The door lock cylinder on my '91 190E's driver-side door broke (the key doesn't do anything in that door now). I checked my parts car, and both of the lock cylinders on it are broken in the same way (seems it may be a design flaw).

I'm trying to track one down. The only place I've found, so far, that can get them is the dealer. They want $267 for it. I was hoping to find one for significantly less than that.

Any tips on where to find these?

Thanks.
Brett

How did it break? You could probably get the cylinder from another car and move the tumblers from your over so the ignition key still operates the lock.

-J

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Trying to understand what you are saying about your problem: you can insert your key same as previously and it turns same as previously? Just doesn't lock or unlock? Soooo, just wondering, have you pulled off the upholstery panel to do a visual inspection on the mechanism? Maybe a piece of linkage broke or came loose? The lock itself may not even be the real issue?

It broke just from being used. One day the key turned but did not do anything. I'm reluctant to replace it with a used one because used ones that would fit would be of about the same age as the one I'm replacing, and not likely to last very long. (I'm basing that on the fact that this one broke, and the two in my parts car are broken.)

You are correct. The key turns but does not do anything.

I neglected to mention that the driver's door can still be locked and unlocked from the passenger door or trunk.

I pulled the cylinder out (very easy to do) and noted a broken piece on the end of it. From this post http://www.peachparts.com/shopforum/tech-help/248708-key-does-not-operate-drivers-door-lock.html from three years ago I found this "There is a small shaft at the end of the lock cylinder that engages the linkage inside the door. The shaft is made of a poor grade of die cast alloy. It breaks, and it cannot be repaired."

That is what broke on all three of the cylinders I have examined. So I am about as certain as I can be about the problem. My issue is finding the replacement part at a reasonable price.

I have the end piece that goes into the door latch for one of the lock barrels.

Are you saying these can be repaired? And are you also saying that you have the parts for sale? If so, how much do you charge?
Brett

A wrecking yard is a great place. Probably $5 there.

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