[bitburger4me]

Lost the keys to my 72 SL over the winter. Bought a new one stering lock assembley with the ignition lock cylinder.

Any idea how hard it is to replace the entire assembly or can I just swap out the cylinder.

Any help would be aprieceted.

Thanx,

RcR

 

[Fotografa]

If you cannot turn it to position one you will need to remove the whole lot.

It is a headache, but it's do-able. You do realise that a dealer can provide you with a key code to get a key cut for your car, or he can provide you with teh correct key for your car? The only pitfall with this approach is that someone may have changed the locks at some stage in the car's life.

If you cannot get the correct key, let me know, and I will relate my story of having to do this job.

Foto.

 

[bitburger4me]

$200 for a locksmith might be the answer.
Thanx

 

[dickz]

I got duplicate keys from the Classic Center in a couple of days. Must provide proof of ownership, of course. I think it was about $30.

 

[Fotografa]

$200 for a locksmith might be the answer.
Thanx

$200 for a locksmith will not solve your problem. If you cannot turn the key you need to destory the steering lock assembly to remove the whole thing.

 

[daryn]

Or you could pull a door handle and have the locksmith make a key for that.

 

[reno4u2]

I had a second key made for mine at the local MB dealer. Took two days and $40. They made a copy of my DL and registration.

 

[Fotografa]

^^^^ that's what I said, but again, the pitfall is that it won't work if a PO has changed the ignition barrel at some stage in the car's life.

 

[dawsman]

I had a second key made for mine at the local MB dealer. Took two days and $40. They made a copy of my DL and registration.

was your key a "sidewinder"? the local locksmith could not make a copy for me cause it was a "sidewinder" - meaning its cut from one side of the blank, not a valley down the middle, or ground down edges. I really need one..

 

[daryn]

If the PO changed the ignition then you would have one key to lock the car and one to switch the ignition, as the ignition would have been changed to a salvage part. If you had one key for the door and ignition you should be able to have a key made for the door and it would work in the ignition. This would be the stupid route if you can go to mercedes for 50$ and have a new set of keys made, why bother with a locksmith.

 

[reno4u2]

was your key a "sidewinder"? the local locksmith could not make a copy for me cause it was a "sidewinder" - meaning its cut from one side of the blank, not a valley down the middle, or ground down edges. I really need one..

Not really sure what a sidewinder is. My key is "cut" on both sides. When you order a new key from the MB dealer they do not make a copy from your key. That's why you must provide proof of ownership for your car. I assume that they have the settings to cut a new key from your vin. As long as you have that, proof of ownership and the cash you're good to go.

 

[rockcrusher]

The ignition on my 84 380SL was replaced by the PO, I went to the dealer and ordered a replacement unit using my VIN, now all the locks work with one key. The key on top was the replacement unit, the one on the bottom is original style. They're lazer cut I'm told. Hope this helps.

 

[dawsman]

Thanks guys. Just went by Ewing Autohaus in Plano, showed them my title and drivers license and bam! thats it. new key will be here monday - $25.01 out the door. (they had to call into the classic center to get the key code.) Car must be present to pick up the new key. Here's my key "The Sidewinder"

 

[Fotografa]

That is what is called a '4-pass key'. the older style are 2-pass keys.

 

[dawsman]

Got my key today. it is the EXACT same key as the original. Great price, 3 day turn around. Awsome.