That post reminded me of something. I'd order a new VIN-coded lock cylinder from the dealer FIRST, before doing ANYTHING else. It will come with a new laser-cut, steel key. Sometimes just a new, fresh key will get the old tumbler to turn one last time. And you need the new tumbler anyway, so you should attempt this BEFORE spending 3-5 hours cutting, grinding, and drilling the old lock ass'y out. (Or if a shop is doing it, think of $300-$500 labor you might save.)

That sucks, its not worth trying to nurse these tumblers. If they start to fail just order a new one, remove it and start the car with a screwdriver for a couple days if you have to.

Once it jams a 10 minute $80 job turns into a full day $500 job.

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1999 SL500
1969 280SE
2023 Ram 1500
2007 Tiara 3200

I had the same problem with my 92 300E about one month ago. My shop said that it would be an expensive lesson for not bringing it in sooner. I had it towed and expected to be ready for the worst. I happened to have the spare ignition key that I kept in my wallet. It is very short, about 11/2" and does not have the black leather type end for a ring. I gave it to the main mechanic and the first time he inserted into the lock PRESTO it unlocked and he kept it open until he got the new lock assembly and key. MB keeps these in stock and the new key fits your doors etc,. Cost about $265.xx as apposed to about $600.00+.

Tarheel75

thanks tarheel, I have that key and tried it also before it was towed. No luck

wont have the car back until this Friday

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1995 E300 diesel

So I was talking to the guy at the shop the other day, I stopped by with vibrating sander to try and get the key to turn. He already had it apart.
He said this is a 'wear and tear' item. I said well how come my 95 Nissan has no problems and I've never heard of this before, he replied that they do BMW and MB all the time and to buy a Japanese car.

Wrong answer dumbass!

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1995 E300 diesel

Sounds like a good answer to me, they never seem to break on the appliance cars.

Maybe because they use brass keys and don't wear the tumbler as bad?

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1999 SL500
1969 280SE
2023 Ram 1500
2007 Tiara 3200

I'd rather replace a $5 key than a complete lock assy.... German engineering my ass

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1995 E300 diesel

Lots of that on European cars, I prefer to think of it as charm.


And they all leak something...

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1999 SL500
1969 280SE
2023 Ram 1500
2007 Tiara 3200

Well $791 later I can turn my key and they also replaced the belt and adjusted the tensioner which fixed my squeal and saved my probably $200 in parts I was going to replace myself.

My question now is- is this lock failure something a dealer should be aware of, enough that when I paid for a pre-purchase inspection they should have noticed the key not turning smoothly and alerted me to that?

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1995 E300 diesel

What is the recommendation on when to change the lock cylinder before problems occur? Mileage, age of car? I've already replaced the cylinder on my 240D, but the 300SD with 150k miles still has the original as far as I know.

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

As long as the key continues to work smoothly, I wouldn't replace the lock. If you are in real need to spend money, send some of it to me. Should the lock ever feel "sticky" or is hesitant to turn (and it's not just the steering lock), then is the time to change the cylinder.

The length of time varies widely from car to car (owner to owner?). My '96 E300D (254,000 miles) and my '85 300D-T (232,000 miles) both have the original locks, AFAIK. No hint of trouble with either.

Jeremy

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"Buster" in the '95

Our all-Diesel family
1996 E300D (W210) . .338,000 miles Wife's car
2005 E320 CDI . . 113,000 miles My car
Santa Rosa population 176,762 (2022)
Total. . . . . . . . . . . . 627,762
"Oh lord won't you buy me a Mercedes Benz."
-- Janis Joplin, October 1, 1970

As long as it works well its fine, most last about 20 years. When it starts to stick replace it ASAP. They usualy give a fair amount of warning.

Brass keys will cause them to fail sooner, make sure you only use steel keys!

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1999 SL500
1969 280SE
2023 Ram 1500
2007 Tiara 3200