I drove to a church gig this morning, and then dropped her off when I got back at my neighbor's so he could wash it. (He offered.)

Went to pick it up and the key wouldn't turn over at all. Could I need a new key, or a new ignition? I'd remove the piece if it could turn over. Yikes! Any suggestions?
-Cody

Sorry, but that is a real predicament. Try as best you can to get the key to the number two position. Don't use great pressure or you will break the key off. The problem is the switch, not the key. Key off is position one. Next detent is position two. If you can persuade it to move to position two, then follow this thread to get the switch out and replaced. Tap the lock gently, or use an electric razor to vibrate it - it might suddenly move one more time!

http://www.dieselgiant.com/repairignitionlock.htm

__________________
Junqueyardjim
Christianity, if false, is of no importance, and if true, of infinite importance. The only thing it cannot be is moderately important. C.S. Lewis



1983 Mercedes W123 240D 4 Speed 285,000 on the road with a 617 turbo, beautiful butter yellow, license plate # 83 240D INDIANA

2003 Jaguar Type X, AWD. beautiful, good mileage,
Mom's car, but I won't let her drive it!

You can also buy a new lock and key from Diesel Giant but it will not match the door locks and so you would have a two key system. Or if your car has the original key and switch, you can order a new factory key and switch from the dealer. It is much more expensive, takes longer to get, and you need to show the deal proof of ownership.

__________________
Junqueyardjim
Christianity, if false, is of no importance, and if true, of infinite importance. The only thing it cannot be is moderately important. C.S. Lewis



1983 Mercedes W123 240D 4 Speed 285,000 on the road with a 617 turbo, beautiful butter yellow, license plate # 83 240D INDIANA

2003 Jaguar Type X, AWD. beautiful, good mileage,
Mom's car, but I won't let her drive it!

I bet it gave you some warning before it finally locked up. There are two main reasons this happens the most common is the ignition cylinder and the second is the ignition switch. Either can result in what you have now. To avoid the drill like stated above you need to get into position #2

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BENZ THERE DONE THAThttp://www.peachparts.com/shopforum/...c/progress.gif
15 VW Passat TDI
00 E420
98 E300 DT
97 E420 Donor Car - NEED PARTS? PM ME!
97 S500
97 E300D
86 Holden Jackaroo Turbo D
86 300SDL
(o\|/o)

A small electric sander with just the rubber pad on it will make an excellent vibrating tool. Hi speed but gentle vibs will work the best on this problem. It doesn't require great effort, that will usually mess it up more. Lots of vibration but go easy on the effort! Try to turn the key, (rattle it back and forth) while the vibration effort continues. Don't push it hard!

__________________
Junqueyardjim
Christianity, if false, is of no importance, and if true, of infinite importance. The only thing it cannot be is moderately important. C.S. Lewis



1983 Mercedes W123 240D 4 Speed 285,000 on the road with a 617 turbo, beautiful butter yellow, license plate # 83 240D INDIANA

2003 Jaguar Type X, AWD. beautiful, good mileage,
Mom's car, but I won't let her drive it!

Also you can try flushing out the tumbler with lots of WD-40, finally spraying some brake cleaner in there. If enough accumulated crap is removed from the tumbler, the key might turn.

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1977 300d 70k--sold 08
1985 300TD 185k+
1984 307d 126k--sold 8/03
1985 409d 65k--sold 06
1984 300SD 315k--daughter's car
1979 300SD 122k--sold 2/11
1999 Fuso FG Expedition Camper
1993 GMC Sierra 6.5 TD 4x4
1982 Bluebird Wanderlodge CAT 3208--Sold 2/13

I am a Mercedes tech this happens all the time. The easiest way is to put your key into the chuck of a hammer drill or a drill with a adjustable clutch. Turn the clutch to a mid to high setting. I put my makita on setting 12. Put the key in the ignition and pull the trigger. the vibrations of the clutch in the drill slipping with knock the tumbler loose. You will have to ever so slightly move they key in and out of the lock cylinder and turn the steering wheel back and forth.

Works every time. Once the key is turned DO NOT TURN IT BACK!! Have a new lock cylinder ready. BTW the drill will prob destroy the end of your key that is in the clutch. luckily the lock cylinder comes with a new key!

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1987 300D 180k
1985 300SD 330k Helga
1992 300D Lola 269k- Sold
1986 325 coupe Bessie >300k Original engine(ODO Broke) sold
2006 2500HD Druamax Linda- Tows boat and looks pretty in garage thats about it

When I bought my '84 gas burner, it had a broken lock assembly. I found a good lock at the junk yard, and installed the tumbler from my OEM lock on the replacement. The broken pieces were pot metal and thin. While I was at it, I replaced the ignition switch itself with MB replacement. No more problems.

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My first Mercedes Benz. 4/6/07.

1984 190E (201 024) 2.3L four.

This is not an OSHA approved method but it got me out of a tight spot with my 240 Euro.

Using a small Craftsman Jig Saw I let the recipricating head hit the top of the key while I twisted the saw to try and turn the stuck key back and fourth. (there was no wiggle in the key - it was completely stuck)
Keep your fingers out of the way. The top of the key was quickly mangled but the hard vibration was just what I needed. It worked for me in less than a minute.

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1993 300D
1981 240D Euro
1984 300SD