[1994 E420]

I waited too long to order new door key cylinders from the dealer, so that I could get them keyed as original. Apparently, they're sold out and will not be producing any more.

I found a company that rebuilds ignition key cylinders, but cannot find anyone that can (or will) rebuild door key cylinders for the W124.

Does anyone have a source for door cylinder rebuilding? I'm pretty sure my pins are bent and I'd rather not have to replace every lock on the vehicle.

 

[humblejoe]

How about putting aftermarket remote entry?

 

[1994 E420]

Still would need a key and I don't particularly like having bulky key fobs in my pocket, but thanks.

 

[Floobydust]

I would think that a good locksmith would be able to re-key some working pic-n-pull replacements to match your ignition key.

 

[1994 E420]

I haven't been able to find a locksmith willing to give it a go.

 

[plinker17722]

This is not a problem .First step is remove one door barrel dissemble it to instructions . From Ebay purchase a box of brass barrel leaf repair kit . They segments or leaf as they are called are numbered 1 to 10 remove the segment one at a time and replace them .Or do it the easy way like i did the first time see info -

 

[plinker17722]

You can get the brass reed inserts from AliExpress for $15.19 .
Just search with Google --- Locksmiths Car Lock Brass Repair Kit .

 

[1994 E420]

plinker17722: Thanks very much.

 

[Real1shepherd]

They are called wafers here....high security locks by definition. Any locksmith worth his salt can rebuild these. Try to find one that specializes in auto locks and particularly MB.

Or give it a go yourself. Somebody has a tutorial....I've seen it.

Kevin

 

[Walt'89300CE]

If somebody has been tampering with your door lock, then you may have damaged pins.

If that is not the case, then 9 out of 10 times the problem is a lack of lubrication.

Such was the situation with my 32 year old ignition key cylinder.
I stuck in a syringe loaded with synthetic grease and pressed some deep inside. Key has worked perfectly ever since.

 

[Real1shepherd]

I think grease is a real bad idea long term inside these cylinders. It will attract dirt and then act like lapping compound. Talking to locksmiths, they advocate a spray carrier that dries and leaves behind Teflon. A lot of products out there that do that....I have a bicycle spray product that does that. Triflow dry lube will work too.

Kevin

 

[1994 E420]

I'm pretty sure the pins are bent on the passenger door and the driver's door cylinder is simply worn out after 26 years. I have lubricated a few times over the years with graphite, which doesn't help any longer.

Thanks.

 

[Walt'89300CE]

It's been 18 months since I inserted the synthetic grease and it works wonderfully well. In the ignition and the exterior locks, as well. Just a little dab'll do ya.
I do keep my key (& entire car) clean, though.

The original poster doesn't have much to lose at this point- by trying some type of lube.

 

[1994 E420]

is there a part number for that grease?

 

[Walt'89300CE]

Just trying to help you- it's cheap enough to try. Auto parts stores sell the syringes 3 for $5. Synthetic grease is available online.

 

[Walt'89300CE]

MercedesSource.com sells little quantities of it, ask at your local parts store, I don't know of any part #. But Clear Synthetic Grease is what to ask for.

 

[1994 E420]

Thanks, Walt.

I wonder if that grease is temperature stable and will work for the wiper arm linkage.

 

[Walt'89300CE]

Just remembered- years ago I had trouble with my left door lock.
Long story short, I had MB dealership order me a new key (they need to see VIN & registration card). $27., and took a week to come in from Texas where they make them-
that solved the problem- original key was worn out.
Had to go to dealership to pick it up, they tested key in my car locks and then handed it to me.

 

[Walt'89300CE]

There are some good youtube videos on how to lube the mono-wiper parts- basically it is one linkage that has the problem- synthetic grease would work on that arm.

 

[1994 E420]

I do have a new key, so that isn't the issue.

Regarding the wiper linkage, I've used Royal Purple synthetic grease, white lithium grease and a few other synthetics as well and I've been unimpressed - they all melt, make a mess and dry out fairly quickly. I am going to try the old brown plumbers grease, which is temperature stable and mineral-based.