So yesterday I parked the car, a 1994 C280, went out and when I returned I placed the key back in the ignition and it wouldn't budge. So for about 2 hours I tried and got nowhere. I am unable to shift it, and the steering wheel is locked but the wheels are straight. I figure this must be the tumbler. Having looked at www.gapa.com a new tumbler and key is about $40.oo. I had the car towed to Mercedes and they quoted me about a thousand dollars for the job, which is outrageous. I am mechanically inclined but how do I get the tumbler out???

Search "tumbler" -- this is a relatively common problem.

You need to get the key to the #1 position in order to remove the tumbler. Some have had luck using vibration from a jig saw or similar power tool.

If you CAN get the key to the #1 position, you can start the car and drive it. BUT DO NOT TURN THE KEY BACK TO THE "0" POSITION, or you'll be stuck again.

Once the key is in the #1 position, all you need to remove the tumbler is a piece of wire cut at an angle. It should only take a few minutes. But the key (pun intended) is to get that key to the #1 position.

Good luck.

Jeff Pierce

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Jeff Pierce

Current Vehicles:
'92 Mercedes 190E/2.3 (247K miles/my daily driver)
'93 Volvo 940 Turbo Wagon (263K miles/a family truckster with spunk)
'99 Kawasaki Concours
Gravely 8120
Previous Vehicles:
'85 Jeep CJ-7 w/ Fisher plow (226K miles)'93 Volvo 940 Turbo Wagon
'53 Willys-Overland Pickup
'85 Honda 750F Interceptor
'93 Nissan Quest
'89 Toyota Camry Wagon
'89 Dodge Raider
'81 Honda CB 750F Super Sport
'88 Toyota Celica
'95 Toyota Tacoma
'74 Honda CB 550F

So far the only progress I have made was getting the key to turn about 2-3mm in a 1, 1:30 o'clock position. Still a long way from the '1' Position, i have tried filling the lock with some lubricant but it's still not getting me anywhere. Mercedes quoted me $1000.oo+ for the fix, another garage said about 5-$600. Does anyone have any tips getting it to start just one more time? It's odd when I try to turn the key sometimes there is a tick/knock in the steering column, I assume that is the wheel look attempting to disengage...

The trick is to apply some vibration to the lock cylinder and to simultaneously take the load off the steering lock by turning the wheel slightly. It may be successful.........it may not be. But, the cost to fix it if you are not successful is definitely in the $400-$500 range. The dealer does not want to bother, so he quoted double the normal price. It's a long and tedius procedure to get the lock mechanism disengaged if the key won't turn.

So, get a palm sander or something similar and apply it near the tumbler and go for it. You've got about $400. riding on it.

If it does turn, one last time, to the #1 position, DO NOT, under any circumstances, return it to the locked position.

Just to check - you are turning the steering wheel slightly to relieve the pressure of the steering lock - yes?

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Daily Driver: 02 E430 4MATIC
In the family: '03 E500 // '04 ML500 // 64 220SE

Well the wheels are straight and the sterring wheel has no pressure against it, infact it can wiggle side to side a little bit. When i turn the key as much as it can turn maybe about 30 degrees or so there is a clunk in the steering column... I assume this is the lock starting to disengage but the key isn't turning far enough to fully unlock it.