ignition tumbler failure - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

honeybee · #1 05-09-2007, 12:49 AM

Hi everyone,

My car is a 94 c280 with 152k km on it. Almost 2 yrs ago, my ignition tumbler failed and I had to pay $$$$ (enough to buy an old HONDA Civic) to have the whole thing replaced.

Unfortunately, for whatever reason, I notice the classic signs of having some problem turning my key again, espically from position II to I while inserting the key to turn the car on is somewhat better. It is like re-living that nightmare of getting stranded at a gas station two years ago. I have read many of your great posting about how to replace the tumbler as a DIY job. Yet I am not sure if W202 is similar to the way as described in many of the previous posting:

1. remove the bezel around the key hole
2. turn key to position I
3. insert releasing tool on both sides of tumbler (the U shape cloth hanger with tips grinded at 70 deg.) to release tumbler

Am I missing anything?

What about putting in the new tumbler? Just the reverse of it or do I even bother pressing the release mechanism with the cloth hangers? Is there anything to connect as well?

My plan is also to call my mechanic (non-stealership) to see what he suggests as well. I am afraid the tumbler will fail soon as I can tell the resistance inside is growing by the day. If any of you could give me some pointers re: the steps listed above, I'd very much appreciate it.

KC (in Toronto, Canada)

BTW, even though this car has given me some headache since I bought it in 2003 (92000kms), I still love it!

honeybee · #2 05-09-2007, 12:25 PM

Just a report back from my conversation with the guy at the stealership....
They charge $177 plus tax ($201 Canadian) for the tumbler and key and 2 hours of labour

From what I read on the previous posting, it is a relatively quick job. No wonder everytime I go to buy parts, I see these guys sitting doing nothing yet they still have a job

I am taking it to my mechanic tonight and he said he might want to try spraying it first....my gut tells I have to shell out the 200 bucks soon

KC

BENZ-LGB · #3 05-09-2007, 12:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by honeybee

....my gut tells I have to shell out the 200 bucks soon

KC

Listen to your gut!

throne7 · #4 05-09-2007, 05:57 PM

Seems cheap to me. I had to do it several months ago. And the tumbler alone cost me over $200CAD.

Quote:

Originally Posted by honeybee

Just a report back from my conversation with the guy at the stealership....
They charge $177 plus tax ($201 Canadian) for the tumbler and key and 2 hours of labour

From what I read on the previous posting, it is a relatively quick job. No wonder everytime I go to buy parts, I see these guys sitting doing nothing yet they still have a job

I am taking it to my mechanic tonight and he said he might want to try spraying it first....my gut tells I have to shell out the 200 bucks soon

KC

honeybee · #5 05-09-2007, 11:42 PM

Another follow-up....

Turns out the key will cost another $35 CAD plus tax. MB told me my current tumbler would have had a 2-yr warranty if I had purchased it myself with an invoice number. The guy said they only keep 3 months of record (I thought they might have it in their database that they sold one to a vehicle with my VIN number.......)

Anyway, went to my mechanic (a different one from the previous who went back to Belgium

). He sprayed something into the tumbler and it seems to work smoother but for how long...I can't tell. He suggested I might still want MB to do the job as the warranty period is likely longer than if he orders the part and do it for me.

Well, let's see what happens tomorrow morning. It just bugs me to have to pay for another one in less than 2 yrs

Thanks for your attention.

KC

honeybee · #6 05-09-2007, 11:45 PM

BTW, Throne7, did you install it yourself? I keep thinking if I order it, I may be able to fabricate the wire to pop it out and then put the new one in myself.

Anything I should be paying attention with the installation of the new one if I go that route?

I'd very much appreciate any help/advice.

KC

throne7 · #7 05-10-2007, 09:36 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by honeybee

BTW, Throne7, did you install it yourself? I keep thinking if I order it, I may be able to fabricate the wire to pop it out and then put the new one in myself.

Anything I should be paying attention with the installation of the new one if I go that route?

I'd very much appreciate any help/advice.

KC

Yeah I did. And even though it seems like a simple thing, it took me several hours. My tumbler was already jambed and I had to use a jig saw to wiggle it loose. You are very lucky that yours still work. If I were you I would have it replaced now before u are stranded, and then its gonna cost you a lot more plus damage to your car because you will have to take the steering open and chop the tumbler up to remove it. If you do a search there are lots of info on this site on how to do it. And yes you need to fabricate a wire tool. I find the coat hanger is a bit too thick but I managed to scavenge a piece of wire and was able to do it. Get the part first you will see how the tool need to be made, because you can test the tool on the new part.

honeybee · #8 05-10-2007, 12:47 PM

Thanks Throne7. I know the pain. Trust me, I was stranded at a P*Canada station after refuelling 1.5 yrs ago and the key was totally stuck. What an embrassment

I paid close to $1500 to have it fixed (not sure now if I was ripped

) This a.m. it worked okay without much resistance but yes, I am still planning to order the new one and make the tool. Just not sure if it was a straight forward 'pop it in job' (guess it would never be that simple with a MB). Where are you located in Canada BTW?

KC