Today the face of my ignition switch broke off. When I put the key in I have to wiggle it to get it to work. The car is an 87' 300E. Is the switch easy to replace? Or does it require speacial tools?

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Chris Muc
Auto Tech
'87 300E 330,000 km

The piece in question would be the tumbler assembly. Get it replaced before it refuses to turn at all. Its an easy 15 minute job with the proper tools. If the lock gets stuck and will not turn, its a couple of hours of work with a die grinder to get it out.


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W.R.Durrance
ASE Master Tech
Mercedes Tech 19 Years

Be careful, Don't get that key stuck. Those sidewinders are tuff, but they do break. (just ask me how it's done. Get the ignition switch replaced by someone who know what they are doing.. :eek:

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Jeff L
1987 300e
1989 300e

Thanks for the advice on removing it quickly. I looked up the procedure in ALLDATA at work and it instructed me to make a tool to release the retaining mechanism. In the process of removing the cylinder, it no longer turned, so it's a good thing I got it out. Unfortunatly it will take 10 days to get a new one, so right now I have to start it with a screw driver. They are able to code it to my old key so I will still only have the one key. The cost the dealer quoted is $140.00 can. Is this reasonable?

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Chris Muc
Auto Tech
'87 300E 330,000 km

Anything below $200.00 on a Benz is reasonable. A replacement key alone can run you $45-$50.