Trying to find key code on a W110 1966 200D
 

Ok, so I lost the only key for my 200D. I tried to get one from Mercedes, but it didnt work in ignition or the doors. I called a locksmith, and they said that there is a paper tag under some paneling that should have the factory key-cut code, beginning with A, M or D and 5 digits, like 11111-55555...

I poked around a bit on my car, and since the ignition is in the dash, might the code be behind it somewhere? Before I go tearing the car apart, I wanted to see if anyone knows right where it is.

Thanks!
RYan

Just confirming that when you say you tried getting one from Mercedes, you mean you have your car's data card and you contacted the Mercedes-Benz Classic Center and the key they sent you didn't work; right?

Corrrect, I waited 8 months for the key from Mb and it didn't work.

My W110, and my Dad's years ago, has separate keys for ignition and door locks, I suspect yours should too. If the key code from your data card at MBCC didn't produce a key that works the cylinders may have been changed, the lock sliders may be worn or incorrectly rebuilt at some point. If you are not comfortable taking a lock cylinder apart a good locksmith should be able to diagnose and cut a key to suit. Which key are you missing? There should be three: ignition, doors and trunk.

As stated, your car is probably a 3-key car. If Mercedes sent you the key to the glovebox, that is not incorrect. But for 1966 that key should not fit anything else (except maybe the gas cap - I forget if the gas cap key matches glove box or matches doors - I think glove box). You need the data card and it should list 3 key codes.

Who at Mercedes did you order the keys from? I recommend you contact Tom Hanson at the Classic Center. Ask for ignition and door keys and ask for your datacard. It should not take months to get this.

Just to clarify - when you say the key doesn't work in the ignition or doors, I'm assuming it doesn't even fit into the lock cylinders. Is that correct? Well, it may fit into the door cylinders, they are rather sloppy.

More suggestions: If you are a member of AAA you get emergency IGNITION lock service. Depending on your level with AAA you get (I think) $75+ in credit towards getting a new key made by a locksmith. Problem is that you need to have the car at the locksmith (well, that's what I did at least).

Furthermore, if you REALLY need a new ignition lock for a 1966 diesel Fintail I think I have one. (with a key). The Mercedes price for the lock on this car is like $800. Wow. However, if your key fits in in the ignition lock but doesn't turn, it could be that it doesn't turn because of the glow plug knob pull thing which has a cable going to the lock that prevents you from moving it to certain positions unless the glow plug knob is in the correct position. I don't know the details of this as the part I have (from either a 66 or 67 diesel fintail) was a junker.

So you _could_ remove the ignition lock (minor pain) and start the car by disconnecting the bakelite thing on the back of the ignition switch and turning it with a screwdriver. If you got that far, you could take the lock to a locksmith and if you have AAA maybe get a key made. That is IF they have a key blank, which is unlikely for a car of that age....

Hope some of this helps.

scott

I do not have the data card. :(

I'm missing all of them.

Should MB have all the Data card information if I give them the VIN?
I got the keys through the parts department at my local MB dealer. I thought they said they got it through the classics center, but I dont remember.
The key I received fits the ignition, but wont turn it. It doesnt fit anywhere else.

I'll give Tom a call and see what he says.

Thanks for the help so far everyone!

1. Get the datacard. Provide proof of ownership (scan of registration or title showing VIN and your name and the Classic Center will email you the datacard.

2. Sorry you are missing all the keys.

3. MB might or might not have the datacard information based on VIN. Some cars they have to get the information from Germany. Most cars they just pull it up. And some cards have wonky key codes on the datacard that need to be translated by someone in the Mercedes archives...

4. The key fits in the ignition - that's a good sign.

a) Did it come in a little envelope with a key code written on it? If so, compare to key code on datacard when you get it.

b) Is the steering wheel in a "locked" position? If so and if there is tension on the wheels in one direction or the other it can make it hard to unlock the steering column. Verify that you can't turn the key while trying to turn the steering column in either direction.

c) consult owner's manual or someone who knows diesels better than I know them regarding the starting procedure. I know it has something to do with a gorilla knob and I know that there is a cable going to the ignition switch related to the gorilla knob that keeps it from turning if you don't have the gorilla knob pulled out at least part way. I think the way it works is you pull out the gorilla knob and then you can turn the key to "on" and the glow plugs activate, and then you pull the gorilla knob further to activate the starter. someone can correct me on this PLEASE but it may be that you aren't pulling something out that is required in order to turn the key.

Scott

where would that paper datacard be located exactly?

Contact the classic center and send them (scan or fax or whatever) proof of ownership - for example the registration or title in your name with the VIN on it. They will email you a copy of the datacard.

If you search the forum for datacard there are probably more detailed instructions.

Ryan, the ignition key is not too much of a pain to get out.
For your Fintail 200 Diesel, the ignition switch is connected to the pull starter knob on the side as a whole assembly.
Had this on my 1966 Universal wagon.

There is a string of numbers stamped on the barrel of the ignition assembly. That's the key code you need.

Believe your key will be with 'Niemann' on it big square head key with the teeth on one side.

Walter

And since you seem to be missing all of your keys, the key code for the glovebox lock is on the cylinder of the glove box lock. Take it out of the glove box and write it down. The key code for the door locks are on the door handles inside the door. Remove one of the door handles and see if you see the key code on the part that is inside the door. As for ignition, if the car has had the lock replaced then you are out of luck.