Lost Keys 79 450SL How can I change ignition lock cylinder
 

Hello all, I was wondering if someone can give me advice on how I would go about changing ignition lock tumbler on 79 450SL if I dont have any key. Also I need to break into trunk, would I be able to drill out the cylinder? The trunk is in dead lock postion not just locked by the vacuum lock. Any insight would be greatly appreciated..Thanks so much for any and all help...

Please contact the Classic center and have them FedEx you a key. It takes about 2-3 days, but you won't have to ruin your car.

Wow didn't know they could do that for a car this old..are you positive they can do that? What will they need? Just VIN #? Thanks for your help...:)

...And proof of ownership.

You can go to their website, or even try to call them in irvine, ca right now.

I usually just go direct to Tom Hanson via email. Save yourself time by sending a copy of your title and license.

Thomas.hanson@mbusa.com

Thank you very much..I will email him right now..much appreciated

you can go to your dealer and they can assist as well , at least mine did.

Wow how old is your car? Was it a classic? That would be very convenient if that's the case..unfortunately most of the Benz dealers in the NYC area don't wanna see you if you not dropping 100K on a new car..if I can't get anywhere with classic center I will definitely try..thanks for the info

When I lived in NM the Albuquerque dealer was very helpful in getting keys for my W115s and a few W123s as well. Individual keys don't cost a lot, either, less than $30 for the ones I got. Totally worth it to have a numbers cut key based on a steel blank. So much better than brass copies of copies of copies.

mine was an 84, try http://www.mbpartsworld.com/ Atlanta dealer online, he may help with a copy of your VIN sent to him.
They sourced a "MB part only " for me when the local guy turned his nose up

The classic center has provided keys for me for cars as old as 1959. I know I've successfully gotten keys for cars all through the 70's and 80's. When I am down to a single (or zero) keys on any MB car, I contact the Classic center.

Thank you guys for all your input..I emailed Classic Center but they haven't got back to me yet..probably cause of weekend...I will give them a jingle tomorrow..hopefully they will help me...I tried them once in the past for a part for my W116 and they told me they don't deal with the public only Mercedes dealers..hopefully I don't get that same person on phone again when I call..lol

While you are at it, ask for a copy of your data card. The data card has all your options and your key codes on it. When you have your key code you can get keys from the classic center or from other retailers, like keymen.com for example.

Hello all..got a call back from classic center..they said they can get master key..only problem I have is they said that if my car is currently using 2 keys...1 for ignition and 1 for doors, trunk and glove box then someone at some point changed ignition cylinder..they said it should all be the same key..is that the case? We're all the locks in the car the same? My car currently uses a kind of square key for doors and trunk and had a regular flat key for ignition...

It does sound like your ignition has been changed which does put you in a sticky situation. If you have the key, you can easily change the tumbler, but if you don't, the job gets much messier.

Thank you for your help..Mr Hanson at classic center refered me to a local place near me..I spoke to them and they willing to cut me master key...I'll let ya know how I make out ...:)