try this, get a pair of needlenose vise grips and a can of penetrating oil. Lube and shake, if it'll turn one more time, get the cly out, then test the steering lock. If not, time for the hamfist methoed and chisel it out.



Joe

__________________
Project Smoker, '87 603 powered wagon
Hauler, 96 CTD can you say torque?
Toy 73 Cougar xr7 convertible
Acme Automotive Inc.
Raleigh NC
919-881-0364

hi rr here just lashed out £15 on a haynes manual for a 190e. trouble is mine is a 190e cosworth. picture looks very nicechapter10/16 lots of room but my merc has the ig key as part of the top assembly. so it looks like i will have to take the whole bloody dash out to get at the back. can i just undo the pinch bolt release the detent pin without having to get the ig switch out first ?? and get it all out together.

Will it help any to pull the gauge cluster? That just takes two wire hooks and disconnecting some wires.

Sixto
91 300SE
87 300SDL
83 300SD

Yup, getting the barrel out is a pain in the ass even with the recommended tool. I tried for 2 hours and gave up. Even the MB tech took slightly over an hour to get it out!!!

RR - you got a Cossie? I have seen one of those and it looks as though the dash has gotta come out first...anyone else own/seen a Cossie and care to confirm this?

Actually, it's me who has the alter ego, Cheap Bastard, but he's been known to make appearances everywhere in time of financial woe.

Gil


PS: What the hell is a Cosworth Mercedes?? Hope it's better than those horrible Cosworth Vegas from way back.

Humm.....try a paper clip, comes out in about 5 seconds, order from MBZ, use your new key (flat blade screwdriver) for 3 or 4 days and, Pa..Pow! you get new cylinder with proper key!

Magic, well under $50.00

I love these car's

__________________
Tim
300CE
280SE 4.5
Sandals (size 11)

message for gil. a cosworth is a 190e tuned by cosworth. tuned head. cams.formula one type exhaust(bunch of bananas). churns out 185 bhp. very quick. 147mph. mb use to race them

Isn't the head in the 190E 2.3-16 made by Cosworth?

Sixto
91 300SE
87 300SDL
83 300SD

I never heard of those cars.. how many did the make, what years, and are any still around?

I'm sure they were never sold in America, but still it'd be a neat car to own.

Gil

yes it is cosworth eng head. comes with factory rear spoiler deep front spoiler. sidespanel skirts. lowered. sport suspension. half leather trim. i have after market alloys.(3spoke as per the mb emblem).they use to race them in europe. years ago one did 50.000 km in 200 hours at an average speed of over 150 mph not bad is it. anyhow its bloody raining now and the in switch can wait.off on vacation chris day will have to take the roller.(tuff decision)

Is it an 8-valve head or a 16-valve head? What's the model number (201.xxx) and engine number (102.xxx)?

Thanks,
Sixto
91 300SE
87 300SDL
83 300SD

Are you already drilling it out?

I had the same thing on my 190E. Key didn't even turn to align the holes for removal. Then I got a very helpful hint from this forum to vibrate it.

Insert the vallet key (steel on without plastic). Use something to generate vibrations on the key. I my case this helped and I didn't have to drill anything out.

I ordered a new ignition lock on vin number and got a shop tumbler during shipment of new one. I did only change tumbler itself.

The tumbler may sit thight there so do not give up on it on the first time swhen you insert removal wire tool. And it's very important that you got a diameter on the wire that is as large as possible. Otherwise it willl be harder to get locking plate pushed down. Also, if I recall right there should be only a locking plate in the upper hole.

Click here for my thread

BTW: Cosworth developed the 2,3 16 valve engine for Mercedes. This should be the same engine as any 16 valve US cars. And same bodykit.

__________________
'87 MBenz 190E 2,3 8vlv

My wife has grown tired of jiggling the key to get it to turn CW to start the car...I say "ahh, c'mon honey, just jiggle it a little, I never seem to have any troubles"

Decide I better check this AWESOME site that has helped me plenty in the past and lo and behold I better get my A$$ in gear!!

Anyway, I'm a bit confused...Fastlane has the Ignition Lock Cylinder for $74 but I've seen posts that I can get it for less then $50, etc. Does the Cylinder from Fastlane come from my VIN so that I maintain only one key for ignition and doors (my wife would NEVER allow two keys :p) or is it a completely different key? AND, if it is the same key, how do they validate I am the correct owner as it has been mentioned that you need registration, title, etc. to provide proof of ownership??

Well, as always, I thank you so much for all of your help! Mike

I think that on-line and mail order parts places can no longer order keys or tumbler cut to a VIN. *BUT* check with Phil.

I'm guessing that what you get for $74 is probably a generic key and tumbler combo.

Some folks get a key when they order a tumbler cut to VIN from the dealer, some get just the tumbler. I've gotten a key twice. It was something like $110 for a W126 tumbler from the dealer.

The dealer checked my driver's license and a photocopy of my registration.

Sixto
91 300SE
87 300SDL
83 300SD

If your lock set up is the same as mine (and make sure it is) then you'll want to see this:

http://www.peachparts.com/shopforum/tech-help/200554-1987-300e-key-stuck-ignition-post1640662.html#post1640662