Key won't turn in ignition on 83 MB. Is this a major catsastrophy?? Any suggestions I might try etc.?

You've got to use every possible capability to get it to turn one last time to the #1 position. Use a vibrating sander...........play with the key........use some lock lubricant...........but, get it to turn one last time and don't turn it back.

The tumbler is shot and you'll need a replacement from the dealer.

If you can't get it to turn, you'll have to spend considerable money to replace the entire ignition lock assembly............a long and tedious process..........or a very costly one.

Pull the key out about 1 or 2mm and try to turn it, if you get it to turn do not turn it back. Leave it in the 1st or 2nd position and disconnect the battery so it does run dry. Then just replace the tubler following the instructions on dieselgiant.com

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1985 300TD Turbo Euro-wagon
1979 280CE 225,200 miles
1985 300D Turbo 264,000 miles
1976 240D 190,000 miles
1979 300TD 220,000

GONE but not forgotten
1976 300D 195,300 miles
1983 300D Turbo 175,000 miles

http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e3...e485-1-2-1.jpg

What are the chances its only the tumbler? Which a new one from the dealer will cure, as opposed to the actual "bolt" mechanism? Got my fingers crossed for him.

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1985 Euro 240D 5 spd 140K
1979 240D 5 spd, 40K on engine rebuild
1994 Dodge/Cummins, 5 spd, 121K
1964 Allice Chalmers D15 tractor
2014 Kubota L3800 tractor
1964 VW bug

"Lifes too short to drive a boring car"

Try blowing powdered graphite lube into the slot then jiggling it. Don't use the kind in a spray can. That has oil in it that will make matters worse...use the dry kind in a little tube from any auto parts store.

It is kinda messy -- pencil colored dust goes all over the console, but alot less messy than grinding out the whole key mechanism!

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Current Mercedes
1979 maple yellow 240D 4-speed

Gone and fondly remembered:
1980 orient red 240D 4-speed

Gone and NOT fondly remembered:
1982 Chna Blue 300TD

Other car in the stable:
2013 VW Jetta Sportwagen TDI / 6-speed MT

Could it be only the steering lock? Try to move the steering wheel back and forth a bit while you turn the key. Maybe it will unlock and work.

It may be either the tumbler or the steering wheel lock - you can't tell simply because the key won't unlock the ignition. If it's the tumbler it's easy to replace and is available from your local MB dealer for about $80 and includes a new key - you have to prove ownership and have your VIN number for them to order it - and all your locks will still work from a single key.
However, it may be the steering wheel lock.
Either way, one way to free the key is to jack up one side of your front end and have someone turn the road wheel forward and back to jiggle the lock assembly while you jiggle the key to try to free it - it's much better leverage against the steering lock that trying to whip your steering wheel back and forth.
If it's the steering lock, you can drive it as long as you need to, so long as you cut your wheels fully right or left before you shut off the ignition when you park the car - the steering wheel lock will not engage if the wheels are way off of dead center.

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Houston, Texas
1984 300CD 235K miles, Elvira, one owner
1987 300TD 180K miles
1974 TR6 78K miles Sarah Jane, one owner
OBK #27

99% sure it's the tumbler. You want to get that key to turn or it will be an expensive proposition. Spray some WD40 in the key slot then start wiggling the key. It took me 45 minutes to get mine to turn. It was well worth it though.

Once the key is turned LEAVE IT TURNED. You can then search for tumbler extraction instructions which is a pretty simple process. Once the tumbler is out you can start the car using a flat head screw driver. I went a year doing that and telling people that the valet key was a phillips head. Good luck and let us know how you make out.

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Toblin

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

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

that has happened to me and my car 4 times, all i do is get the spare key, spray wd40 and get the attachment tip on there and spray in there then get pliers on the spare key and then gently give force, my idea is if you get it unstuck keep it lubed up, the last this happened to me was 4 months ago and its turning smooth.

some advice is to get a brand new cut key from your mercedes benz dealer ship, i got a new one and i was shocked... how does the key turn haha, it was so worn out.