On my 83 240/300d which has probably well over 300K on the body, it is becomming very sensitive to body angle. If I park it on a certain type of slope, and there is more than one position that is sensitive, the key will not turn for anything in the tumbler. The only solution is to roll the car to a different position and then it will turn.

A couple of nights ago I was out in the street rolling the car backwards down the hill onto a ramp so that I could start it!

This is getting very ridiculous!

I found a less worn key and that seemed to help but I suspect I will have to break down and buy a new key mechanism.

Do you all agree?

Tom W

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[SIGPIC] Diesel loving autocrossing grandpa Architect. 08 Dodge 3/4 ton with Cummins & six speed; I have had about 35 benzes. I have a 39 Studebaker Coupe Express pickup in which I have had installed a 617 turbo and a five speed manual.[SIGPIC]

..I also have a 427 Cobra replica with an aluminum chassis.

Why not make a new key??? and if that dont work than start pulling that tumbler out...

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Current Garage
2008 Mercedes GL320 CDI 188k mi Repair/Work in progress
1994 S350 160k mi Garage Queen & prepping for repairs
2005 E320 CDI 203k mi Healthy & Daily Driver
1994 S350 357k mi Retried as parts car
1984 300TD 214k mi Blown OM617 Poss OM603 Swap??

Sold
1987 300SDL 200K+
1994 S320 181K mi
2008 E320 Bluetec 127k mi
1999 S420 130K mi
1980 240D 360k mi
15+ Others that has come, stay and gone

GONE, BUT NOT FORGOTTEN
1995 E320 SE 220k mi
1984 300SD 350k mi

'Twas me ...I'd be calling the parts department first thing Monday AM...
and ordering A New Tumbler and Key!

Attached Thumbnails

 

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'84 300SD sold
124.128

Same - if it's gotten this bad, get yourself a new unit with a matching new key. Definitely get it through the dealer so you get a key that matches the rest of the car.

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1987 Mercedes 300D

Ok then.

Thanks for the help.

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[SIGPIC] Diesel loving autocrossing grandpa Architect. 08 Dodge 3/4 ton with Cummins & six speed; I have had about 35 benzes. I have a 39 Studebaker Coupe Express pickup in which I have had installed a 617 turbo and a five speed manual.[SIGPIC]

..I also have a 427 Cobra replica with an aluminum chassis.

I just replaced mine, think it was $63.00 from the dealer. You will have to show proof of ownership in person. I had the new part like in 4 days.

Charlie

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there were three HP ratings on the OM616...

1) Not much power
2) Even less power
3) Not nearly enough power!! 240D w/auto

Anyone that thinks a 240D is slow drives too fast.

80 240D Naturally Exasperated, 4-Spd 388k DD 150mph spedo 3:58 Diff

We are advised to NOT judge ALL Muslims by the actions of a few lunatics, but we are encouraged to judge ALL gun owners by the actions of a few lunatics. Funny how that works

Thanks, Charlie.

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[SIGPIC] Diesel loving autocrossing grandpa Architect. 08 Dodge 3/4 ton with Cummins & six speed; I have had about 35 benzes. I have a 39 Studebaker Coupe Express pickup in which I have had installed a 617 turbo and a five speed manual.[SIGPIC]

..I also have a 427 Cobra replica with an aluminum chassis.

maybe dont turn the key all the way off (to lock) in the mean time, if you need to drive this one. use another key to lock the car.

I just paid about $120, so prices will vary. and the dollar is slipping.

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1984 123.193 372,xxx miles, room for Seven.

1999 Dodge Durango Cummins 4BTAA 47RE 5k lb 4x4 getting 25+mpgs, room for Seven.

Good idea!

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[SIGPIC] Diesel loving autocrossing grandpa Architect. 08 Dodge 3/4 ton with Cummins & six speed; I have had about 35 benzes. I have a 39 Studebaker Coupe Express pickup in which I have had installed a 617 turbo and a five speed manual.[SIGPIC]

..I also have a 427 Cobra replica with an aluminum chassis.

Checked my invoice and the part# 123-462-03-79-01 lock cylinder. this is for my 85 123.

I lied, it was $61.38 with tax.

Charlie

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there were three HP ratings on the OM616...

1) Not much power
2) Even less power
3) Not nearly enough power!! 240D w/auto

Anyone that thinks a 240D is slow drives too fast.

80 240D Naturally Exasperated, 4-Spd 388k DD 150mph spedo 3:58 Diff

We are advised to NOT judge ALL Muslims by the actions of a few lunatics, but we are encouraged to judge ALL gun owners by the actions of a few lunatics. Funny how that works

I think that a "cylinder won't turn" condition can also be caused by problems in the mechanism through which the steering column is locked/unlocked.

Did they actually check it? I have ordered 4 keys and have never once had them check the title.

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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

Just got new keys for 2 of mine and a tumbler for one. They actually took copies of both titles to keep on record along with a copy of my DL.
Keys were $16 ea, tumbler for the 115 240 was $102, but it's different than the "newer" 123 type. And ordered less (so they say)

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H.D.B.
OBK #45
-----------------------
'75 W115 240D, wife's dd, 197K
........'75 W115 300D, my dd, 245K
.. .. ..........'82 W126 300SD, the 'someday' project

I was also wondering a little about this as well. It does seem a little illogical to have to move the car to make the tumbler work. Although anything is possible. The effect of gravity on parts as light as those in the tumbler mechanisim would only give a minimal possible change with the car in another relative fairly simular position. You are not putting the car on to its side or roof for example.

Now if the old tumbler has been generally shakey over time it should be changed just on the basis of avoiding a lock up condition. Keep an open mind or try activation of the mechanisim with the tumbler removed. At least it is easier to deal with this area if it is not totally locked up. Who really knows with these somewhat unorthodox issues?

It might still just be the tumbler. I know there is one tumbler of mine that I have delayed changing out. If it should lock up I have only myself to blame. Causitive agents to mechanisim damage can include someone trying to force the assembley at some time or a crude attempt to steal the car. After twenty some years wear cannot be ignored either I suppose.

Your ace in the hole may be that you can borrow another tumbler out of one of your other cars to check it with before buying a new one. That is one advantage of having more than one simular car .

Well I made a Zerox copy of the registration and drivers license, and FAX`ed it to the parts department. I had to use Kinko`s to FAX.

Or I would have had to drive 38 miles to the dealer.

Charlie

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there were three HP ratings on the OM616...

1) Not much power
2) Even less power
3) Not nearly enough power!! 240D w/auto

Anyone that thinks a 240D is slow drives too fast.

80 240D Naturally Exasperated, 4-Spd 388k DD 150mph spedo 3:58 Diff

We are advised to NOT judge ALL Muslims by the actions of a few lunatics, but we are encouraged to judge ALL gun owners by the actions of a few lunatics. Funny how that works