Think the tumbler has gone on 88 300TE
 

The key won't go in all the way -- about 3/4. Tried everything....Moved car, moved wheel, put in drive/park/neutral....

The slot seems very loose...

What do you guys think? Is the tumbler done for? Maybe its just loose?

What is involved to get to it?

Thanks

If you can't get the key in to turn it to position 2 and release the tumbler with the proper tool.....then some BIG and unpleasant work is on the horizon. :eek: You will have to likely replace the whole assembly and do some surgery on it.

If the slot is real loose the tumbler has likely broken in two. I was real paranoid about mine when I got it, and I quickly replaced the tumbler.....low and behold when I got the old one out (which still worked acceptably) it was broken in two! :eek:

Whatever you do don't force the key in there. If you were to get the key in there and not be able to get it back out again without being able to turn it to position 1 or 2 (I forget which) , you'll be in a world of hurt. Consider yourself lucky! Search under "tumbler". You''ll need a new tumbler from Mercedes that will require reg and ID. Probably around $100 now. Then you'll have matching keys to ignition, doors and truck. "V" shaped tool, each leg about 6" long, is made from coat hanger wire. Directions are probably in the archives somewhere. Get the tumbler first and you can see how the tool will depress a spring clip. Your tumbler will probably come out in two pieces.

glenmore
1991 300CE
2000 C280

It seems pretty loose for sure....but no I can't get the key in to turn, period....what big work are we talking here? Gutting the front?

Thanks guys.

Lucky I have the 260E to keep me over now!

No big work unless the key gets stuck. Replacing the tumbler is routine. Just takes being able to turn the key to position 1 and a bit of jiggling and luck to get the tool in the right position. The pain would start if the key gets stuck or you get the key in there and you can't turn it to position 1, then you are talking about drilling the thing out.

glenmore
1991 300CE
2000 C280

(Corrected post. Key position to remove tumbler is #1)

I know an indy that has figured out where to drill to remove the tumbler without tearing the dash apart. If you are able to get the key in and turn it to position 1, leave it there! Then, you can easily replace the tumbler.

This:
http://i179.photobucket.com/albums/w...d/image002.jpg

Instead of this:
http://i179.photobucket.com/albums/w...d/image007.jpg

http://i179.photobucket.com/albums/w...Ignition-1.jpg

I would do whatever it takes to get the key in and turned to position 1.

(NOT position 2, but as slk230red documented, position 1).

Maybe spray in tons of silicone spray, and just gently keep moving the key around, spray in more, etc, until it goes in. Then remove the tumbler asap.

Monday, order the correct replacement from the dealer.

Many years ago, I had to have a 190 towed to my indie to replace the tumbler because I let it go too long.

Your pictures are worth a thousand words! Anybody that has a w124 tumbler acting up should look at these photos.

glenmore
1991 300CE
2000 C280

If you get the tumbler out, you can still start and turn off the car with a screwdriver (anyone else will be able to also if they get into your car!)

I've read how others have held a vibrating electric tool like an orbital sander against the key while trying to work it in and getting it to turn.

glenmore
1991 300CE
2000 C280

ps2cho, picture 1 (showing a screwdriver removing piece 30) in slk230red's post is misleading. From my experience with 124 cars the entire trim piece (to the right of the steering wheel that surrounds the ignition lock cylinder/tumbler) needs to be removed. Then coax the key into Position 1 and use the release wire to remove the ignition lock cylinder. As mentioned a vibratory tool may allow you to insert the key and turn it to Position 1. I would take the time and effort to remove the ignition lock cylinder yourself because having a shop drill out the entire assembly will be quite expensive.

Managed to get the key almost all the way in, but it still won't turn.

I will give the orbital sander idea a go. I also have made the tool needed to remove the cylinder.
I guess if I can't turn it I will have to resort to drilling it out.

slk230Red, Do you know where to drill if I can't get the key to position 1?

I'll have to check with my indy. I need to see him this week about some parts, so let me know if you want me to find out.

If you could that would be awesome!

Well, my 1990 300TE did exactly the same thing about 3 months after I bought it with one key and 125K miles 2 years ago. For no apparent reason the key wouldn't work. Went to the dealer with the title and the key itself. The dealer had a brand new key sent sent to them (they couldn't actually make a copy themselves!). The new key worked great right off the bat and has ever since, and I swear, I hold this new one that
works side by side with the old one and I cannot see any difference at all, they look identical, but the new one works and old one won't...still....I try it from time to time....the ignition key is an interesting little monkey....

I'll see what I can find out.

Also, check out this locksmith. He has developed a MB Template for drilling out tumblers.


Randy Mize
Mize Lock & Key
367 Hickory Spring Ln, Union, MO (314) 353-0779


"RANDY MIZE: With 30 years experience as an automotive locksmith, Randy has made transponders and high security his priority. Randy is the inventor of Lockmasters' High Security Flip Pick and the Mercedes Drill Template. Randy is considered the most highly respected automotive locksmith in the US because of his devotion to the trade and his exceptional energy level. He is also a consultant to aftermarket tool manufacturers and OE automobile manufacturers."