Emblem key head
 

(Sorry for the way too large photo, I have no idea how to make it smaller). I made a couple key heads using W123 grille emblems (key sandwiched between two of them). They were very difficult to make, involving many steps. However, the end result was satisfying. http://www.peachparts.com/shopforum/...1&d=1535908631

First, I removed the studs from the back, and flattened both emblems. I had to grind the edge of the back side so the key would fit in a recess. I used a 1/2" holesaw to make a half circle cutout for a small split ring. I then used epoxy to hold everything together. I am sure there is an easier way to make these. I want to encourage anyone to make these, as I think they are the coolest key head for these cars.

Nice work.

Sounds like a a tough way to make a buck. The tolerance on the key pocket is worrisome. I’m sure it can be done in China. It’s the consistency of their manufacturing I’d worry over. That Konrad part actually looked like a lot of work. Multiple setups and de burring required. I would have gotten tired of being responsible for that quick.

Your Sanden kits are beautiful btw. I saw your car on Craigslist last night and it had me asking myself why I offered $1400 on my blue 85 300d...with a disconnected compressor belt.

Well, I’m going to pick up my car this afternoon. My journey begins. At least I have a steel key. :)

Thanks. The Sanden retrofit has come a long way, with many revisions and upgrades. I think it is finally perfected. I actually have two 300d's on CL, both with Sanden A/C. They both have the PF condenser and running 134a. After cooling down the cabin, it gets so cold on high fan that I have to run it on low. The blue one is probably the best running, quickest, best shifting 300D that I have ever driven. If I didn't have so many cars, I thought about keeping it. I have six cars on my insurance now, and need to sell some......Rich

woo hoo!
 

Score! Well I rode the train up to get my car today. As I prepped it for the fifty mile drive to my home I jimmied open the glove box. Latch doesn't function but I can unlatch it with a pen knife. This is gonna be awkward at a traffic stop. :rolleyes:

Anyhow, look what I found with the owners manual in the blue vinyl mb pouch! I worried I'd find a key of coke or a bundle of snuff polaroids in there but I my eyes popped out of my head when this key blade fell out of the manual pouch.

A steel key like the other one I had. No head. I'm so jazzed!

https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1853/...c91da6db_n.jpg

Now to the long list of fixes. I have the car in my garage now and I'm ready to start crossing them off.

Fixed Broken Key Head
 

Although I commend all of you for your resourcefulness, I got the deal of the century when I lost the key to my '84 190D last year. After checking with local locksmiths to no avail, I finally acquiesced and contacted one of the local Mercedes dealerships to acquire a new key for my car. Wincing in anticipation of being told what the cost would be, I was stunned when the gentleman told me the cost for the replacement key would be just fifteen dollars! I had to go and show my registration and I.D. to prove I owned the car and so they could write down the VIN number to order the key - they ordered it from a facility in Texas, he told me; where files are kept for every
Mercedes made for just that purpose! I was expecting to be told the new key would cost me hundreds of dollars, and when I was told just fifteen, I ordered two of them. Just thought I'd share that information in case it was not known. (Note: if the car had been a new one that came with one of those electronic keys, it would've cost way more).

Thank you for sharing this. I’m going down to my dealership and ordering some keys for my SD.

I have been to independent locksmiths and gotten a dozen key blanks at a time for the W123 and some earlier keys. They are available, just not at Home Depot

I was able to get a couple of keys made at a local locksmith for my 82 300D. But they are made of some softer metal than the originals, little ring shaving sawdust we’re slowly appearing on the dash lip under the key hole. Sure enough about a year into using the new key it started to need some extra nudging and wiggling to turn. I’ve now switched to my second key and am being really really careful taking it in and out - and leaving it in when I can.

I wish they made aftermarket blanks out of harder metal.

Dealer Keys
 

Each Dealer sets their own price ~ most are at least $20 .

I highly suggest getting a pair of master and valet keys from your Dealer or The Classic Center then getting ILCO copies made, they're far better than the factory keys, I've never had the heads come off .