My 1982 300CD has not been driven for about 3 years! I had placed the key on the floor mat. When I went to start it yesterday, the key was rusted completely (and crumbled in my hand)! I have never had this happen in 40 years!

I have no other key! My question is if I cut off the black security ring, can I get the tumbler out? I have an extra security ring.

I had thought about getting a replacement key from the dealer, but I am not sure if the tumbler has been replaced.

Any help much appreciated!

Richard G.

If the car used the same key for the doors and ignition it would be a rather safe bet ordering a key from the dealer.

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"Rudeness is a weak man's imitation of strength" - Eric Hoffer

Assume you do not have the parking attendant key which also came with the vehicle?

Yeah, the original MB key is thin and steel.
Water on the floorboard, especially if salt is also on the mat will disintegrate the key rapidly.
There is a method to drill out the tumbler, but it requires skill, and cobalt or diamond bits...
Search tumbler removal.
Used to be on the deiselgiant page.

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John HAUL AWAY, OR CRUSHED CARS!!! HELP ME keep the cars out of the crusher! A/C Thread
"as I ride with my a/c on... I have fond memories of sweaty oily saturdays and spewing R12 into the air. THANKS for all you do!

My drivers:
1987 190D 2.5Turbo
1987 560SL convertible
1987 190D 2.5-5SPEED!!!

1987 300TD
2005 Dodge Sprinter 2500 158"WB
1994GMC 2500 6.5Turbo truck... I had to put the ladder somewhere!

Still there
http://dieselgiant.com/repairignitionlock.htm

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John HAUL AWAY, OR CRUSHED CARS!!! HELP ME keep the cars out of the crusher! A/C Thread
"as I ride with my a/c on... I have fond memories of sweaty oily saturdays and spewing R12 into the air. THANKS for all you do!

My drivers:
1987 190D 2.5Turbo
1987 560SL convertible
1987 190D 2.5-5SPEED!!!

1987 300TD
2005 Dodge Sprinter 2500 158"WB
1994GMC 2500 6.5Turbo truck... I had to put the ladder somewhere!

I have not kept updated on this type of issue, but it used to be that assuming you had the original lock tumbler the Dealer could cut a new key for you using the VIN. However, some dealers were picking and wanted the registration and so on.

If the Mercedes classic car center is still around perhaps, they do the key cutting now.

There is a locking block on the lock tumbler and if the tumbler cannot be turned to the correct position the locking block will not disengage. To turn it to the correct position you need the key.

This has nothing to do with the key but when I thought I had a lock tumbler issue it turned out that the steering column lock was broken in 2 places, and I also found out one of the contacts on my ignition switch was badly burned.

If you are going to get the tumbler out, you might as well inspect the steering column lock and your ignition switch.

Again, not I am not updated on this. A few years ago, there was a shortage of replacement steering column lock assemblies. If you managed to get a new one, they come with a new ignition switch and a new vacuum switch. Be sure it comes come with those as buying them separately costs more.

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84 300D, 82 Volvo 244Gl Diesel