Ah sounds like the trusty ignition lock failure. Try moving the steering wheel back and forth while trying to move the key. Tell your friend to order a new ignition lock tumbler matched to the VIN of his car along with an IGN. lock assy. I have had this part fail in all my MB cars.

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1983 Mercedes 300SD
1987 Mercedes 300SDL
2001 VW Passat 2.8 AWD
2007 OM642 Jeep WK 4x4

wow so this is common? how much would this cost about? if you know from the top of your head an estimate that would be great, and i will go to the dealer tomorrow and see if that will work. Thank you!!!

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lifelong burner of the midnight oil

New tumbler will run aroun US$75 based on the last one I purchased. Easy, 10 minute job to replace as long as you can still turn the key.

I'm not entirely convinced that that is your problem though. Did you try turning the key back off and then try again? Will it always go from glo position and back to off without any issues? If it does then I don't believe it is the tumbler but based on mileage it may be time to change it anyway.

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Jim