I had the typical locked up ignition problem many here have had. None of the tricks worked. I ordered a new core and key. The new factory key did the trick and make one more turn so I could go to the #1 position and pull the core.
Here is the question. The new core is still a little sticky. It sometimes takes just the right finesse of pressure on the steering wheel to allow the key to turn. It seems like the tumblers are sketchy just like they were in the old core before it locked up for good.
Should I complain back to the dealer and insist on a replacement? Is this a bad tumbler. Is this normal? The new factory key works fine in the doors and is visually a good match to the old key.
Eric Zitzow
Chatt. TN
1979 300SD

Odds are your old tumbler wasn't bad then. Instead it is probably the steering lock which is causing it. This is the part on fastlane.

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Jeff M.
Mercedes W123 DIY pages are now located here.
1983 / 1984 300D Sold
2000 CLK430 Cabriolet ~58k Sold
2005 Avalanche 4x4 ~66k

old core definatley buggered. The key would not make it turn when it was out of the car. Possible that a bad steering lock messed it up though I guess. The service manager at the local dealer says he's only seen like one or two bad steering locks in his whole career.
When you put the key all the way back to the 0 position it makes a real solid click like the lock is dropping into place with authority. Is that normal?

I'm not sure, but I just did recall that typically if you have a problem with this you'll see wear in the two tabs at the bottom of the barrel, the other wear spot would be where it mates in the column. Perhaps I can find a picture someone else posted here.

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Jeff M.
Mercedes W123 DIY pages are now located here.
1983 / 1984 300D Sold
2000 CLK430 Cabriolet ~58k Sold
2005 Avalanche 4x4 ~66k

Just for the record, my 240D has this problem is well. I've replaced the tumbler, but the lock still sticks. It also has the very solid click you're talking about. But since mine doesn't work right, I can't tell you if it's normal.

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Rick Miley
2014 Tesla Model S
2018 Tesla Model 3
2017 Nissan LEAF
Former MB: 99 E300, 86 190E 2.3, 87 300E, 80 240D, 82 204D Euro
Chain Elongation References

You are probably going to have to replace the housing as well. I replaced my lock only to have the column lock up tight about a week later. Had to order the lock housing (that is what the locksmith called it, don't know what Mercedes calls it) Locksmith came to the house and installed it for about $90 labor, I seem to remember that the whole thing cost about $200 total, so the part must have been about $110 or so.

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Dave

1982 300D
352,000 miles

The steering lock doesn't fail often, but I have had to replace a couple of them over the years. Your new tumbler is probably fine. I have replaced a hundred or more and never got a bad one. You can check it easily by removing it and operating it in youir hand. If it operates smoothly, look to the steering lock.

Good luck,
Peter

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