also. on the new keys the pattern is superposed on the star side and the U and trademarks side. Same pattern just upside down or superposed on the sides of the keys. Really weird.

vstech · #15 07-30-2008, 02:50 PM

take your original keys and the car and the new keys back to the dealer, they will get you corrected ones...