Ok, this is one to all you good techs out there...

I have got a broken ignition lock...

Some background on my problem:
Already done a search on ignition locks and found a lot about this topic. Unfortunately I didn't know all I know now earlier. So I know you'll have to turn the key until the tumble remover tool can be inserted. I haven't really been experienced problems with the lock before so this came up totally as a surprise. Must admit, not really a nice one . My car (W201) has just about 200 km on the odometer and I don't know if the locks been changed before.

The real problem is that I'm not able to turn the key at all. It is possible to insert and remove the key but it just don't want to be turned once it's there. Are there really not any good tricks left to do? Do this lock need to be removed the hard way? If so...I could use some good advices(READ: I really need them!). I haven't done similar jobs before but everything else on my car I've been able to fix on my own(for those who wonders:a broken sunroof, fan switch replacement, minor bodyworks, ovp-relay aso).

It can't to be that hard, right?...I haven't got the service manual but a Hayes is on delivery at the moment. Could anybody explain the procedure for "drilling it out"? I've already got some good tool and time is NOT essential. I got a week off and don't need the car . Anyway, thanks to all of you that can afford some of your time.

BTW...Tomorrow I'll try to order a new lock and set of new keys.

And to the owner/owners of this website: What would we, benz-owners, do without this site? You guys really knows how to put some sunshine on other peoples skies and get our benzes rolling...

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'87 MBenz 190E 2,3 8vlv

If the key is in the lock you should keep trying to get it to turn, it could help if you where able to impart some vibration to the key as you applied some turning pressure at the same time. You could always head down to the local adult toy shop and tell them you needed a large industrial strength model for this purpose!!!!! But seriously locksmiths use vibrations to have the tumbler pins moving as they apply pressure turning the key, eventually the tumbler pins are lined up correctly and the key turns, Voila! Good Luck!

I don't know if this can apply to your 190D, but when I had the problem on my 300D, I would jiggle the steering wheel
for about 30-45 minutes while simutaneously trying to get the key to turn with ease.
It takes time and patience.
Anther trick was to insert the key with the front tip slightly pointing down and applying that angle of pressure while turning.
It a mix of the above that finally got mine going so that I could replace the whole set up.

russian roulette!!

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1979 300D 199 K miles
1995 C280 95 K miles
1992 Cadillac Eldorado Touring Coupe 57K miles
********************
1979 240D 140Kmiles (bought for parents) *SOLD.
SAN FRANCISCO/(*San Diego)
1989 300SE 148 K miles *SOLD

First of all thanks for the advises! Vibrations was just what the lock needed. Here is the way I did:

1. Removed the trim list around the tumble.
2. With the key inserted (the one without plastic on it) I used a electric jigsaw, which makes some good vibes, and put the plastic handle of the saw against the key itself. This made it possible to turn the key with a small wrench. No violence applied!
3. Made a 2mm vire with ends cut diagonally and inserted it into the slots for about 2,5 inch. I found a great website for the w201 where this tool were described very detailed. Big thank you to the owner of this site. http://www.geocities.com/shvoldum

But here does the story end...I hear the klick as the vire goes in but the tumble is still stuck. I am working with the car at the moment but can get the tumble out. Am I missing something???

I also ordered a new tumble with keys(on my VIN#, of course) from my nearest dealer and he said it will cost me about 40 USD.

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'87 MBenz 190E 2,3 8vlv

FYI...I wasn't missing anything. After several tries the tumbler poped out. Very well...

Thanks once again!

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'87 MBenz 190E 2,3 8vlv

Are yoou Finnish-ed??

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1979 300D 199 K miles
1995 C280 95 K miles
1992 Cadillac Eldorado Touring Coupe 57K miles
********************
1979 240D 140Kmiles (bought for parents) *SOLD.
SAN FRANCISCO/(*San Diego)
1989 300SE 148 K miles *SOLD

Both yes and no. Yes, I'm finnish and no, I haven't replaced the borrowed tumbler with my new one. I will do this as soon as my dealer has the new tumbler for me...

BTW. The borrowed tumbler had a key which is larger than my former on. Is this a stock tumbler for any other benz model? And it looks like the two little holes for the removal tool was harder to reach. I can update on this later on...

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'87 MBenz 190E 2,3 8vlv

Every dealer has a set of "shop locks" that are only used on a temp basis until the correctly keyed sets come from NJ. I had the same experience on my 300TE a few years ago. The key has a round, oval end to it and is pretty thick, right?

someguyfromMaryland

Yep, you're right. My temporary key looks exactly the same way.

Just finnished replacement of the new tumble and I must admit; It is so easy to remove the tumbler when you've done it once


I just love messing around in my car!!!:p :p

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'87 MBenz 190E 2,3 8vlv

Great message for my problem also. But mine goes a little further. I have no idea where to start in removing and replacing the ignition lock set. If someone could describe the procedure in detail it would be greatly appreciated!!!

For additional info do a search on "ignition" and "tumbler."

There are two holes in the face of the ignition lock. You may have to remove some of the dash faceing to enable the steel cylinder (surrounding the tumbler) to come out.

1] Insert your key and turn it to about 2 o'clock, the Accessory position.
2] Push the tool into the two holes about 1-1/2" into the lock assembly to disengage the paws.
3] Once it disengages the paws within the tumbler, pull on the key and the ignition lock assembly and steel surround will come out.
*Removal of the tumbler assembly won't cut power to the accessories. So you can listen to the radio or tape while doint the R&R.

The "tool" is made from a metal coat hanger bent to form a "U."
1] The tool should be about 100 mm (4”) long.
2] The distance between the shafts [you insert in the holes] is 20mm.
3] A thick coat hanger wire of 2mm works well.
4] The shafts will go 40mm (1-1/2") into the lock assembly to disengage the paws.
5] File the ends to a 45 to 70 degree angle with short side on inside of "U." (You're pushing paws towardinside of tumbler.)

Bob
Email me off list and I'll send you jpg if it doesn't post here.

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Bob did explain it very good.

If you wonder how to remove the trim piece around the ignition lock it's just to pry it with a screwdriver. It will pop out without any problem. I'm assuming your 300td has got the same lock.

Happy hunting

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'87 MBenz 190E 2,3 8vlv

Thank you Bob for the great explaination. I got the acces cover off the dash and can see the black cylindrical cover and now understand how to remove the lock set with the cover off. The problem that I have run into now is I can't get the black cylindrical cover off. My car is a 1984 300SD (don't know if that makes any difference). The cover cylinder is loose enough to move up and down but it does not turn and I have had no luck prying it off. Ary suggestions?

The black barrel comes off with the ignition lock when you use the U-shaped release wire.

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Fred Hoelzle

Fred, thanks for this thread link. I called my local dealership and was quoted Can $179.00 plus taxes for the tumbler and another 20 bucks for the black cylinder cover. They are not cheap.

I am thinking about calling an auto locksmith who may magically revive those nutty pins. Has anyone tried this approach?

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joel

Prayers bring forth enlightenment.