FYI: Keys for 80's 123s are easy - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

phasmatisnox · #1 07-03-2006, 05:36 PM

Don't pay $30 to a dealership. Many locksmiths don't have any idea when they look at your key compared to the books- because our cars are old enough that they're not in the books. My local locksmith kept the old books around, was able to make a copy for me. I have an 84 300D. The key blank that you need is "X83" or "MB39". Mine is an Ilco brass key. I know a lot of you want steel keys, but I'd rather have a bunch of $3 brass keys get worn down than the brass insides of my lock getting worn down by the steel key. Hope this works for you, and good luck.

stcbenz83 · #2 07-03-2006, 05:41 PM

so you can get a factory original key from the dealership??? with the black boot on it??

Wodnek · #3 07-03-2006, 05:47 PM

Yes, I got a couple too.
Try getting a key for a 116 though...

PanzerSD · #4 07-04-2006, 10:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Wodnek

Yes, I got a couple too.
Try getting a key for a 116 though...

I have a new key for my 116, it wasn't any trouble at all, but gotta go thru the dealership, and it's about $75CDN

phasmatisnox · #5 07-03-2006, 05:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by stcbenz83

so you can get a factory original key from the dealership??? with the black boot on it??

No, it's a plain Ilco brass key. I'm going to powdercoat mine, though. If anyone wants me to powdercoat their keys or other small object, I should be able to do that after Christmas this year.

Maroon 300D · #6 07-03-2006, 06:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by phasmatisnox

No, it's a plain Ilco brass key. I'm going to powdercoat mine, though. If anyone wants me to powdercoat their keys or other small object, I should be able to do that after Christmas this year.

I got a key from the dealer. I'm looking at it now. I don't think it's brass...but what do I know? This thing is brass?

Maroon 300D · #7 07-03-2006, 07:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Maroon 300D

I got a key from the dealer. I'm looking at it now. I don't think it's brass...but what do I know? This thing is brass?

Nevermind, I think I read things wrong. This key is cold, hard steel.

#8 07-03-2006, 10:53 PM

when in doubt use a magnet

speedy300Dturbo · #9 07-03-2006, 05:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by phasmatisnox

I know a lot of you want steel keys, but I'd rather have a bunch of $3 brass keys get worn down than the brass insides of my lock getting worn down by the steel key. Hope this works for you, and good luck.

Actually, when the brass keys wear down, they leave behind small shavings that eventually destroy the lock tumblers.

Mister Byrnzoil · #10 07-03-2006, 06:48 PM

$48 for 2 OE keys from the dealer was harsh, but its cheaper and less hassle than changing a tumbler.

#11 07-03-2006, 10:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by speedy300Dturbo

Actually, when the brass keys wear down, they leave behind small shavings that eventually destroy the lock tumblers.

i agree, i think it is funny when i advise customers to trash their brass keys and get OE steel keys, but they continue to use them the a month later the car is towed in with a key that won't turn. amounts to pay me a little now, or pay me even more later.

miner · #12 07-03-2006, 11:39 PM

I still dont understand. A brass key on brass leaves doesn't leave shavings unless it is nickel plated. Right? Steel is much harder than brass. Why would you want to rub hard steel on little brass leaves? Plus, $25 per key? I know we all want to avoid having to drill out a steering lock, but again, how do metal shavings get in the tumbler from a brass key if all it is rubbing up against are brass leaves?

TwitchKitty · #13 07-04-2006, 08:09 AM

Get both, keep the cheap brass keys as a spares and use the new steel key everyday.

#14 07-04-2006, 09:46 AM

Don't use brass keys, as the others have said. I think the brass keys is what destroyed the locks in my old 300CD.

#15 07-04-2006, 02:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by miner

I still dont understand. A brass key on brass leaves doesn't leave shavings unless it is nickel plated. Right? Steel is much harder than brass. Why would you want to rub hard steel on little brass leaves? Plus, $25 per key? I know we all want to avoid having to drill out a steering lock, but again, how do metal shavings get in the tumbler from a brass key if all it is rubbing up against are brass leaves?

not sure how it works. i just know from years of dealing with brass keys what happens. maybe it is the way the leaves rub the key, they may scrape it just the right way whis causes brass to be lost from the key. i have seen some so bad that there was a little "pile" of prass shavings setting on the little outer ledge below the key hole. thake our advice, or you will see how inconvenient and expensive it is to deal with this issue when it happens.

all prices are aproximate and may vary in either direction also factor in towing the car to your hose or a shop, if you have to have someone else do the install, plus the labor to remove the old one. by the time all said and done could be over $500.00, so i would say $25 per key is a small price to pay for the benefits you get from using the proper key.
also factory coded tumbler will be the way to go and will come with a key indexed to your car.

please see pictures below

tumbler coded from mercedes
$56.00
cover for the tumbler
$30.00
steering lock assy
$220.00