Hi. I know there are huge unending forum threads about Key problems. I however did not find enough information to satisfy me and I would like to start another thread that could perhaps turn into this DIY article:

W201 Ignition Key Lock Replacement

Ive got an 89 190E 2.6L gas/auto. It is at a shop and they cant work on it because the ignition key wont turn!

I begged the shop guy to fool with it and spray some dry powder graphite in there and get it out of the 0 position. I told him that if he did, he must not turn it back there.

I ordered a new Lock & Keyset from Benz today. So I should get it 2-3 days. In the meantime. Please respond and give it to me straight and stupid.

Step by Step. Assume no prior Benz knowlege for the DIY thread. I will take pictures of it when I do the work.

Prevost3000

I was recently worried that my ignition tumbler was wearing out-getting harder and harder to turn. However, it was apparently the key itself that was the problem-I tried a new key (you get 2 for every lock you replace, I did my driver side a year or so ago) and it worked like a charm.

Makes sense really-if any two surfaces rub together, make the one that is easier to replace out of a lesser material so it wears out instead of the other, more expensive one.


cheers,
dan r.

Dan R:

I only have 1 key.

The key portion is twisted slightly like someone was really cranking on it (The key used to work fine, but now is Inoperable.) I have to replace the lock and it is currently on order. Should be here Friday 4-7-2006.

Does anyone know how to R&R the tumbler portion? Another post mentioned it was a 5 minute job.

Prevost3000

i hope your vin coded ignition key/tumbler works better than mine did($92 at the dealer! )did mine last weekend and the 1 and only key that came with it does not work on the trunk or the front doors (these locks have not been changed), the origional keys do not work on the new tumbler, my dealer is ordering me another vin-key ($24) to see if the tumbler was cut wrong (this is done somewhere in Texas). hell i would have been better off with the $32 generic from fastlane. will keep you posted.

__________________
1993 Mercedes Benz 300D 2.5 205K (ex wife's)
1984 Mercedes Benz 300SD 320K (SOLD)
2004 Mercedes Benz C240 75K
1995 GMC Sierra 2WD 5.7L 188K
1983 Mercedes Benz 300SD 239K (SOLD)
1987 BMW 325i 220K (SOLD FOR SALVAGE)

609 Certification

get key to the 1 position (second 0), then use a heavy duty style paper clip (cut tip at 45 degree angle) in hole, push in to release nub,(practice this with new key and tumbler) unscrew cover counter clockwise while keeping paper clip in until it all screws out. to install, take new key out, put cover over new tumbler, put key back in, insert tumbler and cover, noting notches and 2 lugs on end of tumbler, turn to 1 postion insert paper clip again and screw cover on, my cover could not get really tight as it should because i did not have the correct turning tool to get that extra 1/8 inch turn, had to back off a revolution untill notch engaged, bent nose pliers did not help. but it works just a little loose cover.

__________________
1993 Mercedes Benz 300D 2.5 205K (ex wife's)
1984 Mercedes Benz 300SD 320K (SOLD)
2004 Mercedes Benz C240 75K
1995 GMC Sierra 2WD 5.7L 188K
1983 Mercedes Benz 300SD 239K (SOLD)
1987 BMW 325i 220K (SOLD FOR SALVAGE)

609 Certification

I cannot get the Key to Turn at all!

I fooled around yanking the steering wheel around. Popping it in and out of Park. Rolling the car back and forth. Spraying Dry powder graphite in the hole. Tried the NEW key and the OLD key 1000s of times, flipping the key over and over. lubing the key with graphite, spraying the dry graphite in the hole. Made quite a mess doing this. Finally in desperation, I blew it out with compressed air, relubed it. Nothing. Sprayed brake cleaner in the hole and tried it. Nothing. Blew all that out. Sprayed WD40 in the hole. Nothing. Blew it out. Relubed with graphite. Nothing. I give up!

I want this to work. I have never driven this car or any like it. I bought it at auction, had an engine shop put a used 2.6 in it with low mileage and good compression. I tried to pick it up from the engine shop with many hopes gloriously high from reading about this fine automobile. Then I cant get the key to turn! I have $3600 invested in this heap of steal.

I need some help and some ideas. Come on.

Prevost3000

will help. Find a tool that vibrates, like an orbital sander, and add vibration to the combination of things to try.