The Key Won't Budge in the Ignition of my 96 C220
 

So I go to start my car and the key won't move out of the position I put it in. I was there for an hour moving the steering wheel, which is locked, and trying to get the key to move to start the car. I left and came back and tried again, but nothing. The problem started around wednesday, but I managed to move the streering wheel back and fourth and it let the key start the engine.

So I called mercedes roadside assistance and they say that there's nothing they can do, but call a tow truck driver. I am assuming that the key reader or whatever you call it has worn out, which I have never even heard of happening to a car. The mercedes tech said maybe one of the keys in the ignition lock wore down or something to that nature. I know it's not the key, because it works in the door and I even tried the master key.

Does anyone know any thing about this problem, what I can do about it, and what might it cost. The car is a 96 c220 with almost 140000 miles. Any help would be appreciated.

It sounds like you need a new lock cylinder. Any MB dealer can order a new one for you if you show the owner's registration. The new lock cylinder will be keyed to match the door locks and come with a new key.

How much will it cost to buy and how much is labor for installation?

This just happened to my 96 C220. It was hanging up a bit this week and all of sudden the key would not turn. Steering wheel is laso in the lock position. I also ended up chatting with the MB technician who called me after I called roadside assistance.

He suggested spraying it with graphite and/or lubricant - which I did. I wiggled the steering wheel and tried turning but no dice.

How did yours work out (back in 05):o