88' 300e ignition switch/lock seized
 

I tried starting my 1988 300 E and the key would only turn to the first click. after a little silicone spray and some tapping on the key, and wiggling a bit it just got worse. now it won't turn at all. The dealership wants $800 to fix it. they said 800 in parts. I see the ignition lock on here with a key is only 15.99. I've decided to try to fix it myself. Is there a possibility that the ignition lock is all thats broken? How hard is this to change and what does the job entail?

when benz said - engineered like no other car in the world - they meant it.

That key tumbler and steering lock are made of safe quality hardened steel. Some members here have posted your similar problem. First things first - try a brand new key from MB by providing title and ownership proof, when your old key wears down the lock fails to work.

If that does not help - then you need a vibratory device to massage key key in the lock - the vibration may set it free to spin to position 2 - at this position the whole tumbler can be removed with key. Get a new tumbler from the dealership cut to your VIN, its about 100 USD.

I tried two spare keys that I had with no luck. one of which is new. the whole mechanism seams loose.

then you best get a portable massager, hold the key with small vise grips and massage the key while rotating it, it might move, to replace that ignition lock without the key able to move to position 2 is ummm, a heck of a job. I think a company called sauber made a pilot drill for the benz but im not sure.

Very often the steering lock assembly has jammed and you have to get a new steering lock as well as the lock cylinder and ignition switch, I'm sure this is what the dealer is quoting you for, as you usually can't really determine the actual part at fault, one or both parts gets ruined in the process. Instead of all that drilling I found it easier to just remove the upper jacket of the steering column and disassembe it all on a bench.

Happened to me...
The service manager asked me if I could turn the key at all.
"Nope, the key nor the wheel will turn. "
Got some bad news for you. It's a five hour job to remove & replace. :o
If your dealer will do it for 800.00 that's less than I paid.

The way I understand it is if the key can turn, the cylinder can be removed. If it won't, it has to be drilled out. It is a common failure on the 124. Mine had about 132,000 when that happened.

Here's another thread on this topic.

http://www.peachparts.com/shopforum/2949730-post5.html

Good luck.

From my bill for repair:

Labor 480.00
Parts 386.95
tax 60.69
Total 927.64

"Ignition lock mechanical failure, performed inspection of ignition lock, R&R steering wheel, left underdash panel, steering column switche, cut out old ignition lock assembly, replaced tumbler, lock, key buzzer, and electrical switch."

Parts & cost (1 of each):
124-462-20-30 Steering lock 180.70
201-462-02-23 Cover steering 33.15
202-545-01-04 Ignition switch 68.98
124-545-02-14 Switch, ignit 25.38
126-460-02-04 Lock Cylinder 78.74

I believe the 800.00 you were quoted is for the entire job, parts and labor, similar to mine. There's probably no shop rate difference, but I'm in NJ and the work was done at an MB auth. dealer.

I recommend removing the upper jacket to avoid drilling.

fixed
 

I ended up saving my self a lot of headache just by cutting the steering lock out with a saws-all. 200 bucks in parts and it was fixed. thanks for all the help!

Impressive, the locking bolt is hardened steel, I bet you had fun sawz-alling through that.

Awesome! Two thumbs up!:cool:

Question: Has the car been sitting around the last 3 months waiting for you to get to it?

nice salz-all with a brand new metal cutting blade, cut through it like butter. to answer the question on if it was waiting for me for 3 month. Yup I was traveling for some time so it was in my garage waiting for me to get back to it. I kept getting stuck with no luck on budging the key to acc, but the salz-all helped big time.