another w126 trunk trouble thread
 

ok I've searched and read every thread I can find on this. I did something stupid and broke my door key off in the trunk when it was cold the other day, and never made the spare (only had the car a couple months) so now I have no door key!

i've been trying to get it out using coping saw blades but havent been successful. the mercedes cylinder seems to be pretty tight on the key unfortunately my car (82 300sd) doesn't have the trunk release cable under the passenger seat like some w126's seem to have.

what I was wondering is, is there a vacuum line I can apply vacuum to to unlock it, like it would do if my central locks were working (they arent)? it is stuck in the vertical position. will that work, or does it need to be in the clockwise horizontal position to work with the central locks?

It would be great if i could get it open, remove the lock, and then get the broken key out. if not, my next step is to either call a locksmith to try and get the broken key out, or to try and break the passenger side taillight and reach in there to get it open. or maybe make a pair of tension wrenches to try and turn the cylinder and unlock it?

anyways, thanks in advance, just wanted to see if anyone had any ideas on how to either get into the trunk or get the broken key out without breaking anything

The vertical position is the locked position so vacuum won't have any effect. Is the broken key all the way into the lock, that would raise the tumblers. You may be able to just push the button in and turn to the unlocked position.
If it won't turn try tapping the key stub in a little at a time further to raise the tumblers.
This is all I can think of. I wish I could be more help.

Don't break the tail light. On the W126, it is a major proposition to get at the back side of the lock with the trunk lid open, much less through the tail light lens opening.

Another door key can be ordered through a dealership with VIN and proof of ownership for ~$25. If it is very urgent, they can probably get it to you quicker but expect to pay more for the rush service. BTW, order a complete set of Master, Standard & Valet.

Concerning the trunk lock, the suggestion of trying to unlock it with the key remains might be the best route but this will probably depend on where the key broke. Using the remaining portion, in your hand to push it in then turn might release it. Is any portion of the key visible? There is a large notch toward the base of the key. Did it break where you might be able to get needle nose pliers on the remains? I'm guessing that it is a cheaper brass key for it to break that easily.

Even the locksmith will have quite the time with it and likely will damage the lock in the process. It might be even better to not damage it too much and let him do his magic.

hmmmm...
 

Looks like a road trip to the dealership for a new key. Take your ID and the registration/title to your car and 50 bucks with you.

I can't tell you how to get the broken key out of the tumblers but I can tell you what I would do.

I'd start with a 5 gal mud bucket and a soft pillow to sit on. I'd pick and spray with everything I had. If I concluded that nothing was going to get the broken key out then I would use a grinding bit made for detail grinding. I'd probably do all this before I went to the dealership so that if I destroyed the tumblers I could order another to match the new key.

Check out the photo in the 5th reply...

http://www.peachparts.com/shopforum/tech-help/310410-removal-stripped-axle-half-shaft-bolts.html

thank you for everybody's help, it sounds like my best option is to buy a new key set and continue trying to get the key out or open the trunk without damaging it. it broke off flush all the way into the lock, so i cannot grab it...i need to try and push in and turn it with some lubrication.

i suppose if that doesn't work i need to call the locksmith to extract it!

is it only the gen 2 cars that have the little trunk pull under the rear seat? the one i looked at in the junk yard had it

I thinks In most cases the customer can wait while the key is duplicated, in general it takes between 10 and 30 minutes depending on the complexity of the key and transponder system.

Whats your idea,.?
duplicate keys