The MB shop manual covers it, and there are plenty of posts here about how to remove the lock assembly, but how do you remove it when the lock won't turn.

I have an '89 300E with a driver's door lock that won't turn. I've tried lubricating it and have new keys, so the problem is probably in the tumblers. Proper removal requires the key to be turned 60 degrees in order to "unlock" the keyed connector to the latch assembly and pull the lock assembly. It is easy to do and I have practiced on the passenger door.

I finally removed the inner door panel to see what could be done, but could not find a way.

As far as I can tell from searching the archives, nobody here has posted a solution, although lock removal using a key that turns has been discussed many times. Any help appreciated.

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Jim Wiggin
Columbus, OH
1989 300E

Do you have any guns

clamp a large pair of vicegrips on the key and try turning very carefully.it goes with out saying do not break the key off!

Help! I've got this same problem - key absoluetely will not turn--

Cannot remove lock without turning key.

I've gothe door panel off....there's got to be some way around this?

Thanks

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1) 84 300SD 285K+ Miles (Ver Calif)
2) 84 300SD 175K+ Miles (Ver Federal)

Aerosol graphite, slight wriggling with patience. I presume the pins are gummed and need to be worked free. In & out as well as slight turns left/right. You should find this will free the pins.

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Steve
'87 300TD - 132K - Soon 4-Sale
'84 300D Turbo - 122K - Driving
'77 VW Type II - 77K - Restored
'08 250EX Ninja
English Bulldog (Brier) - My best friend. Passed away 12/02/04 while in my arms.

You hold a jig saw or orbital sander handle on the head of the key and the vibrations will aid in lining up the tumblers for the key to turn......

I love that one. The locksmith never mentioned that to me yet it would beat the heck out of what I stated with slight wriggling. I don't want to say that I want one of my keys to stick so I can try it however I can't wait until someone else's does.

This is one of the best reasons for these forums. Ideas.

Arthur,
Hope to bring the 300D Turbo over your way before snow flies. I need to purchase and use valve wrench set before feeling comfortable. You must know where a good burger/fry place is. Or a good sub shop.

__________________
Steve
'87 300TD - 132K - Soon 4-Sale
'84 300D Turbo - 122K - Driving
'77 VW Type II - 77K - Restored
'08 250EX Ninja
English Bulldog (Brier) - My best friend. Passed away 12/02/04 while in my arms.

my two cents is that this occurred on my ignition after being totally unable to remove the cylinder with the release pins. Just didnt work and I think they were drilled out or damaged..Then the lock seized and I had to run drills through the key slot until it would turn with a screwdriver. It will now turn and start easily with just anything, a key or a screwdriver and I STILL cannot get the lock cylinder out. Im not driving this car so its not fixed, but its not that hard to drill out and turn the lock and dealing with it from this point is what would separate the You Tube mechanics from the real experts!

Lock panel can't be removed if you try to remove it by own. So, consider trying to replace the lock panel with the help of locksmith.

Lock panel can't be removed if you try to remove it by own. So, consider trying to replace the lock panel with the help of locksmith.