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.

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lock cylinders are cheap, why not properly repair this?

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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.

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1983 300D, the "Avocado"
1976 240D, 4-spd the "Pumpkin", SOLD to Pierre
1984 190D, 2.2L, 5-spd, my intro to MBZ diesels, crashed into in 2002

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

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Grumpy Old Diesel Owners Club group

I no longer question authority, I annoy authority. More effect, less effort....

1967 230-6 auto parts car. rust bucket.
1980 300D now parts car 800k miles
1984 300D 500k miles
1987 250td 160k miles English import
2001 jeep turbo diesel 130k miles
1998 jeep tdi ~ followed me home. Needs a turbo.
1968 Ford F750 truck. 6-354 diesel conversion.
Other toys ~J.D.,Cat & GM ~ mainly earth moving

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

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

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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

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

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- '79 240D - engine swap complete! Engine broken in! 28-31 mpg! Lovin' the ride!
- '86 190D (W201-126) - 2.5 NA engine, 5 speed, cloth interior, manual climate controls, 33-34 mpg (sold to forum member).

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 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.

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John HAUL AWAY, OR CRUSHED CARS!!! HELP ME keep the cars out of the crusher! A/C Thread
"as I ride with my a/c on... I have fond memories of sweaty oily saturdays and spewing R12 into the air. THANKS for all you do!

My drivers:
1987 190D 2.5Turbo
1987 190D 2.5Turbo
1987 190D 2.5-5SPEED!!!

1987 300TD
1987 300TD
1994GMC 2500 6.5Turbo truck... I had to put the ladder somewhere!

Cool! How much would you want for one?

not sure which one I need...