92 300E Key Issues
 

Suddenly, Main Key won't turn from 0 position to start.
Valet key still works though. Any ideas?
Can I get copy of valet key?
Are key only available at MBZ Stealers?

Thanks,

Joe

Get one from the dealer, they are steel and cut by computer code. The locksmith versions are usually brass and can wear and break. I would get two.

Have you ever replaced the tumbler?

They are known to wear and if it locks up permantly in the 0 position- you'll either have a hard repair job or an expensive bill.

Instead of buying just a key ($10-20) go buy a tumbler assy for $90 and it comes with a new key.



Michael

As preventative maintenance I think I'm going to pull the tumbler of my fully functional and working ignition switch while I can get it out easily and disable the wheel locking feechur, and put it back in. I'm thinking if the tumbler goes, I'll ditch the key altogether pull the wires and move them over to an electronic proximity card sensor, using space on the left of wheel for a hot new "GO" button on it. There's room for a card slide-in slot over there too. And use an electrically controlled vac solenoid for engine kill vac lines that run through the ignition switch.. Which is just weird.

I've already ditched using door tumblers in favor for a remote entry that was super easy to hook up in trunk that cost like, $15 total. Now, I'll never have to go into the doors to fix a tumbler there, which is another bear of a job.

No I haven't replaced the tumbler. Is it a difficult job? I have done them in my old ford truck, wasn't too bad, but I can't even see how this works.

Any more information on this? I'd like to get a remote entry, but the ones I have seen were anywhere from $60-$300.

You can buy a 2-channel momentary remote receiver plus two transmitters with lock / unlock symbols on them on ebay, for about $10. China suppliers.

I picked a unit that came with nice metal encased remotes, with slide covers... higher quality so maybe I spent $15 in total. Blue led indicator.

For w124, reveal the connector at the trunk latch, the wire runs from passenger side tail light to the latch. It has 3 wires, you take off your +12 there and ground for your receiver at the taillight. Wire each receiver relay wiper to (I forget if its hot or ground I have to check) and the relay's normally open contact runs to one of the other wires going to the latch. If you press unlock and get a lock, reverse your connections.

Done.

If you have a working alarm, this also arms / disarms it. It's the same as using your key in the trunk to lock / unlock all doors. Did you know you can do that?

Of course, this depends on having your vac motor and lines all working for the door locks.

You'll find the tumbler replacement is very very easy.

I think a piece of wire- approximately 2mm bent into a U and insert in the 2 holes. Trim piece pops off.


Maybe 15 minutes - there are some writeups on this site I'm sure.

Replace it and sleep soundly for a long time to come!

Good luck.

OK, I dug out my notes. Slight correction to what I said above.

You send either a positive pulse or a ground pulse out to the same YELLOW wire (on my car) at the trunk latch.

Ground locks the car.
Positive unlocks the car.

So hook your relay outputs this way.

It's a half hour job, I really recommend it.

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Thanks!