Had a problem in which I could not turn the key. Had to have my 300sd towed. The mechanic indicated that it was a problem with the ignition core. I had it replaced. On the way home from the repair shop I stopped off at Costco. It was locded up again! Called the mechanic who informed me that it was some sort of pin in the steering collum. He wanted to charge me another $300. I felt ripped off. I've just been leaving the key in the ignition. I saw an item on e-bay which was an igniton core and a housing. Sort of a T shaped housing with a pin. Is this the item I need? Any problems with getting a used item? Any help would be appreciated.

I would strongly recommend replacing it with a new one - it is the "tee" shaped thing and is called a steering lock. I have a used one from a 300D that I am willing to sell cheap BUT you will not be in much better shape than you are now. The steering lock cost around $175 (I think). In my 300D I replaced it and the tumbler at the same time and should be good for another 200k miles. I just replaced the tumbler in the 240D and will keep an eye on the lock because I could see some slight wear on the point where the key pushes on the latching mechanism. Easy diy'er job once you have done one.

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Jim