Steering Lock [190e 2.3]
 

Lately when i go to start my car [91 190e 2.3] is has been giving me problems. The steering wheel is locked in place and i cannot turn the key. I usually remedy this by taking the key out flipping it over and putting it back in. Today, this stopped working. The steering wheel is locked, i cannot turn the key, and when i try and depress the brake it barely goes down. The weather outside is 0-20*F in New York state. Any opinions or suggestions ??

time to replace the column lock and the tumbler, also. how much does your key ring weigh? i tell mb owners only car keys and 1 house key allowed. too much weight pulls the key down while in the cylinder and wears both out. once the lock cyl gets sloppy, the connection to the steering lock gets sloppy, too. if, by chance, the key works again, go straight to your favorte mb specilaiist and DO NOT TURN THE KEY TO THE OFF POSITION. it will make the removal process easier with the key still on. it has to be turned a bit to remove it. if it stays locked, then the cluster has to come out , the wheel comes off and the lock assy cut from the steering column. messier, and more exspensive. good luck, chuck.

my key doesnt way anything at all.. i was reading that this prcodure is 500-700$, how many hours of labor are involved in this ?

Go to your dealer or local indy mechanic and buy a new key and tumbler set. With some luck, the new key will permit you to get the tumbler set in there to turn once more, and you can remove the tumbler.

Otherwise, it's about 4 hrs labor to get the old one out.

As I've said many time before (although no one reads it until the key won't turn....) -- get the tumbler changed the first time it acts up, DON'T wait until you cannot use the key! When the key works, tumbler change is a 5 minute job. When it bad, big PITA.

Peter