Well, I have had no problems with my car since I swapped out my engine with a good used one last year and had my clutch discs replaced in my tranny at the same time. The cars runs and feels as good as a I could imagine a new one might. Going on 210K now. Well...maybe there is something now...my iginition tumbler is getting stuck and the key isn't turning smooth and I have to push in and out to turn it on and take it out. Is this servicable with some lubricant, do I need a new key, or is time to get a new tumbler?

That's how mine started to go - getting stuck and not turning smoothly. I ignored it for far too long and eventually the key got stuck (while my wife was using the car) and she was stranded. After much $%^&*@, I managed to turn the key to the correct position for extracting the tumbler and replaced it.

My advice: rather replace it NOW while you can still turn it!

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2006 C180K 112000km
1980 450SLC 123000km
and a Toyota

sptt, order a new ignition lock cylinder from your local MB dealer ASAP. You will need to show or fax them the vehicle registration and prepay. The replacement cylinder will come with 1 key that matches the door and trunk locks.

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Fred Hoelzle

Thanks! Is it easy to put in myself or does it require dash removal? I have a MB Dealer right down the street.

If their still in working order, like yours is. It is a piece of cake. If you can get by without the car. I would park it till your new lock and key gets to you.

It is cake to replace the tumbler. You need a u-shaped wire which you can actually fashion yourself out of a coathanger. You turn the key to position 1 (or 2, I forget) and then push in the wire firmly into the two holes until you feel the click, and then the tumbler comes out. Search the archives, but don't delay the replacement. Once the key won't turn it's a major PITA.

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Prost!

Awesome and yikes! Ordering the tumbler tomorrow or Monday (if MB parts is closed tomorrow)! Scary stuff. Thanks for the replies and quick help guys!

You guys just saved me big $$$. I was able to remove that ignition cylinder in 10 seconds. Any longer, I would have been looking at paying big bucks!!! Just used two separate wires made from a coat hanger with 45 degree clips from my wire cutters at the ends. Put key into Acc Pos #1, stuck in each wire with 45 degree angles facing inwards and the sucker popped right out! I almost couldn't get the key to come out of the cylinder after that!!! Whew! NOBODY fixes or repairs these that I could find locally. Went to MB and they ordered me a new one that will be here TUES with a new key for $97. Until then, starting and stopping the car with a screwdriver. Put it back together without the cylinder so it looks normal. Luckily, I have full insurance Here is a link that describes the process from a manual:

http://www.justanswer.com/mercedes/1izjh-ignition-lock-cover-1991-300e-difficult-remove.html

Got new lock cylinder ($105 with a new key included). Went in extremely easy. Had to do it three times though until I figured out how to align the housing that goes in around it behind the trim piece. Used the two separate coat hangar wires and it worked like a charm.

1. Put key into cylinder lock. Turn key to line up tool entry holes (in this
case, coat hangar wires).
2. Lay the coat hangar wires in the slots with 45 degree cuts facing
down towards the barrel.
3. Slide the black ring housing over the key barrel from the back forward.
4. Holding all as one unit, enter it into the access hole and turn slightly
until barrel lock catches flush on ignition module protrusion
(interconnect).
5. Make sure black ring housing is nice and flush and that the key turn
indicator dots on the outside are lined up correctly.
6. Pull out two coat hangar wires and turn key to left while pushing in.
This should lock it in!
7. Double check to make sure cylinder barrel and black ring housing are
flush and centered. It should only fit one way correctly but will install
off center and cockeyed and still work (you'll be able to tell if it
isn't correct though).

Note:
Before I put it in, I tried the old key I had in the new cylinder and it was getting stuck!!! So, it was probably a combination of an old worn key and old worn cylinder barrel that was causing both parts to "lock" up and get stuck and wear each other out.

Goodjob.

I had to dremel my anti-theft cover to get mine off....

Thanks for 2012 tumbler costs. I'd like to get that for my wagon soon since I have a cheap $25 non-matching key in right now.

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2016 Monsoon Gray Audi Allroad - 21k
2008 Black Mercedes E350 4Matic Sport - 131k
2014 Jeep Wranger Unlimited Sahara - 62k
2003 Gray Mercedes ML350 - 122k

Thanks! It was $97.00 with the key. Took two days to come in. With tax was $105.00. Thank goodness I didn't have to dremel it out!!! I would have been screwed. Although, I did drive it up to Pismo Beach and around town with a screwdriver in the ignition! LOL!!!