This morning I was greeted with key problems! I attempted to insert my key into the ignition, and found the small, "door" inside the lock would not move out of the way, as I believe it is supposed to. I moved it around with a small screwdriver, and got myself to work, but if I was not at home, I would have been stuck someplace!! Do any other W126 owners have this problem? Seems like there should be a little spring pulling it back or something like that? Car is a 1989 560SEL, 128k miles. I searched for ignition problems, and not much. I note there is a special tool required to pull the ignition switch, but can one pull the front off the lock? (light gauge metal "cover"?) Thanks for the help!

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1989 560SEL (172k)
1989 325IC (122K)
2004 Suzuki Volusia LE (3500 miles)
2005 Yamaha Road Star (20 K miles)

There is no door. If you had this problem, you will need to replace the tumbler. This is very easy to do for a tech with the right tools IF the tumbler will turn. At my shop, we will install a LOANER tumbler and order the correct one for your key.

IF the tumbler locks up, you will have to pay 5-6 hours labor to have it cut out. That "light alloy cover" is made out of a metal harder than titanium! You will not remove it without c4. And if you do, please tell me how you did.

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Benzmac:
Donnie Drummonds
ASE CERTIFIED MASTER AUTO TECHNICIAN
MERCEDES SPECIALIST 11 YRS

Is the dealer the only source for the new tumbler? I am hoping to order the new one and replace it, without the temporary tumbler in the middle. (I know, but I play lotto also) Can parts shop get me one?
Thanks

JohninFla,

There is a distinct advantage to ordering this from the dealer. You can give them the VIN and they can sell you a tumbler and key set that matches your other locks. I expect that's why Donnie is recommending the interim lock approach.

If you're okay for now, order the lock from Benz then have it put in when it arrives.

Good luck,

I ordered the new lock tumbler from my local dealer, providing the VIN so my key matches. One week and $75 later I should have it. I forgot to ask if an additional key comes with it. Anyone know the answer to that one? Also, a friend bought one for his 420SEL through a different dealer, and the dealer installed it free in the service drive, (except for $20 to the tech who did it, from my friend). Is is that quick to install a new one? I did not ask for installation charge estimate, but now I wonder if there is one...

Thanks for the advice.
John

I replaced the tumbler in my 190e a while back. It came from the dealer with one key. I made the "tool" to get it out and they are easy to change, although my homemade tool took some tweaking.

I replaced the tumbler in my 190e a while back. It came from the dealer with one key. I made the "tool" to get it out and they are easy to change, although my homemade tool took some tweaking.

More questions!
I have found the ignition tumbler replacement on the CD Rom manual. (under steering column - who knew?)
The manual states a change as of 9/89 in the procedure, requiring a u shaped wire, inserted in two places in the tumbler and then pulling the tumbler straight out. Looks easier than unscrewing it....Does anyone have any experience with this?
Thanks! The tumbler is due in tommorrow!
I hope I am just making more out of this job than what it really is.

Thats exactly how mine is. I used a coathanger and put an edge on the ends. There's two levels of catches on the inside, the first one is on just one side, the second one is on both sides. It took a bunch of wiggling and jiggling and re-shaping to get it out. Once it came out I could tell how it worked. One catch is for the tumbler, the other is for the outside shell. Good luck.

__________________
5 speed '91 190E 2.6 320,000 mi. (new car, fast, smooth as silk six, couldn't find any more Peugeots)
5 speed '85 Peugeot 505 2.5l Turbo Diesel 266,000 mi. (old car, fast for a diesel, had 2 others)
5 speed '01 Jetta V6 (new wifes car, pretty quick)
5 speed '85 Peugeot 505 2.2l Turbo Gas 197,000 mi. (wifes car, faster, sadly gone just short of 200k )
5 speed '83 Yamaha 750 Maxim 14,000 mi. (fastest)
0 speed 4' x 8' 1800 lb Harbor Freight utility trailer (only as fast as what's pulling it)

Well, if it wasn't for bad luck.....
My 560SEL was manufactured in 10/88, and this means I have the single hole for the lock release. I turned the key to #1 position, inserted my trusty paper clip, felt something move, and tried to turn the outside housing of the lock. Not moving!
Does anyone know if this turns as it is, or do I somehow remove the black piece with the little marks that tell you the position of the key? Should the key turn with it, or stay still? I attempted to grab at the outer part of it with needle nose pliers, and no go. Is it some left hand thread or other creative feature in there?

Any help is appreciated! Thanks for the advice so far Jim, Larry and Benzmac!

Dear John......

I have put some pretty extensive info in on the dual wire style removal, but have not personally done the single wire yet. I will say this, the hole and wire that is inserted is to push a spring clip that is a locking feature out of the way. Wire size is important to make this fully happen. I think the CD says a 2 mm wire. I would also taper the end with a file to create a ramp effect. Lastly, you should feel the wire tool go from kind of loose and bumping around in the hole to a kind of tight resistance. This is from the clamping effect of the spring clip after it is pushed aside. I actually used an allen wrench, picking varying sizes that would just fit tight. They are more sturdy than paperclips. I am pretty sure that the key/tumbler does not rotate during the unscrewing. This is because the interior side is still engaged with the steering lock and switch, and is to remain in the #1 position during the whole operation. I would fully expect the threads to be standard, you just have to play with it. After successfully completing this you can graduate to safecracking and lock picking! Good luck and please post details for future reference.

Here are the details:
I agree with Deezel, and allen wrench is much better than a paper clip. Good advice there. The paper clip is too weak and flexible to make a good tool.
Mine was especially tight coming out. I attribute this to the use of cheap alloy for the stationary portion of the tumbler housing and the age of the car, (1989). I fought it the whole way out. Before installing the new one, I cleaned the threads and appliced some lubricant. Went in nice and easy!
Grabbing the collar to turn it out of the dash was difficult. It is well hidden and smooth. Tough to grab with plier, etc. In hindsight, buy the special tool. I think it costs about 20-30 bucks.
The new tumbler comes with one key, from MB dealer, $75 US here in Florida. The new key works all the locks on the car smoothly, and here costs $35 for a copy by itself, so $75 ain't too shabby.
Forward any questions that I missed via e mail, and I will try to help out.
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

Johninfla,

I am glad it came off for you and I am very pleased you found my allen wrnech tip helpful. This is one of the greatest things about this site! Also, thankyou for providing the results of your efforts, this is soemthing we have all discussed on the site and often the we never know how the problem was resolved. Season's Greetings!!

Peteinga