w116 steering lock
 

I picked up a parts car 79 300SD. I plan on putting the transmission in my other 79 300SD. Don't have a key. What's the quickest way to disable the steering column lock so I can push the car around??

If your 300SD is similar to my 240D, there is a cable from the key switch to the steering column that releases the steering lock.

So you might start by removing the key switch.

P E H

Don't I have to have a key to remove the key switch?

Diesellieber,

I don't think you have to have the key to remove the lock. Its been so long ago I worked on my 240D lock, I can't remember how I did it. My 240D was the old style with the pull rod for the starter and GP so it may be different than the newer models.

Maybe someone else in the forum can be more help you.

P E H

Take the registration to the dealer and get a key, about $20 or so (may be more).

This will eliminate all sorts of trouble, as removing the steering lock without the key is a 4 hour job, minimum (you have to remove the lower dash panel and grind the hardened locking pin off, etc.

Besides, if you have a key or two, you can sell the steering lock and door locks if you don't want them.

Peter

Unfortunately, the nearest dealer is 50 miles away. I was thinking of something more forceful. A friend suggested I try a slide hammer on the key cylinder to pop it out. I said that might work on a chevy, but it didn't sound like the kind of thing that would work on a mercedes.

Vastly easier to get a key. Call the dealer, that old it may need to come from Germany, which will take a couple more days.

MB never makes the list of most stolen cars, because stealing one pretty much requires a tow truck or an hour's time. Can be done, but not by using a cylinder "yanker" -- it won't come out! The sleeve over the cylinder is pretty tough, and the cylinder will not come out short of removing the whole steering lock.

You also aren't going to snap the steering lock "finger" by yanking on the steering wheel, its about a 1/2" x 3/8" tool steel latch in a hardened ring. MB takes theft deterence with the same serousness as they do engine design.

Peter

psfred,

Is there a cable from the key switch to the steering lock like my older 240D?

Can the cable be either pulled or cut to release the steering lock?

P E H

Nope. The W116 was always vacuum shutoff, not cable shutoff. Pulling the cable will defeat the switch interlock (you cannot pull the start knob out with the key in, and the key will not shut off with the knob in run position), but the steering lock is directly key operated.

I have had the interlock cable go bad and make it impossible to remove the key -- left the keys in and carried a spare set to lock it up with.

Peter

For a 126. Adapt for a keyless 116 and simmer for forty minutes ;)

http://www.peachparts.com/shopforum/showthread.php?t=58636&highlight=steering+lock+diamond

Great post.... if my key works, you still recommend ditching the steering wheel lock, right? Must be a lot easier if the key works.

Ditching the locking "bolt" is where it gets interesting (getting the pawl and other little parts back together in alignment without the "bolt"), but it works MUCH smoother that way. For your purposes, you can just stop after you've removed the assy. from the steering column.