Stranded...
 

Well, after a few years and 20k + miles, my little 240d finally stranded me. I had assumed it was the starter solenoid going bad, so I was prepared for that with a little handy remote trigger starter ready to go. Nope, wasn't that. Turns out the metal connection from the ignition cylinder lock to the actual ignition was failing. It failed. (first pic) I tried to fix it in the parking lot but couldn't get it out from behind dash. Had a friend tow me home.

So, I priced out the replacement part (ouch!) and figured that I really didn't need a key anymore. I simply removed all the internals (steering lock, cylinder, cam, etc) and it starts like a charm with a screwdriver.

Put it all back up under the dash and ran the kill switch out (2nd pic). So now, all I need to start it is a handy screw driver and then just push the little button to turn off. Might be some kinda crime against MB humanity or something, I'm sure.

lock cylinders are cheap, why not properly repair this?

I looked on fastlane, and the lock cylinder there doesn't have the piece that's broken on mine. I must not be looking at the right part.

Call Phil Directly at FastLane and tell him exactly what part you need to get it put back right. He has access to a lot of parts not showing on fastlane, and he can possibly do better on the price than you thought.

Good advice!!
You have an excellent resorce in Phil & he doesnt mind you useing him for getting the right part.

Why can people never just fix things correctly. Sigh. The ignition tumbler is not expensive at all. You can even get the matched one to the car from an MB dealer with two brand new keys for about $90

I don't think he needs the tumbler. He needs the part the tumbler fits into.

What year is your 240D? I recently ran through this with my '79, and found that for my year (and probably years earlier) you can't get some of the parts in the ignition lock assembly. I ended up switching over to the later lock assembly, but it meant I had to replace both the tumbler and the steering lock together so that they would match. I don't think that I had to change the electrical piece, but I went ahead and did anyway. The price for all three pieces ended up being $200, purchased locally.

Kurt

Well, I had to go to work (which is where I am now). So I had two choices: figure out a way to fix it so I could drive to work or not and get fired...

So, it's out in the parking lot right now if you'd like to go fix it correctly for me. Otherwise <sigh> it'll have to wait.

83. Yes, I looked up a few of the assembly's on eBay. All around $200 or so as well. That's a bit much for me to throw at it at this point. I'll probably try to figure out a way to make a new metal fork to mesh into the ignition.

I've got old and new style assemblies pulled from cars... lemme know if you need one.

Cool! How much would you want for one?

not sure which one I need...