190 E removal of lock cylinder with out Key - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

190 KS · #1 12-16-2012, 11:19 PM

I have a 190 E but no ignition key only trunk key... how do i change out ignition key cylinder?

Thanks 190 KS

Gilly · #2 12-17-2012, 04:57 AM

Going to have to remove the entire lock assembly and start fresh. It is a pretty involved job. I have told others this and seem to get no reply: you are better off just removing the entire steering jacket (upper column) and doing it on the bench rather than in the car, I have done lots and lots of these, realistically "dozens", not hundreds or anything, and once I decided to stop fighting the beast and start disassembling the beast things went much better, I got good enough that I could have the column on the bench in 1/2 hour.
You will need a steering lock, lock cylinder and cover, and I believe the switch as well (the electrical part). You can order the lock cylinder by VIN and it will match the trunk, as it should.

RPM55 · #3 12-17-2012, 05:15 AM

+++1 to what Gilly says

Ozarkdude · #4 12-17-2012, 09:02 AM

Or, order a new ignition key from the dealer using the VIN. Then youll have a key to use to remove the cylinder (provided no one changed the lock cylinder to a different key)

Gilly · #5 12-17-2012, 04:50 PM

Well this is wrong because there is only one key, if the key that operates the trunk won't work in the ignition you are screwed. BUT, if someone would have replaced the trunk lock with the wrong one, like a junkyard part, but the ignition lock is still stock, then you are correct. You can order the key by VIN and might be looking at a problem-solved situation. But it's a big if.

If yo have the luxury of time, you could oder a key, and if it doesn't work, save that key. Order a new lock cylinder by VIN, you can use the key you ordered as a spare key. The new lock does come with 1 key already, so you would have 2 new keys.

Ivanerrol · #6 12-18-2012, 05:59 AM

regardez

Stuck ignition switch - W124 - Mercedes-Benz Owners' Forums

Ozarkdude · #7 12-18-2012, 08:34 AM

Just a reminder

Mercedes of that era came with two keys, a master, and a valet key. Both worked in the ignition and doors and you could start the car with both of them, but the valet key would not open the glove box or trunk.

If your trunk key unlocks the glove box and doors, but wont turn the ignition, either the ignition tumbler has been changed or it is damaged, and I do not believe you can order a lock cylinder keyed as original to the VIN.

If the key your working in the trunk does NOT open the doors or glovebox, my bet is the trunk lock was changed and you might get lucky ordering a Master key off the VIN.

If not, you have a lot of work ahead of you.

Gilly · #8 12-18-2012, 04:46 PM

All makes sense to me, I think you are wrong about not being able to order the correct lock cylinder though. Often a "generic" cylinder is installed because some dealers will stock a generic so you can walk out immediately with the parts you need. The lock dept is very quick about providing the correct part, usually overnight, depending on when the dealer would order during the day.