I removed from my MB 1984 - 300 SD an old malfunctioning Ignition Cylinder Lock to replace for a new one. The process of removal and installation was not difficult, thanks for other members help. The main problem was and still that the new cylinder after installed, when removing the "paper clip" and try to move the key to all four positions it does not work or do not turn as suppose.
At this point I remove again the new cylinder from housing and put back the old one original from MB and it work properly. The only problem with the old one is that the combination cylinder is worn out and it stick many times.
Then I remove again the new cylinder and return to a store from where I bought and got another one from different brand and store (not original MB).
Again the second new cylinder does not work with the same problem as the first one. I thought about the housing itself be the problem but I don't see reason to be the housing since the old cylinder work OK on it.
With my caliper in hands I was comparing dimensions between original MB cylinder and actual not MB cylinder and it has few differences in dimensions but not extremely significant. Now my car is in the garage waiting for this repair and I am in need of some help on this issue.
Please send me your comments because it will be helpful.
Thanks

Nyck

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Nyck - TX - USA

Could your problem be due to the fact that the new cylinder was not made for a Mercedes-Benz, perhaps?

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Semibodacious Transmogrifications a Specialty

1990 300D 2.5 Turbo sedan 171K (Rudolf)
1985 300D Turbo TD Wagon 219K (Remuda)

"Time flies like and arrow, yet fruit flies like a banana"
---Marx (Groucho)

I'm also confused, where did you find an after-market Ignition Cylinder for your car?

As I said in the thread, the housing looks good and functional.
Now why two new cylinders gave me the same problem?
I want to know better the reason of the problem before buy a new lock cylinder. A Mercedes Benz dealer in Dallas - TX ask me $ 85.00 for a new cylinder with matching VIN before 8.25% of state taxes and without key.
New keys are charged separately. Dealers in TX are expensive in prices.
Any more idea are welcome

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Nyck - TX - USA

I found it in many online stores like:performance products, ********az, thebenzbin, autorock, amazon, and many more.

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Nyck - TX - USA

That really isn't that outrageous of a price for that. It doesn't matter that you saved some $ on your new ignitions locks if they don't work.
It could be the whole ignition assembly, as I just went through that, but the new tumblers should still work partially like your old one did.
So, sounds like you may be getting bad parts.
Oh, and taxes kind of go without saying.....

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Jimmy L.
'05 Acura TL 6MT
2001 ML430 My Spare

Gone:
'95 E300 188K "Batmobile" Texas Unfriendly Black
'85 300TD 235K "The Wagon" Texas Friendly White
'80 240D 154K "China" Scar engine installed
'81 300TD 240K "Smash"
'80 240D 230K "The Squash"
'81 240D 293K"Scar" Rear ended harder than Elton John

Maybe try one from a different source, those slight differences may be the problem. Personally, I would get the OEM part from the dealer.

I think that this will be the only and best solution for this problem.
I had worked for ten years for Bosch auto division. German companies work in extremely tight tolerances. Probably small differences between one to another brand is bringing me all this troubles.

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Nyck - TX - USA

I , too bought one of those cheap aftermarket lock cylinders from an aftermarket Worldpac supplier (oriental origin). Though the lock seems to function well enough, the removal pin mechanism was very hard to engage. It is obvious that the tolerances on the cheap ones are not anywhere as tight as the German ones. I didn't use it but found a decent used MB one that suited better.

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80 300SD (129k mi) 82 240D stick (193k mi)77 240D auto - stick to be (153k mi) 85 380SL (145k mi) 89 BMW 535i 82 Diesel Rabbit Pickup (374k mi) 91 Jetta IDI Diesel (155k mi) 81 VW Rabbit Convertible Diesel 70 Triumph Spitfire Mk III (63kmi)66 Triumph TR4a IRS (90k mi)67 Ford F-100 (??)

My next try will be the same than yours; Buy an used and compare work condition. I don't know if is easy to find used with keys on it or if the difference in price comparing with a new is worth.
Will a locksmith be able to repair a damaged lock cylinder?
I know that I look to be a cheap guy but the problem is that I can't afford to spend money at this time.
Any other help will be appreciated.
Nyck

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Nyck - TX - USA

I went for three years without an ignition cylinder using a plain screwdriver to start my car. The valet key was a Phillips head.

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Toblin

'79 300D, "Liesel von Diesel", 235K

I kid proofed the house....but they still get in