[yacaptain]

I know this is the dreaded lock cylinder problem as the wife called and said she could not turn the key in the ignition today.
After a quick forum check I managed to go and rescue her and the car by getting some lube into the cylinder and getting the key to turn and had her not turn the key completely off when she got home or I would be grinding the cylinder out of the car.
I have removed the lock cylinder from the car and have cleaned it out but it still sticks from 0-1 position.
1. How do I disassemble the tumblers so any key works
2. Where can I get another cylinder. I do see some listed on ebay with different key configurations but will they work? They seem similar.
My key is long with cuts on either side of the flat metal shaft.
I don't mind a different key for door and ignition.
Thanks in advance

 

[Fotografa]

workshop (non-matched) tumbler and keys: 116 462 02 79 parts.com

 

[rowdie]

I bought my '84 500SL from the Classic Center. Paid a little more than parts.com but I was ordering a VIN matched one for my '86 560SL also. They could no longer obtain one VIN matched for the '84 500SL. Don't know about US mid 380SL models.

 

[Steve Guilford]

2. Where can I get another cylinder.
Thanks in advance

Been There Done That...

You can get everything from the MB Classic Center in Irvine. You have two choices:

1. Get a new key and tumbler
2. Get a new key and have a local locksmith repair the tumbler.

Either way, get a new key from the MBCC.

 

[ctaylor738]

You can also get a VIN-specific cylinder from any dealer, just have your VIN and evidence of ownership with you when you order it.

 

[rowdie]

Just be an educated buyer. MSRP is just that. Manufactures "Suggested" Retail Price. Members here have posted that local dealers often try to sell for more than that. If you will be DIYing it may be a good idea to get cozy with the local parts counter guy (ala Nobby). The pimple faced kid with the glazed look in his eye at my "local" parts counter soured me from ever going there again.

 

[yacaptain]

Lock Cylinder Dissassembly?

Does anyone know how to dissassemble the lock cylinder and remove the tumblers. I would like to use the cylinder while I am waiting for a new one. It will not matter that any key would work in it not worried about theives,
Thanks

 

[Fotografa]

There is a circlip on the end of the barrel holding the tumblers in. remove it.

 

[yacaptain]

I dont see any clip on the end of the barrel, just the bottom plate with two nubs sticking up. Not enough play to have a clip under the plate.

 

[Fotografa]

Hmm, must be different than the one that was on my 450SL when I disassembled it. sorry for the bad info.

 

[rockcrusher]

Here is a pic of the 75 ignition, don't see how it comes apart yet, but will try to remove the tumblers in a little bit...

 

[Fotografa]

Fromm memory, isn't there a small recessed screw on the side?

 

[rockcrusher]

My mistake, that was the replacement from the 84SL, it seems to have a roll pin as seen in the pic, getting the 75 ignition now.

On the 75 there seems to be a c clip on the key face of the unit... see the pick

I Will Be Back.......................... LOL

 

[yacaptain]

Ok, so how do you get that little pin out of there. Drill? I'm Still waiting on the part from parts.com so I would like to still disassemble this one. Any guess?

 

[rockcrusher]

I tried to drill it out and had no luck. Just leave the tumblers out, and use a straight slot screwdriver to rotate the switch. If you remove the cylinder, look into the cavity, you will see what I mean, that is if your not worried about someone taking your ride for a ride.