I have a broken off piece of a key in the ignition of a 94 c280. A new tumbler and steering wheel lock mechanism has been ordered, BUT to replace them the ignition needs to be turned to the accessory position.
The problem is that I can't get it to that position due to the fact that the key is lodged while the ignition is in the off position.
My mechanic says that he can "cut" it off somehow, but it will take many hours labor.
What I want to know is, can I do this myself when the parts come in.
I am asking for anyone out there who has done, or knows someone who has performed this task.
If I had instruction on how to do this I could save around $250.
I'd appreciate any help on this.


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Andrew
85 16v
87 16v
94 C280

Did you ask a locksmith for help? Locksmith has picks called "key extractor" for house locks. He may be able to get the broken key out of your MB.

David

[This message has been edited by be459 (edited 09-13-2000).]

I have had to do this before. I had to use a small saw to cut the lock in half. Once cut, it came right out. I charged 4 hours labor.

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Benzmac:
Donnie Drummonds
300E
ASE CERTIFIED MASTER AUTO TECHNICIAN
SERVICE MANAGER FOR 14 BAY FACILITY
MERCEDES SPECIALIST 8 YRS
PARTNER IN MERCEDESSHOP.COM

First of all, I called a locksmith before I knew what I know now.
After the locksmith tried for ten minutes or so, he called for help. The response from the other end was, "send him to the mercedes dealership".

Benzmac,
I am pretty adept at performing tasks as long as I have an idea of what I am doing. That said, could you be a little more descriptive on what exactly needs to be cut in half.
From what I can see, after taking off the decorative "ring" around the ignition, is a 1 1/2 inch diameter cylinder incasing the ignition. I also can see how the cylinder is mated to a larger metallic base.

My question: What exactly am I supposed to saw off? More specifically, what should I avoid, as in, how deep should I saw before I know when to stop? Did you use a special technique, or just saw away until it fell off?

Thanks for the help. I am sure with a little coaching I can perform this task successfully.
(The first time I changed out an engine on one of my 16vs, I did it mostly by myself and received instruction on what to do via telephone--I'm assuming that since I completed that task successfully, I can do this too)

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Andrew
85 16v
87 16v
94 C280


[This message has been edited by Andrew (edited 09-14-2000).]