You want to turn it both ways; that is the only way to get it to unlock. Just back and forth. Hopefully at some point it will just magically unlock. Are you still there???

A lot of the graphite will fall off the key, but some will get in the tumbler. Another method is while the tip of the key is in the tumbler, lay the pencil on the ridges of the key and shove it in and out a bunch of times. Flip key over and repeat. Do that with all your keys including house keys every once in a while. You'll be amazed how smooth the action becomes.

__________________
85 300D turbo pristine w 157k when purchased 161K now
83 300 D turbo 297K runs great. SOLD!
83 240D 4 spd manual- parted out then junked

Funola, why not get that tube of Graphite from Home Depot which can be shot into the key hole ? That is what locksmiths use...if they use Graphite...

__________________
1980 240d ,

chain elongation, cam marks reference:
http://www.peachparts.com/shopforum/diesel-discussion/10414-help-i-need-check-stretch.html

http://www.peachparts.com/shopforum/diesel-discussion/305365-9-degrees-chain-stretch.html

evap fin cleaning:

http://www.peachparts.com/shopforum/diesel-discussion/156207-photo-step-step-post-showing-w123-evaporator-removal-1983-240d-1982-300td.html?highlight=evaporator

A/C thread

http://www.peachparts.com/shopforum/diesel-discussion/297462-c-recommendations-mb-vehicles.html

x2

You spill 95% on the floor if you use a graphite tube. A pencil is much neater and works just fine. I have a graphite tube also. I prefer a pencil.

__________________
85 300D turbo pristine w 157k when purchased 161K now
83 300 D turbo 297K runs great. SOLD!
83 240D 4 spd manual- parted out then junked

Unfortunately your lock tumbler is defective and needs to be replaced. Hopefully you can get the key to turn to the number 1 position. The key must be turned to the number 1 position in order to remove and replace the tumbler. If you are unable to get the key to turn, you will need to get the ignition switch lock pin drilled out which is a major job taking several hours. Do not spray WD 40 into the switch, it will only make things worse, use the graphite from a pencil only. If you do get the key to turn to number 1 position you will be able to start the car, but DO NOT turn the engine off using the key. Use the STOP lever under the hood and then disconnect the battery. DO NOT TURN THE KEY TO THE OFF POSITION.

It has a pointed tube end......to fit into small holes....

https://www.google.com/shopping/product/17993147804351076453?lsf=seller:8740,store:642739419452748153&prds=oid:13655224144785305275&q=graphite+powder&hl=en&ei=DjmdV7Bi48SPBPzhh5gH&mid=sF2BZPNpH%7Cdc_mtid_8903tb925190_pcrid_111422834105_pkw__pmt__product_100137063_slid_&lsft=gclid:CjwKEAjwoPG8BRCSi5uu6d6N5WcSJABHzD8FW7PxDwP8xs5lIZPjuUEi7xVr5MxBM2AjkiL9-PT_6hoCKczw_wcB

__________________
1980 240d ,

chain elongation, cam marks reference:
http://www.peachparts.com/shopforum/showthread.php?threadid=10414

http://www.peachparts.com/shopforum/diesel-discussion/305365-9-degrees-chain-stretch.html

evap fin cleaning:

http://www.peachparts.com/shopforum/diesel-discussion/156207-photo-step-step-post-showing-w123-evaporator-removal-1983-240d-1982-300td.html?highlight=evaporator

A/C thread

http://www.peachparts.com/shopforum/diesel-discussion/297462-c-recommendations-mb-vehicles.html

I had this problem on my 1984 300 SD years ago and the only solution was this: I started very softly knocking the tumbler (not the key) with a handle of a stainless steel knife while softly turning the key to left and right until it got loose and came out of the tumbler. When it was out the tumbler I lubricated the tumbler with powder graphite like suggested above. I got a old pencil and crushed the graphite and put it inside the tumbler a little by little and inserted the key couple times in and out moving slightly to right and left. Not WD40 or any other liquid lubricant.
I had no more this kind of issue since then.

__________________
Nyck - TX - USA

Pencil "lead" is actually a mixture of graphite and clay. Don't think I would want to put clay in my lock cylinder. The graphite in a tube made for the job might be better. Ace hardware apparently sells this one:



On my own car, I happened to have some Teflon spray, so used that. Have used it on house locks too. Worked well.

__________________
Graham
85 300D,72 350SL, 98 E320, Outback 2.5

Fortunately in my case that graphite (lead/clay) worked fine and still working.
Good to know that your suggested graphite work better.
Thanks.

__________________
Nyck - TX - USA

Don't turn the wheel hard either way, you want it centered between the lock teeth so it isn't jamming the steering lock when you try to turn the key.

It could be the tumbler, but in my 1984 300D when the key wouldn't turn smoothly I found the spring detent had broken off and the parts were jamming the rotation. Fortunately, it was sporadic so I was able to get the key in the correct position ("II" I recall) to push the collar release and get the assembly out. The spring detent is behind the tumbler and you must remove a staked steel plate to get to it.

__________________
1984 & 1985 CA 300D's
1964 & 65 Mopar's - Valiant, Dart, Newport
1996 & 2002 Chrysler minivans

Thanks for the Advice, I hiked back to my car armed with pencils.
Did the pencil thing, no luck. Called AAA for a tow, and began to
wait. More pencil, etc. Then all of a sudden, It turned!...
Got home and canceled AAA. I made sure not to lock my steering
wheel. I hope this was a freak thing and not again.
Glad I could save a triple A tow!
Lindajane

This was not a freak thing. Get your tumbler replaced ASAP. It will happen again. Read through the posts in this forum about the exact same issue. Replacing the tumbler is relatively easy compared to drilling out the steering lock pin.

Thanks,
Maybe I can do it myself, that would be great.

You may be able to replace the tumbler yourself. Take the leap and search the problem in DYI articles found here, DIY Links by Parts Category - PeachParts Mercedes ShopForum

You may want to get this project going right away. I've had this happen and the smartest thing to do is park the car, remove the battery terminal and replace the tumblers without delay.

__________________
84 300SD
85 380SE
83 528e
95 318ic