New Key or new ignition cylinder? - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

Maroon 300D · #1 03-10-2006, 03:22 PM

Hi all.

My ignition has started sticking recently and I've done enough reading on here to know I need to solve this problem now as opposed to when it will no longer move. So...I called the local locksmith today who suggested just having a new key made. She said a new key made from code would probably work just fine and that this was a better option at $15 or $20 than fixing the cylinder, which would be about $90. She said the old key is probably just worn. I had a new key made recently, but since it was from the old original it's probably not any better, I would guess.

Does anyone have any experience with this? If I get a new key made, is it likely to stop working, too, sometime in the near future? I'm all about saving money but I don't want to be removing my instrument cluster on a regular basis.

Thanks!

TX76513 · #2 03-10-2006, 03:36 PM

Is the new key brass? If you start to have problems with the ignition and the new key - immediately buy a new cylinder - DO NOT LET IT FAIL in the locked position.

SatRoc · #3 03-10-2006, 03:49 PM

I agree with TX! I waited to long and it cost me $195.00 to have the lock drilled out. Now I have two different keys as the locksmith couldn't duplicate the original lock due to being in a remote location. You might consider buying a new key from your MBZ agency and then have it duplicated for a back-up. I prefer brass to steel keys as I'd rather have the key wear than have to replace the tumblers in the lock.

Maroon 300D · #4 03-10-2006, 03:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SatRoc

I prefer brass to steel keys as I'd rather have the key wear than have to replace the tumblers in the lock.

I bought this car in January but it looks to me like the original steel key has been used for the vast majority of my car's life. Would the steel really wear the tumblers away? If so it sounds like the new key solution might not work...

Right now I have the steel key and a brass copy, neither of them work well.

TX76513 · #5 03-10-2006, 04:07 PM

Here is the link to an old thread that has some good knowledge from Carson. This is when I was having my ignition crisis.
http://www.peachparts.com/shopforum/showthread.php?t=122926

Maroon 300D · #6 03-10-2006, 04:20 PM

Thanks, TX. That is helpful; I'm surprised I missed that when searching for nifo. on this topic.

TX76513 · #7 03-10-2006, 04:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Maroon 300D

Thanks, TX. That is helpful; I'm surprised I missed that when searching for nifo. on this topic.

No problem, heck it took me a few minutes to find it

GermanStar · #8 03-10-2006, 04:47 PM

Try a new key, but a lot of times the key and cylinder wear together. It isn't difficult to replace the cylinder if you do need to go that way...

rhodes2010 · #9 03-10-2006, 06:04 PM

If you do go to the dealer with your registration and ID
(as proof of ownership) and order a key and tumbler assembly
for your VIN number - you will not regret it.

Cost for me was $80 at a dealer in Thousand Oaks California.

What I recommend staying away from are locksmiths - unless
they understand Mercedes.

My car had locks and ignition replaced by a locksmith and none of the keys matched.
It was a nightmare.

cudaspaz · #10 03-10-2006, 09:20 PM

I have seen many tumblers go bad.

Maroon 300D · #11 03-11-2006, 03:08 PM

Well, I went to the dealership in Eugene yesterday and ordered myself a new cylinder. It's costing me $66.50 and is coming with a key! I didn't even have to ask about the key (I know they use a key to make the cylinder), the guy said it would just come with it.

The only bad news is I have to drive back there sometime next week to pick it up, and it's an hour away.

I thought I'd read on here somewhere that a new key from the dealer costs like $75, although that somehow seems implausible to me now. But maybe if you're getting a key you may as well just get a new cylinder.

Thanks for all your help, everyone.