Ignition Tumbler Drill Out W123 - Page 2 - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

wagonfreak · #16 05-07-2014, 04:49 PM

$260.78 total damage for a VIN spec tumbler

Mom bit the Bullet on this one b/c she wanted the same keys for door locks and ignition, and I am kind of an OEM nut. I could have bought a whole new steering wheel lock electrical pin connector and probably 4 new door locks for this price on PP AZ Ebay, heck even MS. But I thought about the opportunity cost to change out 4 door locks etc, and went just swiped the plastic.

Begin Rant:

IMHO, Mbenz (USA models mainly) has focused less and less on quality engineering and more and more on marketing their brand as a status symbol.

Example: The G-Wagen has turned from a utilitarian 8-seater German Land Rover Defender to a 6.3 liter AMG 160k p.o.s. for people with more money than brains.

Sometimes simplicity can be elegant. I.E. The TESLA interior. I just am unhappy with the MB brand in present day.

Yet, went to Chevy and drove the new Spark and Volt. Real cool.

SD Blue · #17 05-07-2014, 05:23 PM

I'm not sure what you purchased or where you are located. A new locking tumbler and key, matching the original VIN, was ~$30 at the dealer near me.

Did you buy the entire steering lock?

llensart · #18 05-07-2014, 06:51 PM

I have had a harder time operating the ignition switch sometimes i can not budge the key until a couple of days ago i found that if i leave the steering wheel left of center which i assume does not lock the steering wheel i can start the Car with no problem ; With this description can someone tell me what might be the problem ? do i actually need a new Steering Lock Hardware ? Thanks in advance for your replies . Joe

wagonfreak · #19 05-07-2014, 07:20 PM

$260 In S. Florida. I was livid. The parts guy was one of the Surliest people I have ever met. He said he had no way of getting me the ignition tumbler removl tool w/o a PN. I asked If he could google it. He said he could but didn't have the time, that it was my responsibility. Then I asked if one of the techs in the back had one we could cop a PN off of. Told me that wasn't an option. Rude, confrontational and never showed me a parts diagram. I suspect he ordered the whole assembly and not the tumbler.

They just closed at 7 pm so I guess I have to call back and cancel it or call the CC company.

$260 seemed extreme.

Thanks.

uberwasser · #20 05-07-2014, 07:30 PM

Call Mercedes Benz of Monterrey. Their 800 line for wholesale parts is:

(888) 375-2456

They are super helpful, friendly, and at least you'll be able to get their 20% wholesale discount.

I no longer shop at my local dealer, either. They baited and switched me. They quoted me prices of a variety of parts over the phone, and said they honored the Mercedes Benz Club discount of 20%. When I went to pick up the parts and pay, they were almost 2x as expensive and the lady at the parts counter said "We donate a lot every year to the MBZ Club, so we don't give the discount". When I said the person on the phone said they did give the discount, she said "He wouldn't have known". Whatever! Basically, these dealers don't care to have old car business. It's not where the big margins and fast cash is.

I needed the parts, sadly, so I tucked tail and paid and left. But never again. I buy on here, or from the aforementioned dealer in CA, for dealer only parts.

ah-kay · #21 05-07-2014, 07:46 PM

I paid $70 for tumbler and 1 new key from the dealer 1 month ago for a 1987 300D w124 chassis.

uberwasser · #22 05-07-2014, 07:55 PM

Yeah, just looked up the tumbler/lock cylinder. Part # 123-462-04-79. At MOST it is $106 full MSRP. More like $80 from a better priced source.

wagonfreak · #23 05-07-2014, 08:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by uberwasser

Yeah, just looked up the tumbler/lock cylinder. Part # 123-462-04-79. At MOST it is $106 full MSRP. More like $80 from a better priced source.

Thanks for all your help!

This one (106$) is not compatible with the Door locks, the one that one key would work all around is the 206$ (retail) model.

This is annoying. I can simply buy a tumbler for ~ 20$ online and just remember to switch keys. And the door locks don't work 100% of the time anyway (vacuuming my patience)

I'm on the east coast now, and calling several MB parts folks up and down the west coast where they are still open. Prices vary,

uberwasser · #24 05-07-2014, 09:58 PM

Ahh, good to know.

There was a thread over on Benzworld on how to re-key your own door locks. Maybe you can re-key them to match the new cheaper tumbler?

gatorblue92 · #25 05-07-2014, 10:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by wagonfreak

$260 In S. Florida. I was livid. The parts guy was one of the Surliest people I have ever met. He said he had no way of getting me the ignition tumbler removl tool w/o a PN. I asked If he could google it. He said he could but didn't have the time, that it was my responsibility. Then I asked if one of the techs in the back had one we could cop a PN off of. Told me that wasn't an option. Rude, confrontational and never showed me a parts diagram. I suspect he ordered the whole assembly and not the tumbler.

They just closed at 7 pm so I guess I have to call back and cancel it or call the CC company.

$260 seemed extreme.

Thanks.

What dealer in South Florida? MB of Gainesville is good. I would also check with the Classic Center. Might be a bit cheaper.

wagonfreak · #26 05-07-2014, 10:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by gatorblue92

What dealer in South Florida? MB of Gainesville is good. I would also check with the Classic Center. Might be a bit cheaper.

Thanks!

Classic Center is a good bet.

MB of Delray Beach. It was bought out by Autonation (The largest dealership corporation conglomeration in the US) and It has gone downhill ever since. Items stolen out of car, etc.

I think I will just cancel the order from MB and go for a cheapo ~30$ tumbler.

Meanwhile, I have the old Tumbler in the radio on position, and have a 1.2mm philips hobby screwdriver. FSM recomends a 1.25 mm piece of wire "self made"

But what is the trick to popping this guy out via the active retainer lock tab thingy. Lots of wiggling? Slight force? The youtube videos makes it look so easy.

SD Blue · #27 05-08-2014, 01:13 AM

Yes, I would definitely check further. The Steering Lock with ignition switch and vacuum valve is $131, here at Peach Parts : 1984 Mercedes-Benz 300SD Base Sedan - Steering System - Page 3

It is absolutely absurd that a key tumbler is twice the cost of the steering lock.

wagonfreak · #28 05-08-2014, 11:07 AM

Okay, sorry to bother too much, but here goes:

How the %$*^ does one pop the woodruff looking key on the outer cylinder of the tumbler that holds the black metal collar from turning.

I have a 1.2 mm screwdriver that I beveled to 70degrees using 220 grit, and stuck in there and wiggled. Can't get anything to work.

Could the black collar be stuck and I popped the tumbler but can't turn it?

Maxbumpo · #29 05-08-2014, 01:35 PM

Looking at the service manual, you insert the 1.25mm wire into the hole until you "unlock detent of the locking cylinder by overcoming the resilient resistance." Once you've got the wire fully inserted to unlock the detent, then you should be able to unscrew the outer black collar/cap, and once that is loose then you can pull out the entire assembly.