Has anyone replaced their ignition switch lately? I have a loose ignition switch. If I replace it, should I replace the whole darn thing, including all parts? There's like 4 or 5 parts on Fastlane. I'm wondering if I'll have to have it re-keyed if I do so.

83 300SD 172K

Are you actually have problems with the ignition, or is this just prophylactic? I think it is usually the tumblers that work their way loose. I was quoted a price of $120 Canadian to get new tumblers through the dealership. If I provide proof of ownership, they will get exactly the same tumblers again, and I don't have to change keys (which match the door locks obviously). I'm not sure I'm at the point where I have to do that yet.

Here's what happened to me. We were having some trouble with the key refusing to turn, so I got a new key cut and that seemed to solve the problem. Then all of the sudden yesterday it totally seized up on me. I was in Crappy Tire parking lot, tried all three keys for about 20 minutes, no go. I went in and got one of their mechanics and he tried for another 10, still no go. He was suggesting they remove the ignition and have it sent to a locksmith, but he suggested I call a locksmith to find out if it would be cheaper to have the locksmith come to me. The locksmith asked me, "When was the last time you lubricated the tumblers?" Uh. Good question. Probably never. He said that for$50 he would come out, and lubricate the locks (and cut me another key), but why didn't I try lubricating it myself. So, the mechanic brought out a can of Release (or something like that!), squirt, squirt and BINGO! THe key turned immediately.

So the morale of the story is stay lubricated.

I can see by putting the key in and out that it comes out quite dirty. We figured to take the tumblers out and clean them well, but the manual doesn't seem to cover that, and it isn't real 'obvious'. Can anyone tell me?

This is probably no help at all, but I'm not really sure what your problem is...

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Natalie

Thanks. I'll try lubing it up.

83 300SD 172K "Goldie." Abused by the original owner, but cleaning her up.

If lube works, then that is great. But if it doesn't, then do not delay in getting the tumbler replaced. If it gets to the point where you cannot turn the key, then it is a major PITA to break/grind/saw the lock apart and install a new one. I had to have that done at the dealer on a 190E when my partner broke the ignition key in the lock. That ordeal was $600, plus towing. That was American Dollars in 1997. Believe me, you do not want to do this. Every locksmith I called said take it to the dealer because they didn't want to mess with it.

I'm getting a new tumbler for my 240D today from the dealer at $100. A little spendy yes, but it comes with a new key and is matched to the rest of the car's locks. I doubt that Fastlane could do that, but it's worth a call to find out.

BTW, there's been speculation on this board that the tumblers are worn by having a heavy keyring hanging from it. So be kind to your expensive Mercedes tumbler by keeping the number of keys it is supporting to a minimum.

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Rick Miley
2014 Tesla Model S
2018 Tesla Model 3
2017 Nissan LEAF
Former MB: 99 E300, 86 190E 2.3, 87 300E, 80 240D, 82 204D Euro
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