So on my w124 the drivers door lock tumbler will not allow the key to go In all of the way. So the key doesn't turn. I attempted to remove the tumbler but I cannot rotate the key to remove the tumbler. Soooo I'm stuck.

The little metal door that closes the opening is missing and I think I saw some sort of spring jammed in it. So, what do I do?

I completely mis-read the thread. I missed my coffee as I thought it is the ignition tumbler.

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Not MBZ nor A/C trained professional but a die-hard DIY and green engineer. Use the info at your own peril. Picked up 2 Infractions because of disagreements. NOW reversed.

W124 Keyless remote, PM for details. http://www.peachparts.com/shopforum/mercedes-used-parts-sale-wanted/334620-fs-w124-chasis-keyless-remote-%2450-shipped.html

1 X 2006 CDI
1 x 87 300SDL
1 x 87 300D
1 x 87 300TDT wagon
1 x 83 300D
1 x 84 190D ( 5 sp ) - All R134 converted + keyless entry.

He's talking about the door, not the ignition. If you can't fiddle it out, it can be drilled out. You'd need to drill out the entire cylinder section, and even then it's a bit tricky to remove. The only good news is that the cylinder isn't hardened like an ignition lock.

Well, this sucks. Looks like I'll be pricing a new key and tumbler.

You can buy a matched tumbler at the dealer. It's kind of pricey. Have you tried lube/ spray or tapping in with a hammer?

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Eugene

10 E63 AMG
93 300te 4matic
07 BMW X3
14 Ford F-150 Fx2

If you could get the lock off of the car you could perhaps tip it up, use a paperclip to push some of the pins, and tap it to knock any parts stuck inside out.

-J

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1991 350SDL. 230,000 miles (new motor @ 150,000). Blown head gasket

Tesla Model 3. 205,000 miles. Been to 48 states!
Past: A fleet of VW TDIs.... including a V10,a Dieselgate Passat, and 2 ECOdiesels.
2014 Cadillac ELR
2013 Fiat 500E.

There is always an option to add keyless entry and forget about the lock.

__________________
Not MBZ nor A/C trained professional but a die-hard DIY and green engineer. Use the info at your own peril. Picked up 2 Infractions because of disagreements. NOW reversed.

W124 Keyless remote, PM for details. http://www.peachparts.com/shopforum/mercedes-used-parts-sale-wanted/334620-fs-w124-chasis-keyless-remote-%2450-shipped.html

1 X 2006 CDI
1 x 87 300SDL
1 x 87 300D
1 x 87 300TDT wagon
1 x 83 300D
1 x 84 190D ( 5 sp ) - All R134 converted + keyless entry.

I haven't had my 124's tumbler out but I had the same problem you're experiencing with my 123 ... the inward-most leaves were so gunked up they couldn't move enough to let the key in.
I was able to tap it out of the handle assembly using a drift, but I guess on the w124 you can't get it out without turning the key. I would try unsticking those leaves with some object other than the key ... as someone mentioned, a paper clip, coathanger, etc. Maybe you can get them loose enough to fit the key in and turn.
This was what mine looked like. You can see why the key could only go in so far ... looked like it belonged in some archaeological museum.

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1987 300D, arctic white/palomino--314,000 miles
1978 240D 4-speed, Euro Delivery, light ivory/bamboo--370,000 miles
2005 Jeep Liberty CRD Limited, light khaki/slate--140,000 miles
2018 Chevy Cruze diesel, 6-speed manual, satin steel metallic/kalahari--19,000 miles
1982 Peugeot 505 diesel, 4-speed manual, blue/blue, 130,000 miles
1995 S320, black/parchment--34,000 miles (Dad's car)

I have had problems with the drivers door lock on our 87. Have you gently pried off the chrome cover? If not, use a small flat blade screw driver inserted into the key slot and see if you can get one side off. That will then let you have better access into the lock and you can look for the door and spring inside the key slot. You might try a needle pick (you can get a set at Harbor Freight or Lowes also has them) in the key slot if you see something and try working the obstacle out. If you don't see anything, get a spray can of solvent (brake cleaner) and use the straw and spray a lot of solvent into the key hole to clean the insides. Put a rag under the lock to catch solvent/grease as it flows out of the lock as you solvent wash the key hole. While there is solvent in the key hole, insert your key and gently work it to see if you can get it completely in and if you are successful, then gently turn it to see if you can get it to lock/unlock.

Good luck. I kept putting the cover, door and spring back on when the door got out of whack, but eventually gave up and it is now cover less. One of those things to get at the pull a part one day.
Lee

if you go the dealer route... brace yourself for the price... over $250... wholesale...

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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!