Anyone bought a VIN matched ignition from MB? Just wondering what that is going to cost me.

I have.
what car do you have?
my 82 SD (W126) cost me 24.00 at the MB dealer for the valet key, and spare main key each. the ignition tumbler was 80 and it came with a key.

gonna be hard to change it if yours will not turn... get out the sander, wiggle wiggle,

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John HAUL AWAY, OR CRUSHED CARS!!! HELP ME keep the cars out of the crusher! A/C Thread
"as I ride with my a/c on... I have fond memories of sweaty oily saturdays and spewing R12 into the air. THANKS for all you do!

My drivers:
1987 190D 2.5Turbo
1987 560SL convertible
1987 190D 2.5-5SPEED!!!

1987 300TD
2005 Dodge Sprinter 2500 158"WB
1994GMC 2500 6.5Turbo truck... I had to put the ladder somewhere!

My new 300D key cost less than $20, a new tumbler (including a new key costs less than $100).

However, if your key won't turn at all you may need more than a replacement key.

Better visit www.dieselgiant.com for his tumbler replacement DIY. If your key won't turn, it's going to be a difficult job replacing it.

John

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Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA)
2002 F250 powerstroke with Plantdrive WVO conversion
1983 300SD 190K miles ,sold
2006 E320 CDI

My key will turn, just takes an obscene amount of jiggling. Is replacing the cylinder really as simple as releasing the old one and installing a new one?

Yes and no. Visit www.dieselgiant.com and look at his pictorial. It sounds as if yours is on the way out. Replace it now while the fix is easy. If it locks up, it's a royal pain in the ass.
Your dealer might require proof of ownership. Several years ago the FBI issued a directive that all replacement keys/cylinders require proof of ownership ie: title, registeration card etc. Too many pissed off wives, husbands, lovers, queers were ordering keys and stealing cars.

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DO IT RIGHT THE FIRST TIME, DON'T BE A HACK
Political Correctness is NOT part of my vocabulary
and finally FIGHT CRIME...SHOOT BACK

'82 240D Stick
'85 300D Auto
Drove my first MB at age 16 1960 300SL W190

If you can get the key to turn to position 1, yes. If you can not get the key to turn at all then it becomes much more difficult.

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1979 240D- 316K miles - VGT Turbo, Intercooler, Stick Shift, Many Other Mods - Daily Driver

1982 300SD - 232K miles - Wife's Daily Driver

1986 560SL - Wife's red speed machine

I can, so, sweet. New one on order. Now if I could just get it to shift smoothly, replace both rear brake calipers, and get the A/C fixed I would be able to drive the thing!