I'm in the process of trying to get a second set of keys for my 280E and having a very difficult time. My ignition was replaced at some point in the last 5 years and the PO had a ignition from a later W123 installed which my dealer said has a tumbler that is different from the early style that should have been in that car. I would love to have only one key for the 280E but I don't really feel like spending upwards of $300 to get the whole early setup. Does anyone have a source for the correct key blanks which I can take to a local locksmith to cut?

Mercedes Benz W123 200 220 230 250 280 Main Key Blank New Original | eBay

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Chad
2006 Nissan Pathfinder LE
1998 Acura 3.0 CL
OBK#44
"Pleasure in the job puts perfection in the work." - Aristotle (384-322 B.C.)

SOLD
1985 300TD - Red Dragon
1986 300SDL - Coda
1991 - 300TE
1995 - E320
1985 300CD - Gladys

Yikes thats over $30 with shipping costs. May end up being my only option at this rate though.

I've read that Toyota keys available at Home Depot are similar, but then you're stuck with a brass key blank and plenty will say to keep away from brass due to its softness which could ruin the tumbler with particles.

__________________
Chad
2006 Nissan Pathfinder LE
1998 Acura 3.0 CL
OBK#44
"Pleasure in the job puts perfection in the work." - Aristotle (384-322 B.C.)

SOLD
1985 300TD - Red Dragon
1986 300SDL - Coda
1991 - 300TE
1995 - E320
1985 300CD - Gladys

Are all W123 keys the same? The reason I ask is I have a spare brass key for my 240D which has the number MB41 on it which I have found online for much cheaper. The key looks just like the one for the 280E and I don't mind having a spare brass key. I really just want a spare so if I lose the one key I have I don't have to cut up the steering lock

Get the correct ignition "module" from a gasser in the junkyard --- $??
and then purchase the correct ignition tumbler from Mercedes --- $100ish for our diesels; would expect gassers to be the same.

The key though (pun intended) is to find a gasser in the junkyard with a key in it. I see keys in the ignition from time to time. The key in the ignition will allow you to remove the incorrectly keyed tumbler and replace with a new tumbler keyed correctly from Mercedes.

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daw_two
Germantown, TN

Links:
Sold last car --- 05/2012 1984 300D Light Ivory, Red interior
Cluster Needles Paint
New Old Stock (NOS) parts

Past:
3/2008 1986 300SDL "Coda"
04/2010 1965 190D(c) "Ben"
& many more

All the ones I have and have seen look the same.

__________________
Chad
2006 Nissan Pathfinder LE
1998 Acura 3.0 CL
OBK#44
"Pleasure in the job puts perfection in the work." - Aristotle (384-322 B.C.)

SOLD
1985 300TD - Red Dragon
1986 300SDL - Coda
1991 - 300TE
1995 - E320
1985 300CD - Gladys

Do a search on EBay for "w123 key and tumbler" and marvel at your choices.

__________________
Chad
2006 Nissan Pathfinder LE
1998 Acura 3.0 CL
OBK#44
"Pleasure in the job puts perfection in the work." - Aristotle (384-322 B.C.)

SOLD
1985 300TD - Red Dragon
1986 300SDL - Coda
1991 - 300TE
1995 - E320
1985 300CD - Gladys

Mercedes R107 W123 W126 Ignition Lock Tumbler Cylinder w Key Brand New Warr | eBay

This is cheaper than a simple blank. Just need to find out how many keys it comes with.

I also have found brass blanks for $5.35 each. May end up going that route.

I really wish the EPC worked on a MAC... Now I have to go dig my old desktop out of storage in the basement to look at part numbers since I still don't know which style ignition the car should have.

MB39 is what works in my 81

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1981 NA 300D 310k miles

this is a pretty redneck engineering thing but this is what i did to my first 300SD beater on the driver's side door lock after it failed: disassembled the tumbler and took out all the brass key leaves then put the tumbler back in. any key or key-like object could unlock/lock the door

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1983 300SD (daily driver)
1991 420SEL (work in progress)
1979 300SD (future replacement for 83 SD)

RIP:
1983 300SD (totalled)
1986 420SEL

I looked at some pictures online of that key and it looks like the one I'm looking for. It appears that MB41 was used in the early cars and then MB39 in the later ones.

I think I need MB41 for the doors and MB39 for the ignition.

I just went to local lock smith and he did key for $40. Works perfectly. Mercedes service guy told me which LS could do.

Ace hardware ordered me 5 blanks for I think $40. I have an extra mb-39 if you want. PM me your address and I will put it in the mail today.