Converting 230 to one-key system?

[wabayuma]

Hello all,

I've been searching through many posts, and haven't found a specific answer to whether it's possible to convert a 230SL to the one key system like the 280SL has.  I am sick of three+ keys.

The cost of the three key system for 280SL is very expensive, I wanted to make sure this could work (ignition, etc.) before trying to order.  Has anyone done this?

Again, just to be clear, the car is a 230SL with three different keys as original.

[ja17]

Hello Yabayuma,

The door hangles and trunck lock would be easy to convert, not sure about the  ignition switch.  The cost of the parts may change your mind.

[al_lieffring]

The ignition lock assembly on a 230sl is a sealed unit. The 280sl ignition lock assembly has a removable chrome bezel that allows the lock tumbler to be exchanged. Even if you were to drill out the steel pins that hold the chrome bezel onto your 230sl lock assembly the 280 tumblers would not fit inside.

The complete lock assembly from a 280sl does not fit behind the dash or bolt up to a 230sl steering column either.