My 1990 300d is getting progressively harder to start. the engine runs great and does start easly it is the turning of the key in the ignition lock cylindar that has been giving me trouble. I mistakenly put a non MB key in the ignition and had to litterally yank it out to get it out. since then the key cylindar has been hard to turn. I have moved the steering wheel side to side thinking it was locked but to no help. every thing still works its just anoying to have to turn the key that hard. it acutally stuck in the crank position on me today and I had to turn the key back to the run position to disengage the starter. what I guess im asking is has any one had this happen before and can the lock cylinder be rebiult or repared or will it have to be replaced. I have rebiult lock cylindars before but that was on GM product. Im new to MB but I absolutly love this car its a blast to drive and i get atleast 30MPG

Replace the cylinder before it freezes completely. Lots of threads on the forum, use the search function. You don't want to know what it takes to do the repair of a stuck key or frozen cylinder. Your dealer can get you a new cylinder and key, matched to what originally came from the factory. You will need your VIN and proof of ownership. Do it NOW!

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"Buster" in the '95

Our all-Diesel family
1996 E300D (W210) . .338,000 miles Wife's car
2005 E320 CDI . . 113,000 miles My car
Santa Rosa population 176,762 (2022)
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"Oh lord won't you buy me a Mercedes Benz."
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#2 DO IT NOW,or you will wish you did.Having made the mistake of waiting too long i learned my lesson,if i were in your position the next time i got the key to the #1 position i would not move it again as that is the only position where the lock cylinder can be removed without cutting/drilling/grinding/cursing.You can use the stop lever to stop the engine and disconnect the battery when the car is parked. Don

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Red Green "This is only temporary,Unless it works!"

97 E300D 157000 miles
87 300TD ?141k? miles

Thanks guys I will get it done ASAP!

I just wanted to add that the loc cylinder replacement went well thanks to a post by crazy_nate. I bought the clyinder from my local dealer and it was only $64 with tax! Some times its good to work in the car industry. I also wanted to thank every one for pressing the ergency of this repair my tumbler litteraly came out in pieces I cant believe it was still turning for me every day to and from work.