I have a 300SDL that I'll be parting out soon. To get it to the place I'll be parting it I'll be putting it on a dolly. However, I've been told that the seller doesn't have a key.

Yeah..

I'm pretty sure I can get it started and running, but I'm not sure where it's parked so steering might be an issue.

Does anyone have experience in drilling out the steering lock on these cars? I've done it on a w123, but that was a pain and I had the key. I'm almost wondering if it would be easier to cut the tie rods and steer by pushing the tires.

Any advice would be appreciated.

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Onus probandi incumbit ei qui dicit, non ei qui negat

I recondition w123/w126/w124/w140/r107/r129/ steering boxes!


1984 300D "Elsa" odo reset 6/2011 147k
1983 300TD "Mitzi" ~268k OM603 powered
1995 E300 "Adelheid" 262k [Sold]

I've done it 2 ways

1. Remove cluster use a Big hammer and big long chisel sever the lock 4 hits otta do it.
2. Remove the foot panel and a sawzal will cut through laying in a contorted position in just over 30 minutes.

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92 e300d2.5t
01 e320
05 cdi
85 chev c10

Unhook the shaft under the hood. Then the wheels can be turned with a stick.

Otherwise throw any old key in the ignition and tap it with a palm sander. Sometimes that jiggles it enough to turn.

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$60 OM617 Blank Exhaust Flanges
$110 OM606 Blank Exhaust Flanges
No merc at the moment

Stick a carbide bit in the ignition face using gentle pressure and a high speed drill.

After you get through the case hardened face on the ignition and get a reasonable sized hole cut you can go to a regular drill bit and wallow out the soft stuff behind it. If you go deep enough you can use a screwdriver to turn the ignition and drive the car if you want. I drove mine until I figured out MB would sell me a replacement cylinder.

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84 300SD
85 380SE
83 528e
95 318ic