W123-Picking ignition lock - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

dinman · #1 07-29-2019, 11:49 AM

So I bought a very wrecked 1983 240d 4spd from an insurance auction recently. Have title and such. Using it for parts.

Keys were not included. I did some serious creeping, and got in touch with the PO who wrecked it. He claims he has the keys and will send them, but has now backed out of doing that it seems.

Whats recommended to get the ignition to turn over? I have a working tumbler with key in hand from another car, but just can't get this one out since I cant turn the ignition over.

I have access to a blue point lock pick set- which has a tool in there for Mercedes, would that work?

I would get a key from the dealer off of vin but 1.) I don't know if the tumbler was replaced in the past rendering a VIN cut key useless (been down that road in my 300d) and 2.) My closest dealer that will do it without having to tow the car there is 4.5 hrs away

I really just want to start the car, run through the gears, and test stuff such as windows, gauges, etc. Drive it for maybe 45 seconds to a minute.

Thanks

ROLLGUY · #2 07-29-2019, 10:27 PM

If you don't care about the ignition lock, you can pull the steering column in order to gain better access to the pin to drill it out. You may get lucky, and be able to pull the connector plug from the back of the ignition switch. If so, you can remove the ignition switch from the steering lock, and use a screwdriver to operate the switch.

TurboRedkneck · #3 07-30-2019, 08:28 AM

Agreed with ROLLGUY

If it’s wrecked And you’re after parts, then go ahead and pull the dash or column, as carefully as you care to. Remove entire lock mechanism. Remove switch from the back and start with a screwdriver. OF NOTE- the vacuum switch must be pushed to allow it to run. You could also pull the line at the IP to allow it to run.

REMEMBER THE STEERING LOCK.

FWIW, my cylinder jammed years ago. I already had the dash out for other reasons so I removed the cylinder and start it with a screwdriver now.

Diesel911 · #4 07-30-2019, 10:26 AM

It used to be that the Dealer would cut you the Master Key using the VIN number but that presumes the ignition lock tumbler is the original.

Look for instructions for a stuck ignition lock tumbler.
Repair Links
Fast navigation Fast navigation Do It Yourself Links

After you get it out I believe you need to cut the ring off that holds the tumbler into the Steering Colum lock.
But, note that I had the innards of the Steering Colum Lock crack so I am not sure how valuable a 30+ year part really is.

ROLLGUY · #5 07-30-2019, 11:10 AM

A new steering column lock is only about $120

https://www.pelicanparts.com/catalog/SuperCat/3304/MBZ_3304_SUSSTR_pg4.htm#item18

Diesel911 · #6 07-30-2019, 04:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ROLLGUY

A new steering column lock is only about $120

https://www.pelicanparts.com/catalog/SuperCat/3304/MBZ_3304_SUSSTR_pg4.htm#item18

This is a good deal when you consider the cost of the parts separately.

On mine the innards of the steering column lock were broken. Later I found out one of the contact points in the ignition switch was burned off and while it worked it was actual arm that the contact had been on that was taking it.

dinman · #7 08-02-2019, 07:36 PM

Sweet! Thanks for the replies guys.

It is very, very smashed but i would at least like to take it on a short drive as mentioned. Mainly to gauge the condition of the transmission before i swap it in, and also to get some videos of the engine before i remove it, do a compression check, etc. I will be selling the engine. I Do not care too much about the ignition lock, as mine in my other w123's seem to be in good order. Just didn't know if anyone had some magical lock picking tips.

Shame it was wrecked. Nice little Pastel Beige over Henna red manual 240. 174,000 miles. Good paint.
It has a pretty decent Henna red interior, so i want to keep it as in tact as possible

Diesel911 · #8 08-02-2019, 10:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dinman

Sweet! Thanks for the replies guys.

It is very, very smashed but i would at least like to take it on a short drive as mentioned. Mainly to gauge the condition of the transmission before i swap it in, and also to get some videos of the engine before i remove it, do a compression check, etc. I will be selling the engine. I Do not care too much about the ignition lock, as mine in my other w123's seem to be in good order. Just didn't know if anyone had some magical lock picking tips.

Shame it was wrecked. Nice little Pastel Beige over Henna red manual 240. 174,000 miles. Good paint.
It has a pretty decent Henna red interior, so i want to keep it as in tact as possible

You just don't know what evil is going on inside of your steering column lock till it dies on you and you have to look.

It had the symptoms of a binding Lock Tumbler and it took several days 3 hours a day of fidgeting with the key before it decided to turn and I could remove the Steering Column Lock without having to grind anything off.

dinman · #9 08-03-2019, 01:06 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Diesel911

You just don't know what evil is going on inside of your steering column lock till it dies on you and you have to look.

It had the symptoms of a binding Lock Tumbler and it took several days 3 hours a day of fidgeting with the key before it decided to turn and I could remove the Steering Column Lock without having to grind anything off.

Don't remind me!

On my 300d, the 3 flathead screws slightly backed out holding the ignition/steering lock to the electrical back portion. So, i went to crank it one day, and it sheared the ears off of the ignition lock portion. Car was stuck in the "on" position! Was broken similar to that picture you shared. Then the steering lock actuated when i started toying around with it, and the car was stuck in the driveway for most of a hot louisiana summer afternoon since i couldn't turn the wheels.

I don't even remember exactly how i wrestled it out, but i did, with the help of some crude, inappropriate tools. Swapped a new one in ASAP. Would like to not experience that again

my83300cd · #10 08-06-2019, 06:16 PM

When the key hesitated in the 77 I had it apart in a flash and cut off the steering wheel lock. Of course, it's never done it again.
I have a spanking new housing in a box I decided not to install. Since the door locks don't work, if some enterprising youth wants to steal about the slowest thing going, I hate the idea of the work you have to go thru to fix the resultant mess.