Hi,

I posted about my key not turning in the ignition etc, and
everyone has been really helpful. In looking to buy a Lock Cylinder
with Key. I know the OEM Part from the dealer is the way to go,
but they want $212 for this. I see tumblers compatible with
my 300D on Car Parts sites, etc. all the way from $15 to $100.
If I don't want to spend the money for the part from Mercedes,
is there anything I should look for or stay away from in buying
this part?....or do I just take my chances that it will fit and last a while.
Thanks
LindaJane

My opinion, not necessarily what you should do, but what I would do.

I would either get a factory matching tumbler and key set that will allow you to use all your original keys,
or,
I would modify the old tumbler set to work with any key, and thereby work with all your original keys. I am sure there is someone on the forum who could do the modification for you, in person, or through the mail, for a very reasonable cost. If you do this, you might want to consider some sort of kill switch so the car cannot be started without the knowledge of that switch.

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Greg
2012 S350 BlueTEC 4Matic
2007 ML 320 CDI
2007 Leisure Travel Serenity
2006 Sprinter 432k
2005 E320 CDI
1998 SLK230 (teal)
1998 SLK230 (silver)
1996 E300D 99k, 30k on WVO
Previous:
1983 240D, on WVO
1982 300D, on WVO
1983 300CD, on WVO
1986 300SDL 237k, 25k on WVO (Deerslayer)
1991 350SDL 249k, 56k on WVO - Retired to a car spa in Phoenix
1983 380 SEC w/603 diesel, 8k on WVO
1996 E300D 351k, 177k on WVO

I was thinking about doing this once I got the tumbler out. However, once I had it in my hand, I couldn't figure out how to get the core out. Anyone know?

lindajane - if you aren't able to turn the key, how are you going to replace it? My understanding is that you need to be able to turn it to acc to insert a pin and pull the tumbler out. Also, from my understanding, mercedes no longer matches your door key with new tumblr assembly. They only make new keys for working tumblers. I'm sure someone will chime in if i'm incorrect.

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1985 300d Turbo Diesel

Fezcabdriver- Mercedes does sell tumblers with a key that matches your doors and trunk. You need to provide proof of ownership and it takes about 4 days to receive the new tumbler with key.

Thanks for the clarification Bwhitmore.

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1985 300d Turbo Diesel

Call a few dealers in the area. For me, there's an almost 100% difference in what the dealer downtown charges vs the near suburbs.

I just paid a little over $100 for an ignition tumbler keyed to my vin about a week ago.

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Watch him go!!! link

#dontdealwithkahlil

The old cylinders are rebuildable. You can get them to work smoothly with your key. No magic lithium grease, no graphite. Just simple mechanics:

Mercedes Locksmithing

Has anyone done a w126 first generation like this?

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

I think the $15 lock will be fine. These are mass produced, billions have been made over the years, the technology is mature. I had a $15 ignition lock cylinder in my 83 for years without issues. With your skill set level, I do not recommend modifying yours to work with any key.

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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

yes!! Just what I was looking for. Sorry for the temporary hijacking of this thread.

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1985 300d Turbo Diesel

Good Morning LindaJane!

All the advice I received from this board were amazing! I am hoping to try MXFrank's fix for my old tumbler but I just received my new tumbler yesterday. Local Stealership (MB of Henderson) wanted to charge me $174 and either they had to install it or a certified MB Tech had to install it.

Thanks to this board, I was able to get a tumbler with key for around $100 from the MB Classic Center (not sure if I am allowed to post their name or phone number).

If you would like their info, please let me know. I would be installing the tumbler tonight if my ball joint had not given out yesterday. :-)

Have a Great Day!

glenn

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1987 300 TD - Kraut
1987 300 D - Hans

OK, well now the latest advice given to me is
that I order the new tumbler and keys, Try to install, and if
it doesn't work, Then order the Steering House.
People seem to believe its not easy to damage this.
So That is the next step. Get a tumbler. See If I or
somebody, can put it in. My mechanic says I do need the
new housing. So we'll see.
Yup, this board has been amazing. Great guys on this forum.
LindaJane

You can actually install the new tumbler without the security bezel and check the operation of the tumbler for a few days. If OK, remove the tumbler and install with the security bezel, if not, ??

When I removed the lock cylinder from my car the clips that hold the security bezel in broke. It's possible that's what's damaged and making your mechanic say it needs to be replaced.

Those clips can be removed and the bezel will lock into place but it will be less secure than before. Just make sure they are out of the way before trying to reinstall it.

__________________
Watch him go!!! link

#dontdealwithkahlil

What clips? There are no clips involved with the security bezel on a 1984 300D. The security bezel screws on. Earlier model W123 cars used a push-on security bezels that used clips.