190E 2.3, new treasure, need a bit of help....

[Shorebilly]

Folks,

I just got myself into one of those deals that you just can't refuse....long story, but I will be getting the title, and have the key....LOL...it was kicked out of the barn where it had sat for the past 8 years.....

First, as I am a diesel 123 kinda guy, I know nothing about this model....not even the year......
WDBDA24C1FF071324........188K miles

for $150.00

PO was a college student, got the car from his mom.....car is trashed....not a lot of straight sheet metal, some rust....all glass is good and tinted....no alternator or battery....

The steering is locked, ignition key is slightly bent.....key operates all doors and trunk...so it is probably the "main key" not a "valet key"....am in process of washing out the tumblers and will continue to try to get the key to turn throughout the weekend......have thoroughly cleaned the key.....will attempt to straighten a bit later.....PO (or someone) has removed and destroyed the center AC Vent....also Climate Control Panel is out...can touch the rear of the ignition thru the void that this stuff's removal creates....need some ideas on where to go in freeing up the ignition......

I have moved this car to my yard, was interesting just loading and unloading it from the trailer........freeing up the steering will prevent me from further damaging this car when I move it to a better spot for it to sit for awhile......intend to do a compression test and then will decide what to do with this car......run it, scrap/part out, or possibly could turn it into a Junkyard class dirt track racer.....hey they use Toyotas, and Nissans

SB

[Shorebilly]

From looking around online, I have fond out that the car is a 1985 model.....

Steering is still locked......

SB

[Shorebilly]

Folks,

By my way of thinkin'...the ignition switch and the key both wear.....as the key is inserted and operated over the years.....assuming that both the tumblers inside of the switch and the key both wear at a similar rate....then if one were to purchase a "new" key from MB using the VIN #.....then half of the wear causing the switch to be inoperable should be restored with the new key.....and maybe a new key would solve the problem and actually work......

Has anyone else purchased a new key for an inoperable MB 190 E Ignition and had success????

Ignition still stuck....still worrying it......and flushing it with WD 40......

SB

[crashone]

Shorebilly good to see you around. Before spending that kind of money for a new tumbler etc. try to find a tumbler with key at the junkyards and switch them out. That may tell you if a new key and tumbler with your vin # will be worth the expense. Good luck.

[Shorebilly]

It is my understanding that the ignition switch needs to be operational in order to remove the tumbler mechanism.....and thus unlock the steering column......

.....can the ignition switch and steering locking mechanism be removed without the switch being operational???

from what I have read here in the forum.....it seems best to do all possible to actuate the key.....and the only other recourse is to drill out the tumblers!!!

SB

[Shorebilly]

Folks,

I'm just bumping this up a tad......steering is still locked......still worrying the key in the ignition.....have not spent any money on this car...yet....

I honestly hate to drag this car with my tractor, to a spot that I can live with for awhile.....at present it's out in the yard where it was unloaded.....

SB

[crashone]

Someone may have changed out the ignition tumbler so you would need 2 keys--1 for the doors etc and 1 for the ignition. That,s how my 126 was set up before I bought a new tumbler and key from the dealer. The tumbler on the 190 uses a 2 prong tool (5mm? allen key, large paper clip etc) to release it from the switch. You may be able to work it in and remove the tumbler and get the wheel unlocked. Good luck.

[slk230red]

Originally Posted by Shorebilly

It is my understanding that the ignition switch needs to be operational in order to remove the tumbler mechanism.....and thus unlock the steering column......

.....can the ignition switch and steering locking mechanism be removed without the switch being operational???

from what I have read here in the forum.....it seems best to do all possible to actuate the key.....and the only other recourse is to drill out the tumblers!!!

SB

To remove the tumbler, you have to be able to turn the ignition switch to position 1. Otherwise, you have to drill it out.

I have both set of directions on Word documents. If you will PM me with your email address, I'll send you both.