Howdy. I have owned my 300TD for a few years and it has always had a finicky ignition switch in the dash. The switch is fine, but the tumbler does not always turn unless you jiggle the key. On a recent visit to the dealer ( oy vey), I was given a quote of about $450 to replace this part.

It appears that the lock cylinder is available as an individual part incl new keys. I have a couple questions:
1) is the cylinder difficult to replace?
2) do I take the new cylinder to a locksmith first to get it keyed to my existing key- so I don't have the re-key the door locks?

Appreciate the help!

Buy the tumblers for the ignition from the dealership. They can hook you up with the original keying tumblers.

This link will give you an overview of the system and most of the details.
http://dieselgiant.com/repairignitionlock.htm

Some good info on the steering lock assy, tumbler and ignition switch. there is two links to 2 other threads.

Removing 240D Steering Lock Assembly

Charlie

__________________
there were three HP ratings on the OM616...

1) Not much power
2) Even less power
3) Not nearly enough power!! 240D w/auto

Anyone that thinks a 240D is slow drives too fast.

80 240D Naturally Exasperated, 4-Spd 388k DD 150mph spedo 3:58 Diff

We are advised to NOT judge ALL Muslims by the actions of a few lunatics, but we are encouraged to judge ALL gun owners by the actions of a few lunatics. Funny how that works

Get a new tumbler wtih key from the dealer. You will need proof of ownership when you order it. Shouldn't take them more than a day or so to get it. Be glad yours does not have the EIS key system.

__________________
Jim

Once you get the hang of the paperclip in the small hole trick, all you need is to unscrew the black ring pull out the tumbler and insert the new one. Cheers Dan

__________________
It's always something simple
91 300D 603.960 (from japan) 194K
92 Toyota Diesel Landcruiser HDJ81-t 116K
02 Golf TDI new head courtesy of PO
87 300D
97 BMW 525 TDS Wagon 5spd
bunch of Onan and other diesel generators

Thank you for the replies. I located a video Mercedes 300D Ignition Tumbler Removal - YouTube which seems to state that the ign cylinder can be removed without removing the whole switch. I have not tried this yet, can be done as (seemingly) easy as it looks in this vid? Dan- this sounds like what you were describing. Appreciated!

A genuine locksmith will fit new leaves to your old tumbler so that you can use the original keys.

__________________
Beagle

I notice in the you tube video, the broken key is an after market brass key.
The Dealer key is a steel key.

Charlie

__________________
there were three HP ratings on the OM616...

1) Not much power
2) Even less power
3) Not nearly enough power!! 240D w/auto

Anyone that thinks a 240D is slow drives too fast.

80 240D Naturally Exasperated, 4-Spd 388k DD 150mph spedo 3:58 Diff

We are advised to NOT judge ALL Muslims by the actions of a few lunatics, but we are encouraged to judge ALL gun owners by the actions of a few lunatics. Funny how that works

Lots of threads on here concerning the removal of the tumbler. I have found that a small straight jeweler's screwdriver is a better tool than a paperclip for holding down the dog.

__________________
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

Yes it can be done without removing anything. Insert the pin and screw off the black cap - takes just a few minutes.

__________________
Beagle

Had same problem with my 83' 300TD. Key would hang up in switch and I would have to gently jiggle the key for several minutes to get it out. Then I saw my grandson lubing his motorcycle cables and decided to try it on the ignition tumblers when my key would no longer come out of switch. Product I used is Dri-Slide Lubricant. It is a Molydenum Disulfide and Liquid Graphite mix, comes in a 4oz. squeeze bottle with a 4" long needle. I slipped it into the switch along the key and gave a little squeeze on either side, let it sit for about a minute. Key and switch performed like new first try. That was at 191,300 miles, now at 241,030 miles and still going strong. Linda

__________________
LindaShu

According to my idea Not all locksmiths are able to reproduce car keys due to the technology involved in replacing Smart Keys. Only licensed locksmiths have necessary codes.
So only licensed locksmiths are better to replace a new key,.
duplicate keys