Ignition Key won't turn

[nvest80]

So I got into my car this morning and the ignition key doesn't turn. I tried moving the steering while while simultaneously trying to turn the key. That didn't work.

I did some searches here on the forum and I guess there isn't a DIY type thing for replacing the ignition lock. I apologize if this has been posted before, I found a thread this morning where a guy posted his invoice for $1000 from the dealer but I cannot locate that thread anymore.

Should I just have my car towed to the next MB dealer or can I do this myself? I'm not a mechanic but I could replace the window regulator, the mid-console air vents, etc. So I can do some stuff but wonder if the key is out of my capabilities.

I also tried the replacement key without any luck

What would you do?

Thanks!

[loubapache]

Here are the Mercedes WIS procedures for removing the ignition tumbler.

Then somehow you need to get the key to turn to position 1. Use some kind of vibration source like a jig saw or sander or whatever to touch the key while turning it.

[Bos7463]

strange not too long ago the same happened to my E420, i know this is going to sound strange, but if u jiggle the key around a bit can you get it to turn? (if never at all then dont even try this) I could but as soon as i turned the car off again, it would be stuck; If So, what did I do? I sprayed a SMALL amount of WD 40 onto my key blade and wiggled it around in the ignition and repeated a few times, then !! it turned to the on position! turned it off, turned it on, but i didnt start it, i waited till i could be sure everything was dry before i even attempted to start the car.
All i know is since then it hasnt got stuck.

[E430SportMB]

nvest80,

How many miles on mb, and have you changed the car battery yet? You have a twelve year old car.
The original battery is coloured white with mb logo on it.

[Kajtek1]

Al thought there is lot of coverage on older cylinder tumblers, those 3 years that had them on W210 were not covered and I still had to do it the hard way few months ago.
I added conclusion to topic started by other member here http://www.benzworld.org/forums/w210...-ignition.html
Let me know if I can help more than in the thread before. I contacted the first member about unlocking the steering wheel and there is no other solution, than cut it off, so be extreme careful not to activate the lock.
Good luck

[loubapache]

Kajtek:

Good to see your post (post #12 in the thread you linked). Is it right that if you do it carefully, the lock won't be activated and replacing the tumbler would be just like in the older models?

Thanks,

PS. I have updated Post 2 with two WIS procedures.

[nvest80]

Hello everybody,

Thanks for all the replies. I did some oil and I also cleaned the key but both didn't work.

I have 164k miles on my car and as far as the batter goes, I replaced the original battery about two months ago and didn't have any issues with the car since I replaced it. The weird thing is not the the car doesn't start, it's that there is absolutely no way I could turn the key to position I.

Thanks everybody and I will post an update later today.

[Kajtek1]

Before my ignition tumbler became extremely hard to operate I had a problem turning the key for about 2 years. Spraying lot of WD40 inside the tumbler and inserting the key several times with wipe before each reinsertion helped a lot during those 2 years before I decided to replace it.

[e-420]

you might try ordering just a new key (not remote, but key) from the dealer. They aren't very expensive and you'll get it the next day. It could be the key you have has worn enough it doesn't match the tumblers anymore. Or, do you have a key that hasn't been used much that you can try it. If that works, you can get just the key for the remote as well, it's also pretty inexpensive (<$25).

[loubapache]

Found an excellent video on this procedure. I assume it is in the W202 service DVD. However, I think it is the same as in the early W210 with mechanical keys.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E5UPP...aynext_from=PL