I too have an issue with the MB metal key stub / plastic head. The way I thought to get around the issue was to have the local lock smith make some all metal brass keys for me. They worked great and I didn't use the MB key. I thought case closed... but hold on...... Until I read on this forum that the filings from the brass key (which there are ultimately plenty of filings depositing themselves on the dashboard under the ignition switch) get in the lock mechanism and screw up your ignition lock to a point where it has to be replaced. The MB key is steel not brass and doesn't deposit filings into your ignition switch.

Since I didn't want to go through the pain of removing the ignition lock system to replace same, I chose to get a new plastic head. Now I have changed the way I grasp the key. Rather than turning it by the plastic end I grab it at the end of the head with the metal key stub wings. The plastic has lasted for quite a while this way.

Oh yeah another problem is that the ignition key is not the same as the door key and the only way to get a copy of the key is to get the dealer the VIN number, (and now you have to take your car to the dealer to do that) and the ignition lock so they can match up its part number for the appropriate key. When I only gave the dealer my VIN it resulted in a new door key and not a new ignition key. Evidently my car had a "new" ignition lock at some point in its life. So, I treat the one ignition key very carefully because I don't want to get a whole "new" ignition lock / key set.

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Pete Williams, President emeritus - MBCA-International Stars (Eastern Mich.) Now Wi. & Az.
1985 300D Manual 4 speed Green Hen's tooth
1979 MGB triple black Az car nice
1969 back 1/2 of MGB (Az home built trailer)
1991 Volvo 245 Wagon Nice AZ Restored Gold Brick
1983 Jeep CJ7 37,600 Miles Summer use only