The dealership in Greenville, SC told me no more keys. - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

Clemson88 · #1 03-29-2018, 09:44 AM

They say MB has quit dealing with the keys and ignition cylinders on the 1st gen w126s. I'm supposing the demand for such has greatly diminished.

I had bought a new cylinder and 4 keys just four or five years ago but remembering the horrible mess of dealing with a frozen ignition cylinder I wanted a backup to replace this one at the first sign of trouble.

Any solutions?

HarvAMG · #2 03-29-2018, 10:25 AM

Yes, keep your tumbler clean.

Every year, take it out, clean it and lube it up. The tumblers lock up from dirt and lack of lubrication.

dieselbenz1 · #3 03-29-2018, 11:42 AM

Classic center?

Maxbumpo · #4 03-29-2018, 02:35 PM

+1 on the Classic Center, they should be able to give you the straight poop.

brownrice78 · #5 03-29-2018, 04:22 PM

I just got 2 keys for a parts W123. I called like 4 dealers and they all had it available. Prices were from $25-$40 for each key. I guess the W123 key continues and the W126 doesn't?

Clemson88 · #6 03-29-2018, 05:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dieselbenz1

Classic center?

I never investigated the classic center enough to figure out how much a membership cost.

Clemson88 · #7 03-29-2018, 05:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by brownrice78

I just got 2 keys for a parts W123. I called like 4 dealers and they all had it available. Prices were from $25-$40 for each key. I guess the W123 key continues and the W126 doesn't?

I reckoned this to be due to there being many times more 123s than 126s.

It is my understanding that the dealers have no part in the production of keys and ignition cylinders. They check an owner's credentials and transfer the products. My guess is that if one dealer can get something then it's probably available to all the other dealers too.

It's strange that they'd discontinue keying for a w126 when the cylinders are most likely identical to the 126 save for the keying.

ESchwab · #8 03-29-2018, 05:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Clemson88

I never investigated the classic center enough to figure out how much a membership cost.

There is no membership fee. They stock parts for MBs that are more than 25 years old. They also have a repair and restoration facility.

vstech · #9 03-29-2018, 06:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Clemson88

I reckoned this to be due to there being many times more 123s than 126s.

It is my understanding that the dealers have no part in the production of keys and ignition cylinders. They check an owner's credentials and transfer the products. My guess is that if one dealer can get something then it's probably available to all the other dealers too.

It's strange that they'd discontinue keying for a w126 when the cylinders are most likely identical to the 126 save for the keying.

123 and 126 keys are substantially different...

MB140300SD · #10 03-29-2018, 06:28 PM

126 and 126 keys and tumblers should be about the same. Actually 140 would be similar too I would think.

Maxbumpo · #11 03-30-2018, 08:45 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ESchwab

There is no membership fee. They stock parts for MBs that are more than 25 years old. They also have a repair and restoration facility.

Correct, no membership required, but they do offer a discount for members of the MBCA.

dkr · #12 03-31-2018, 11:30 PM

I recently got my W123 rekeyed. I don't remember what the dealership wanted, but it was astronomical. I found a local locksmith and they mentioned they happened to be the supplier for the local MBZ dealer. I think I paid like $20 for the service.

Dkr.

Clemson88 · #13 04-01-2018, 12:32 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dkr

I recently got my W123 rekeyed. I don't remember what the dealership wanted, but it was astronomical. I found a local locksmith and they mentioned they happened to be the supplier for the local MBZ dealer. I think I paid like $20 for the service.

Dkr.

I will not deal with two keys to operate my car. That's why I bought four keys with the ignition cylinder a few years ago.

I believe my setup will last until the end of my life but I resent MB not furnishing new keys and cylinders. Screw them.

Graham · #14 04-01-2018, 08:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dkr

I recently got my W123 rekeyed. I don't remember what the dealership wanted, but it was astronomical. I found a local locksmith and they mentioned they happened to be the supplier for the local MBZ dealer. I think I paid like $20 for the service.

Dkr.

The W123 key blanks are a standard item that locksmiths can source. They are brass and may wear a bit more than originals, but not really a problems. Especially if they are spares.

When I lost one set of keys, a local locksmith made me replacements using my spare keys as guide. This for my 85 300D and my 72 350SL. He had the blanks in stock. He had a catalogue that listed blanks for all older cars. I paid C$10 for each key.

jbach36 · #15 04-01-2018, 11:56 PM

Kent of YouTube fame probably has some.