So I lost the key to my 1985 300td and have not been able to locate my spare since moving.

I have a parts 1984 300td with a good tumbler, and I'm considering swapping the two. I've heard that if you have the key, tumbler removal isn't bad, but without the kley, it can be a lot of work.

It's a shame to have to change over to a new key, because my door locks still all work.

I was wondering what the procedure is for removing a tumbler WITHOUT the key. I'm assuming that drilling is involved, so information regarding the size of the drillbit would be greatly appreciate.

On a related note, by any chance is it possible to order keys by VIN from Mercedes for a vehicle this old? If so, does anyone know who specifically I should contact?

Thanks in advance for any replies,

Bryan

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1984 240D Euro 5 Speed 201,000 miles
1984 300D Euro 4 Speed (runs great but ugly)
1984 300TD 185,000 miles
1985 300TD, 240,000 miles
1972 220D, 240,000 miles w/ a stuck odometer
1984 300D, 214,000 miles
1984 300TD, 255,000 miles rustbucket parts car

Well the easy way is to go to the dealer and order a key. You need the title and registration, possibly just the title - for sure you need the serial number of the car - and then hope that the ignition in your car is still the original. That info plus about 1 - 3 days and $35.00 will get you the correct key.

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Junqueyardjim
Christianity, if false, is of no importance, and if true, of infinite importance. The only thing it cannot be is moderately important. C.S. Lewis



1983 Mercedes W123 240D 4 Speed 285,000 on the road with a 617 turbo, beautiful butter yellow, license plate # 83 240D INDIANA

2003 Jaguar Type X, AWD. beautiful, good mileage,
Mom's car, but I won't let her drive it!

Yes, the dealer or classic center can get you a key.

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1982 300CD Petrol/Black Leather

Also, at this point, you don't even want to consider removing that ignition without the key - it is hardened steel!

__________________
Junqueyardjim
Christianity, if false, is of no importance, and if true, of infinite importance. The only thing it cannot be is moderately important. C.S. Lewis



1983 Mercedes W123 240D 4 Speed 285,000 on the road with a 617 turbo, beautiful butter yellow, license plate # 83 240D INDIANA

2003 Jaguar Type X, AWD. beautiful, good mileage,
Mom's car, but I won't let her drive it!

Ya, I figured it'd cost me some drill bits.

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1984 240D Euro 5 Speed 201,000 miles
1984 300D Euro 4 Speed (runs great but ugly)
1984 300TD 185,000 miles
1985 300TD, 240,000 miles
1972 220D, 240,000 miles w/ a stuck odometer
1984 300D, 214,000 miles
1984 300TD, 255,000 miles rustbucket parts car

Just go to the dealer and get a new key. VIN,proof of registration and the kind of goodie stuff. $15 iirc.

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Current fleet
2006 E320 CDI
1992 300D - 5speed manual swapped

former members
1984 300D "Blues Mobile"

1978 300CD "El Toro"

Well, new key it is.

Do any of you occasionally oil your tumbler as preventative maintenance from lockup/seizing? Just curious.

Thanks for the replies,

Bryan

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1984 240D Euro 5 Speed 201,000 miles
1984 300D Euro 4 Speed (runs great but ugly)
1984 300TD 185,000 miles
1985 300TD, 240,000 miles
1972 220D, 240,000 miles w/ a stuck odometer
1984 300D, 214,000 miles
1984 300TD, 255,000 miles rustbucket parts car

Drill bits won't touch that lock. I pruchased a wreck a number of years ago that had no keys. I used a die grinder to remove the collar. These cars weren't meant to be stolen.

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'83 300D, 126K miles.

I tried that. Didn't work. (The key that they furnished wasn't even close.) Plenty of similar reports on this forum and others, especially for early '80's time frame.

no.
oil attracts dirt, and dirt is abrasive, and will drastically shorten your tumbler's life...

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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 560SL convertible
1987 190D 2.5-5SPEED!!!

1987 300TD
2005 Dodge Sprinter 2500 158"WB
1994GMC 2500 6.5Turbo truck... I had to put the ladder somewhere!

Yes MB is very picky about cutting keys. Make sure you have all kinds of documents. Also make sure you ask for the Master key (rectangular), you don't want a Valet key (round).

And just hope the lockset is original to the car. (or rekeyed by Mercedes) which btw you can get tumblers from your MB dealer also.

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Closing the store
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that;s because someone changed locks on the car, but it's always the first and best option.

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Closing the store
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And thats why tumblers are made from brass. Brass has this unique aility to not wear as much on metal to metal contact,,,

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Closing the store
Benzbonz.biz on your smart phone or tablet.

so... are you agreeing or disagreeing with me?

__________________
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 560SL convertible
1987 190D 2.5-5SPEED!!!

1987 300TD
2005 Dodge Sprinter 2500 158"WB
1994GMC 2500 6.5Turbo truck... I had to put the ladder somewhere!

Agreeing, that's why lubrication is not necessary,,,

__________________
Closing the store
Benzbonz.biz on your smart phone or tablet.