95 E300 can't turn ignition with key
 

HELP! I just bought this car. The ignition has been hard to engage since I got it, and I sprayed some WD40 in it last night but today after my mechanic dropped it off (state inspection) the key won't even turn. If I jiggle it up and down it turns a hair to the right but thats it. I even got a blister on my finger trying to get it to go.

I called my local benz place and they can't get out until Monday. I called the dealer and they wanted over $100 to tow it in so you know what I told them.

Any advice or tips on what will need to be replaced and/or how I could at least get it on so I can drive it to the shop?

steering wheel
 

Is the steering wheel locked.

If the steering wheel is locked-- (let me see if I remember...)
push the brake pedal down and try to turn the steering wheel
just a little (out of locked position). Then turn the key.

Assuming the tumbler isn't just resting on the steering lock, keep jiggling until you get it past 0 then don't turn it back to 0 until the tumbler is replaced. The key releases tabs to allow the tumbler to be removed. Without the key in the 1 or 2 position (I forget which) it will take drills and slide hammers to remove the old tumbler. That should be motivation enough to overcome a couple more blisters.

The dealer and possibly only the dealer can sell you a new tumbler cut to work with the original keys. You might save some money if you can live with a different key to start.

Sixto
87 300D

The key must make it to position #1 in order to remove and replace the lock cylinder. Otherwise, as Sixto says, you are in for an expensive lesson.

Yes the steering wheel is locked, I tried to move it slightly from locked position while I was working the key. Someone I talked to said to try and tap the cylinder gently with a hammer and then try the key. I'll give it a shot tomorrow again. If I do get it to go, I'll leave it in at least position 1 so I can get the cylinder replaced. I don't want to break the key.....

Can you not pull out the key? If they take a jackhammer to the tumbler they should remove the key first.

Sixto
87 300D

The key is out, I just can't turn it when I put it in......

Have you tried rocking the car back and forth in P while moving the steering wheel back and forth and also turning the key to release the steering lock?

Stand By...
 

If it Ain't the steering lock pressing on the bolt (too much tension) AND you
have the "My ignition Tumbler Needed to be Replaced LAST MONTH" disease.

Some members have had luck getting the key to POSITION NUMBER ONE by
attaching a vibrating device to the key and then trying to turn it.

(Anything other than the hundreds of dollars a Stealer will charge to remedy
this most unfortunate situation.)

Wish you Good Luck.

I'm afraid to ask what type of vibrating device you refer to.. :D

The dealer in my are just built a $20M facility with marble from Italy. The woman said it will be about $50 to tow it in, I replied well I'm not looking to pay several hundred dollars today and she put me on hold for a few minutes and came back on and said I called the place we use for towing its $110. Goodbye- click.

update: after a few more attempts including my mechanic can't get the key to move. Just had it towed to local import shop... $$$$$$$$$

This is one of the threads that you might have been looking for.
http://www.peachparts.com/shopforum/showthread.php?t=122926

Thanks, the shop its at has been around for 20 years and has a high reputation so I'm confidant they'll do what they can to avoid a higher repair bill than necessary.

Expect a $500+ repair bill if the cylinder is frozen. BT, DT, have the scars to prove it. If you could find a shop with one of these nifty widgets (click link below, 7MB video) it would be lots cheaper... but they're probably only common across the pond in Europe:

http://www.w124performance.com/movies/Mercedes/124_lock_cutter.wmv
(skip the first 45 seconds)

:stuart:

This is the one true way to do it,,,,,,