85 W123 300D Ignition Lock Tumbler - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

rmmagow · #1 09-24-2014, 10:16 AM

7000 posts about this, I just want to make sure I do it right. I have a new tumbler and keys in my possession.

1. Turn key to position 2 (run position, engine off)
2. push in a paperclip in the little slot to push up some tab inside.
3. Unscrew the black thing surrounding the lock cylinder.
4. Remove the old lock tumbler.
5. put in new tumbler.
6. set key position same as the one removed.
7. Screw black thing back on.
8. Test and done???

Do I understand the process? Yes, key still turns now but is getting moody.

Zacharias · #2 09-24-2014, 10:41 AM

On my '85 300d the position to unlock the tab did not correspond to KP 2. I suggest you turn the key until the radio powers up, and try there first. That was where mine unlocked. Put it this way, if things are working as they should there won't be a need to fight with the tab. You need to apply a bit of pressure but it should release easily once you are in the right spot.

You need to use a heavier paper clip than the standard kind. A light one probably won't have enough strength to release the tab or could break off inside.

Some of the posts make it sound like the black retainer ring will "pop out" when the tab is unlocked. Maybe on some cars it does, but don't be waiting for that. On both mine (I also did my '80), there was no visible change. Unlocking the tab just means you can turn the retainer.

rmmagow · #3 09-24-2014, 10:53 AM

WOW - Radio powering up! Haven't seen that in 10 years :-) I am going to using one of those heavy clips to push the tab. I did poke around yesterday and felt something move in there but didn't know about the twisting off of the cover. I might be pretty close to having this done tomorrow then.
Thanks

charmalu · #4 09-24-2014, 10:54 AM

sounds about right.

As I remember, I had to turn the black collar back to the left a bit to remove the key. This is after replacing the Tumbler.

If the Tumbler does not fix the moody nature of the lock assy. Don`t hesitate to replace the whole Steering lock assy.

Several years ago I had this problem and replaced the Tumbler. Bought a new one from the Dealer. Short time later I started doing it again, and the key wouldn`t turn w/o some wiggling.

Finally replaced the Steering Lock assy, and all has been good. These things do wear out after 20 plus years or so. Not always the years, but the number of times they have been turned with the key.

I did both the 80 240D and 85 300D. These ought to last till Iam too old to drive.

Neiman is one brand name and which also has the MB name on it. Valeo is another good brand after market one.

They really have come down in price. $117.25.
1984 Mercedes-Benz 300D Base Sedan - Steering System - Page 3

Charlie

Zacharias · #5 09-24-2014, 11:01 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by charmalu

If the Tumbler does not fix the moody nature of the lock assy. Don`t hesitate to replace the whole Steering lock assy.

x2 on what Charlie says. This should be in all the threads on the key switch issue.

This is exactly what I found when I finally pulled the tumbler out of my 300d... it was the steering lock causing the intermittent sticky key movements (also made worse by a sticky aftermarket key).

On my TD, it was the tumbler itself.

Thanks for the info on the steering locks, Charlie. I had figured on shopping for good used but maybe I can break open the piggybank for this one....

Diesel911 · #6 09-24-2014, 11:25 AM

I think a stong Flashlight should be used when trying to find the Hole for the Paperclip.

I turned My Tumbler and saw what I thought was a hole. It turned out to be a Black Colored Roll Pin in the Tumbler I turned it more to the correct position and found no hole. I had to turn it a little more to find the Hole.

In the end I also found out it was My Steering Colum Lock broken in 2 areas and though not causing a problem I found that one of the Ignition Switch Contacts was neraly burned off.

Most places sell the Steering Colum Lock as an assembly and you get the Steering Colum Lock, New Ignition Switch and a new Vcuum Valve.

I got the new Steering Colum Lock assembly from an online real Mercedes Dealer as I wanted the original Ignition Switch since it lasted such a long time.

The one I recieved had Neiman made in France on it and the Ignition Switch had Made in West Germany on it.
As it turns out Neiman and Valeo must be parts of the same company as both are made in France. If I had bought the Valeo steering Colum Lock I would have saved about $20.

However, I don't know what Ignition Switch it would have had.

Beware because Myele sells the STeering Colum Lock by itself with no Vacuum or Ignition Switch. Myele also sells the complete assembly.

rmmagow · #7 09-24-2014, 11:40 AM

I'll settle for the tumbler for now. Key goes in with a little jiggling, no trouble turning or removing the key, has that worn key, worn pins feeling. Only two more months of driving the car 'till it goes away for winter. Can Mercedes cut a brand new key, not a copy, but a new key based on key code/VIN or some such?

ROLLGUY · #8 09-24-2014, 03:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rmmagow

Can Mercedes cut a brand new key, not a copy, but a new key based on key code/VIN or some such?

Yes you must show proof of ownership, and they send you a new factory fresh key cut to the original code for about $40. Be aware that the wafers inside the lock cylinder could be worn enough that the new key might not work.

charmalu · #9 09-25-2014, 01:26 AM

Did some poking around with the Steering Lock part#. 126-462-07-30

This is really a great deal on this. That AZ place and FCP had the same thing for like $150 - $160. Would be good to grab a few of these from Pelican before they become NLA.

I did come across some with the Bilstein and Febi name, but they could just be a reboxer of the Valeo, or maybe from some third world country.

This is the first I have noticed the locks with these names.

You can get the official MB one through Pelican for a few more $$$.
It wasn`t listed in the catalog, till I did the part# search.

Pelican Parts - Product Information: 126-462-07-30-MBZ

Charlie