Yes , the newer cars still use vacuum for the locking system, except for the MLs. The older cars used vacuum to lock and unlock, applying and releasing vacuum to either side of a diaphragm. The newer cars, 124 and 126, and up use an electrically acuated vacuum/pressure pump, vacuum locks and pressure unlocks. This also works the closing assist on the doors and trunk lid on the 92 and newer S class. I don't know why they stuck with this system but I like the way it works.

I don't think a chimpanzee could lock his keys in a mercedes, but I see that we humans (myself included) have found several clever ways to do this!!!!

Vaccum system sucks. Mine wasn't exactly quiet, my Vacuum pump died a loud screaming fatal death. I'd rather have a 88 Honda Accord door locks...Little 35 dollar electric motor takes 25 minutes to change if something ever goes wrong. I think Mercedes used Vaccum locks to keep some legacy parts supported before they invested into a transition product that had been keenly tested and be supported by various other models.

I can replace the $26 vacuum elements in 10 minutes per door.

In case of emergency, one can also lock the door to shut off the engine. How's that for engineering?

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And how can you do that????

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-Justin

91 560 SEC AMG - other dogs dd
01 Honda S2000 - dogs dd
07 MB ML320 CDI - dd
16 Lexus IS250 - wifes dd

it's automatic.

They just like vacuum locks. It creates a nice, fluid, rich feel. After all, it isn't rocket science. Not exactly cold war secret spy technology they would have to steal from the Russians. They knew how to put in electric locks if they wanted to. I think that they just like the action of vacuum (vacuum/hydraulic) locks.

I like vacuum locks, well I did until I had to replace the vacuum/pressure pump in my '91 4matic, with orthopedic seats, ... about $400 in '96 YEOWCH!

The ones in my '85 quattro still work flawlessly, original pump, the ones in my '87 190D work great, also on a pump. Once the electric pump was installed for these vacuum locks they became much more reliable, and I do like the quiet operation EXCEPT with RKE: When you push the button on the remote, it is reassuring to hear the low-tech clunk of the electric solenoids on our domestic cars, or the nice whirring sound on our Land Rover to indicate that it locked properly.

To lock your keys in the car: Close the driver's door, open the LR door to remove items from the rear seat area, temporarily put the keys down while gathering things from the rear seat, reach around to the driver's door button and push it down, close rear door, notice keys on the rear seat.

Haven't done it, came close a couple of times, usually how I lock the door when getting things from the rear but I pocket the keys first now.

- Jeff Miller
190DT

I was about to say that I've never come close to locking them in, as I always put them in my pocket right when I get out of the car, I practically always open the rear door to lock the car, its just easier.... Plus I usually am taking or putting my backpack for school right there.

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-diesel is not just a fuel, its a way of life-
'15 GLK250 Bluetec 118k - mine - (OC-123,800)
'17 Metris(VITO!) - 37k - wifes (OC-41k)
'09 Sprinter 3500 Winnebago View - 62k (OC - 67k)
'13 ML350 Bluetec - 95k - dad's (OC-98k)
'01 SL500 - 103k(km) - dad's (OC-110,000km)
'16 E400 4matic Sedan - 148k - Brothers (OC-155k)

i did it in my 240D... at the time it was my grandmother's car and i was about 5 years old

When you ask yourself which one has flexing rubber diaphragms, you might change your opinion.

Vacuum imuch more reliable than electric and easier to troubleshoot. Remember that most of our cars are 20 plus year old and the vacuum systems still work. You wont find many electrical locks etc that old still working on the original system.

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1981 300D 147k
1998 VW Jetta Tdi 320k
2001 Dodge Ram 2500 141k
1979 300D 234k (sold)
1984 300D "Astor" 262k(sold)
Mercedes How-To and Repair Pictorials
I love the smell of diesel smoke in my hair

Because they can.