New style ignition tumbler in old-style 240D? - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

gastropodus · #1 09-22-2011, 06:17 PM

My '79 240D has started to act up in the ignition key department... a couple of times in the past month I've put the key into the ignition and been unable to turn it. Realizing that this could lead to the serious condition of having to grind out the steering lock pin, I seized the bull by the horns and was able to remove the old ignition tumbler. I would like to replace both the steering lock mechanism, and the ignition tumbler.

However, it is hard to get an exact replacement early-style tumbler. I went down to the dealer with title in hand, and they took my money to order the tumbler coded to my VIN. However, they called me back later that morning with the bad news that it was no longer possible to order a coded ignition tumbler for a car as old as mine. I could order what they called a 'workshop' tumbler, which comes with an arbitrary key; however, it is almost twice as expensive as the former coded tumblers ($160 vs $90).

Even Peachparts can't get the early tumbler. They can sell me the newer tumbler, which has the hole in the face and the screw-on black cover.

So, my question: will the newer style tumbler work in my car if I buy the cover to go with it? Any worries about matching up with the steering lock? Are these after-market ignition cylinders as good as the Mercedes? Do they use steel keys like a Mercedes?

Thanks,

Kurt

IVIuzzy · #2 09-22-2011, 06:40 PM

kurt,
for starters, id try a different dealer. ive gotten keys for my 73, 76 and 77 recently from them.
to answer your second question, when i bought my 77 240d, the door locks were different from the ignition. when i tried to figure it out, my 77 has a newer ignition tumbler. i did NOT do the install, however when i looked at it it looks pretty clean, i am now using a genuine mercedes blank key. the one when i bought the car was one of the plain steel keys but it had no rubber cap.

i dont see any reason why it wouldnt be easy to swap it, or else itd be easier to find the older style tumblers.

keep us posted, let me know how you make out

Yak · #3 09-22-2011, 07:24 PM

I'd also check EPC startek. There may be "replaced by" codes for the part that will show if a newer or different p/n may work. Or contact the M-B classics center.

A significantly higher price for a 'generic' tumbler doesn't sound right.

gastropodus · #4 10-02-2011, 12:49 AM

OK, it turns out that it is possible to use a late model tumbler (lock cylinder) in an early model ('79) car... but only if you change out the steering lock assembly, too. The new style tumbler does NOT fit into the old-style steering lock, but you can get a functional replacement for the steering lock assembly through the usual sources (including Fastlane). It seems to be pretty much impossible to get the early-style parts, except through the dealer (and even then the cylinder is the 'workshop' style that requires re-keying by a third party).

So, if your W123 ignition lock assembly starts acting up, just remove it and use the new-style parts through-out.

One little weirdness I discovered: you have to have the key in position 1 and the paper clip jammed in the hole to allow the locking ring to thread onto the steering lock barrel. However, the width of the plastic key fob prevents you from getting the key deep enough into the tumbler to turn! My solution was to go to the local locksmith: he cut me a key with an all metal head, and then he was kind enough to grind the shoulders off the key head so that it would fit into the locking ring opening.

Kurt