rubber on ignition key came apart
 

Has anyone have ideas how replace the rubber head on ignition key without having to purchase a new key from MB?

Tom

I used to purchase just the plastic parts which slip over and clip together they worked great for the 123 but I could not get any for the 124. Which car are we talking about?

the 126

Where did you get the parts from?

It was years ago and believe I found them on ebay for a few dollars.

purchasing a new key is not terribly expensive, i want to say i spent $30, but at least for W123 they do not come with rubber heads any more. the replacement is plastic that lasts about a week. you either need to fill it with epoxy or give up - i drilled a keyring hole in the corner of the steel part and carry it with no head at all.

Answer
 

I keep GENUINE MERCEDES spares for personal fleet use.
No idea how many I have replaced, but it is a huge number through the years.

http://i21.photobucket.com/albums/b2...ps0b2e8c04.jpg
It is an incredibly simple DIY.
#1. Slide the key blade in.
#2. Slide the locking card in until it engages the tabs.
Enjoy.

The plastic key handle fits R170 W108 W114 W116 W123 W126 W201
MB# 0007664406
Pelican Parts - European Automotive Parts and Accessories - Porsche • BMW • Mercedes • Volkswagen • Audi • Saab • Volvo • MINI

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whunter: they do look OK, but those last for you? i have destroyed two in short order using just the force of my fingers. the '70s rubber key heads seem to have been way more robust.

Well
 

Last year I ran out, and needed three.
Went to the dealer.
All broke while assembling.
Thankfully I was at the dealer parts counter, I broke the first, they broke two more.

They ordered more, and assembled them with no issues, a year later still OK.

IMO: It is quality control issues.

I have used other brands, but none survived one week.

.

being cheap...
 

I decided to replace the broken plastic head on my ignition key with epoxy putty. I made a small ball of putty (the kind you get in a stick) then inserted the top of the key. Then I began to press it out into the shape I desired. You can get creative here. Once it was close to the size and shape I desired I then let it cure. After it had cured I used a file and a sanding block to smooth it up and give it it's final, finished shape. I drilled a sufficient hole into it so I could keep it on my key ring. I used it for a long time that way. The guy I sold the car to used that key for years. If any of my others break then this is what I'll do...because I'm cheap.

There are Buick and Mazda blanks from a commercial source like Ace Hardware that fit the 123. I'll look them up/.

I'm thinking the key heads should be assembled with plastic epoxy on the insert... let it bond to the outer shell before using.

should massively increase the longevity.

I just smashed a chunk of 1/2" copper, and soldered it to the key... dipped it in black por15, or paint it... looks great, indestructible.

I had the dealer make a key from my VIN. The rubber lasted maybe a year. Now the keys that came with my aftermarket keylock that I replaced about three years ago have held up fine. You would think MB could do a little better on something this simple.

Oh the fix for my dealer key was J&B Weld. It's generally held up well but the thinner layers are wearing down.

They wear quicker depending on you handle the key too. The keyheads are real POS. I'd rather get creative and make my own keyhead.

I agree the quality control on the key heads is all over the place. I went thru 3-4 in one year on the 240D but the last one has lasted 2-3 years now. The W124 keys have a much stronger head than the W123.

I bought a brand new key from the dealer last month. It lasted 3 days total.