Hey guys my '86 300sdl key ignition\tumbler turns fine but car won't crank. The tumbler feels loose. Key isn't stuck I took it out and the idiot lights stayed on! I feel like an idiot I don't know what the problem is any ideas?

maybe this?
Steering Colum Lock (Ignition Lock Housing) causes Ignition Switch Failure

I hope not! I really don't want to be pulling out the whole ignition system.

See if you can start it with the gear selector in neutral.

That is My Thread that was posted and I did not want to pull out the whole Ignition either.

Also I ordered the new Ignition Lock/Steering Colum Lock Housing before the I posted the thread and it is not going to arrive until Feb,5.

I oredered a real Mercedes one ($144+free shipping) because I wanted to have the real Mercedes Ignition Switch. It comes with the Ignition Switch and the Vacuum Switch as a unit.

I hope there is some ID on the part so I can tell who made it. The original is made by HUF as is the Lock tumbler.
FEBI sells the Housings as well as VALEO (a French Company don't know if that means they are made in France or not). Some sites claim the VALEO (Neiman/Valeo) is OEM.
SWAG makes them but I could not find a seller.

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84 300D, 82 Volvo 244Gl Diesel

Thanks guys I might mess with it tomorrow and report back. I appreciate the input.

Following this thread with great interest. Last week in the very cold temperatures I was having trouble with my ignition switch not wanting to go into the start position. (Thank you Diesel911, for your messages) Let us know how it goes in replacing those parts.

Now it's working perfectly again, and I am hoping to get to warmer weather before doing too much work.

Jon

Is the shifter sloppy and loose? Did you check the shift linkage bushings? Try and push the shift handle all the way forward and to the upper left. May have to try it a number of times. Not sure if a check on the neutral safety switch would have caught this or not as your nss is fine and the linkage is in limbo because the bushings are probably severely worn or my guess there are totally gone as in non existent. Had this happen very recently. Thought it was a dead battery as well with the no start, not even a click.

Problem that I had was exactly same issue that Diesel911 had. I ordered a new ignition lock housing and switch good to go now. Thanks guys

I think the Steering Colum Locks are reaching the end of their service lives. If Mine was the original it was 29 Years old when I replaced it.

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84 300D, 82 Volvo 244Gl Diesel

Yeah I believe mine was original, I doubt previous owners were dropping the steering column and replacing this part as preventive maint

I am glad this thread was bumped. I gad some of these symptoms last winter (see above), but as they went away I moved to other, more pressing issues. But four days ago, it did it again. It would not let me turn the key to the start position. After fiddling with it for about 2 minutes, it starting working again.

Is this a ignition switch/tumbler issue, a steering column lock issue, or both? I am tempted to replace both, as they are over 29 years old!

Any gouge on which part numbers to order? (Yes Diesel911, I still have your source....would you still recommend?)

Best,

Jon

'85 300D

Diagnose as follows:

(Remember, you're on borrowed time with this entire process).


Before stopping engine:

1) Turn wheel 90 degrees from normal straight ahead position.

2) Shutoff engine and remove key

3) Insert key and attempt to start.

If key easily turns and engine starts, the problem is the steering lock.

If problem remains, and key is difficult to turn, problem is cylinder.

If problem is steering lock, you can safely delay your repair indefinitely if you turn the wheel 90 degrees before shutting down and removing the key.

If problem is the cylinder, you would be well advised to get it repaired ASAP.

This is the part Number 1264620730 (this is what fit My 84 300D Federal) it comes as an assembly with a new Ignition Switch, Vacuum Shutoff Switch and of course the Steering Colum Lock.
I got Mine from an online genuine Mercedes Parts Dealer and it is made by
Neiman and made in France.
Neiman/Valeo are the same company and aftermarket part sellers sell them.
Be sure to read the Text of the Ad as Myele sells just the bare Steering Colum Lock with no new Ignition switch or Vacuum Switch on it.

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84 300D, 82 Volvo 244Gl Diesel

I replace both of mine in the 80 240 and 85 300D. they are pricy when buying the whole assy with the Ignition switch.

on this page you can see the Lock assy comes w/o the Ign switch
123 462 28 30 Neiman $49.25

The lock assy with the Ignition switch
126 462 07 30 MBZ $207.25

1980 Mercedes-Benz 300D Sedan - Steering System - Page 3

This page shows the two type of Ignition switches. one the early style with the exposed pins, and the later style with the pins in a cup.

116 462 00 93 Kostal (exposed pins) $72.00

205 542 01 04 Kostal (Pins in cup) $38.50

1980 Mercedes-Benz 300D Sedan - Ignition - Page 1


Ordering the Lock assy w/o the Ign Switch, then ordering which ever switch your yr uses, is cheaper than ordering the whole assy with the switch.

I ordered one w/o the switch and used my old Ign switch in our 80 and did the same for the 85.
The Lock assy is the same exact part. I have three or four old ones from various years, and can`t see a nickles worth of difference. they are all the Neiman/Valeo brand.

I would recommend to buy the Keys and Tumbler from the dealer using your Vin#.

Check it out.

Charlie

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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