My sound was similar. Rear shifter bushing was bad.

Tyger, what is that? Sorry for ignorance.

Guys couple of issues:

1) I again tried showing to mechanic( he didn't know how to work on these, he said) and when we tried to rotate right rear wheel, left(behind driver) rear wheel made some sound. But if you just rotate left rear wheel, then there is no sound.I don't know if this becomes that bell type sound, I hear when I drive at low speeds and go over uneven road.
The left rear wheel axel has some play going left-right-left. Right rear wheel has no play. The left rear wheel also had some rotation in stationary position but right rear wheel doesn't move.
Left rear wheel has can type axel and right rear wheel has bolt axel. The axel boots don't have cracks.
2) I think I definitely have vacuum issue as sometimes, my central lock/unlock works,sometimes it doesn't. And my trunk opens accordingly if the vacuum has unlocked the car.Is it major issue expense wise?
3) In my first two weeks of ownership, I had not very often issues with starting the car. But now since yesterday, I have to keep trying a lot until my key moved from initial motion and start the car. I have noticed that the initial my key doesn't line up groove(the first of three notches) on tumbler( the place where you insert the keys)when I insert the key.

Now, I would like to mention that I got two keys from the seller, one key which seems a bit worn out opens driver door and trunk but doesn't open other side door or start the car( this key has something written MBxxx) and is a bit worn out. Other key starts the car , thats it but doesn't have anything written on it. It seems okay and doesn't really show wear and tear. The plastic of both keys looks similar.
What keys are these? Is my tumbler not original?
PLEASE see that I had so much trouble today, that I left my ignition key in the car connected and locked with other key. I couldn't take the risk as I need the car to goto work tomorrow.
Do I need to replace tumbler or whole assembly, or is my key bad? how can I even tell that tumbler is original and get new keys from dealer?
Please forgive me for asking so many questions, I am trying to figure out all the problems and see what all I can buy and give to mechanic and save some money.

Is it cheap to buy stuff here, auto...hz.,merce.....,o reilly from your experience.

Please see right now, I would have no clue to see what part is called.
Thank you,

Dracs

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1983 300D turbo diesel

Watch this: Automatic Shift Lever Bushing Troubleshooting and Repair on Older Mercedes by Kent Bergsma - YouTube

No, not expensive. Vacuum problems with the door locks will happen on these old cars. You need to buy a MityVac or similar vacuum pump to troubleshoot the problem. Search "vacuum troubleshooting" to find threads on it.

The ignition tumblers on these cars are prone to wear out. If what you are saying, is that it is very difficult to get your key to turn (to unlock the steering) then you should replace the tumbler as soon as possible. It is an easy job IF THE KEY TURNS. If you reach the point where the key won't turn, it is a MUCH more difficult job then. I don't think that leaving the key in the tumbler all the time will help you... if it is hard to get the key to turn now, eventually (probably soon) it will not turn anymore.

If you have different keys for the doors and ignition, the tumbler has probably already been replaced with an aftermarket one with a new key (much cheaper than getting one from the dealer to match the original key). You will not be able to get a key from the dealer.

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Mac
2002 e320 4matic estate│1985 300d│1980 300td
Previous: 1979 & 1982 & 1983 300sd │ 1982 240d

“Let's take a drive into the middle of nowhere with a packet of Marlboro lights and talk about our lives.” ― Joseph Heller, Catch-22

Hi Zac,

Thank you for your reply. I will definitely look at video( I have been watching his videos whatever are relevant to me these days already) , mityvac, but I have never worked/owned car so don't know if I would be able to trouble shoot the vacuum.

Also Zac, right now, my key turns very easily and I am able to start / turn off the car as long as I don't take it out of tumbler. I have just left it in the car in the tumbler. As soon as I take out the key from tumbler and try to put back in and then try to turn the key. IT IS very difficult and need a lot of tries.

So, I believe, I will need a new tumbler right or is it the key that can be a problem?

Thanks again,

Dracs

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1983 300D turbo diesel

Next time you are having difficulty turning the key, try gently turning the steering wheel just a little bit left and right while you're turning the key and see if the switch turns more easily.

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~Michael S.~
Past cars:

1986 300SDL
1987 300SDL
1982 240D
1982 300SD


Current:

1987 300SDL

Hi Bustedbenz,

thanks for the reply. I did that so many times but no luck so ultimately once I got the key to work, I just left the key in the ignition. So when I turn off the car , I just leave key and lock car with outside key.

Also, I was wondering, should I get a replacement key from Mercedes dealer since I have only key that opens the driver door and trunk?

What would that key be called(Master key?)?

PS: I have two keys, one for ignition only, other driver side door only and trunk only.
Anything to make sure if it is tumbler or aftermarket key which has issue or I should just play safe and order tumbler? Anything particular to keep in mind while ordering tumbler or as long as it will say for 1983 300D, I am good.

Thanks,

With Regards,
Uday Verma.

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1983 300D turbo diesel

I want to sincerely thanks all the folks here who replied to my post. i sold my car back to the original owner of the car who wanted it last week.

Thanks,

dracs

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1983 300D turbo diesel