W108 locking gas cap funny business

[jester69]

Hello all,

I have a new to me w108, a 1970 280s (yes, not an SE. A rare bird indeed) One door is somewhat creamed, other than that nice paint, two very small dents, and no rust (anyone have a medium blue drivers door? I don't know the paint code yet, if you know VW's it is almost identical to dove blue.)

I went to try to get it running to drive it home, as I don't want to pay for a flatbed or pull the driveshaft, and opened the gas tank.

I then shut the gas tank, and subsequently tried to reopen it. The key to the car fit perfectly and turned the lock 180 degrees, but in neither position did the cap show any inclination to be opened. It spun freely in either case.

Is this common? Is there a trick to it? I hope that the only answer won't be to drill it out. Ouch. That would suck especially much because the key works it so smoothly.

I am exicted to bring this one back to its former glory. My first car was a hand me down 1970 280SE bottle green w tan MBtex. I miss that car, nicest driving mercedes ever. At around 300,000 miles it rusted to oblivion and had to go to the great dealer in the sky. Balljoints just cannot compete with the precision feel of kingpins. Balljoints would have a walk away victory in the maintenance department, however.

take care,

Steve

[280SE Guy]

Put the key into the lock and turn it all the way to the left. Hold the cap as you turn the key. When the key stops after turning it to the left turn the gas cap to the left, it should "click" into place and then can be removed.