What year is the 300SD?

For at least some year models, you can actuate the relay timer by jumpering battery voltage to terminal 15 and jumpering terminal 31 to ground. (Both terminals under the smaller connector.) Alternatively, you could open the relay box and manually close the relay. Just be careful not to short it out; the relay is hot at all times; disconnecting the battery initially would be smart.

I test started a 240D on a pallet once by just sticking a wire in every hole in the glowplug plug
(So there all connected together) and ran a jumper cable from one of the glowplug to the battery.
Held it there for 5 count and then I jumped the starter. Fired right up

Nathan.

P.S. make sure you don't leave the glow plugs hooked up! They will burn out or start a fire.
Had both happen in a Dodge D50 once... The fire was the glowplug controller though. Bad transistor.
The plugs burnt out because I left the toggle switch (That I installed after the controller burned) on once

Don't worry Tango always puts up a 'tude! When you're OB1.... us common folk should all listen!

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1983 123.133 California
- GreaseCar Veg System

Is there any way to tell if your ignition tumbler is aftermarket? I noticed on mine that the key positions are numbered (| 1 2) and on every other MB I've owned, they just have a (|) for all three positions, so it looks like this: (| | |)...does this mean that my tumbler is aftermarket? Or did MB use the numbers on earlier cars? (mine is a 77' W123)

Edit: Here is a picture of a tumbler from an 85' W123 (courtesy of dieselgiant) and as you can see, it has three indentations...whereas mine has numbers...

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Current cars:
2000 ML55 AMG, 174k miles
2003 C240 T-Modell, 202k miles
1995 S320, 207k Miles

Does your key have a star on it?

The key is long lost...that is why I asked...lol.

I ordered a new matched key from the dealer, but I have no idea if it will actually work in the ignition, since it may have been changed...

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Current cars:
2000 ML55 AMG, 174k miles
2003 C240 T-Modell, 202k miles
1995 S320, 207k Miles

Normally, the black trim ring is part of the car and is not included with a replacment tumbler. Which still doesn't answer your question.

Yea, I noticed that when I look at pictures of new parts online...that black ring isn't included with the tumbler...so that must mean that mine is the original part?

I guess I need someone with an early W123 to verify for me!

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Current cars:
2000 ML55 AMG, 174k miles
2003 C240 T-Modell, 202k miles
1995 S320, 207k Miles

The black ring should be reusable.

I just ordered a new ignition tumbler for my 123 240/300d. The dealer at first said his computer did not recognize my vin. When I told him it was my number he called mbna and was able to order my new one.

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.

Pull the cover on the glow plug relay and put power to the strip fuse that is in there. Count to ten then jump the starter at the block on the passenger side behind the alternator. You must also remove the vacuum line from the shut down at the rear of the injection pump.
Good luck

Every one I've seen will lock the wheel in whatever position it was turned to when the key was removed.

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~Michael S.~
Past cars:

1986 300SDL
1987 300SDL
1982 240D
1982 300SD


Current:

1987 300SDL

Well, since you guys can't answer my previous question...I'll simplify it.

How do I remove an aftermarket ignition tumbler, with a lost key? I am fearing that this may be the worst-case scenario.

And as for starting the engine without the key...where on the starter do you supply the 12V to? It looks like there is just one terminal on the back of the starter solenoid...with two thick wires on top of each other...

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Current cars:
2000 ML55 AMG, 174k miles
2003 C240 T-Modell, 202k miles
1995 S320, 207k Miles

The early W123 (79 and older) have a different locking assembly, lock ring and use a different tumbler. I would not be surprised if they use a different numbering system as well.

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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

I actually had an 81 that also had the older type of lock. It used a key which could be replicated at any locksmith, while my 83 had the fancy kind that required dupes to be made at the dealership.

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