Question regarding Keys

[timjshanahan]

Hi group, I recently acquired my 280SL and it only had one key (the ignition key). After looking  around the car, I found a key taped to the bumper bracket that was for the doors. This key wasn't a factory key like the ignition. my question is, did the 280SL come with two years one for the doors and one for the ignition or has someone in the past changed changed the key configuration? Also, one key came as a portion and neither of the keys work the truck lock. I will be getting the data card once the title arrives. THX Tim

[rwmastel]

Tim,  Make the Search feature your friend.  It's great!  I searched 280SL keys and got 3 pages of thread listings.

[Lorsar]

Also, please try to post in the proper forum.  Research and development forum is for non standard changes to a pagoda.  See all forums and their descriptions here:
https://www.sl113.org/forums/index.php

[timjshanahan]

THX, will do.

[Mike Hughes]

The plastic handled key works the ignition.  The intact YMOS key works the door lock and may also work the locking gas cap. It is an original key and one can see the key number in your photo.  The broken off Ymos Key should have worked the trunk and glove box locks.  It, too, is an original key, but the key number is not viewable in your photo. Flip it over and you should see the key number.  Armed with these key numbers, your Local Mercedes-Benz dealer should be able to obtain replacement keys for you.

[lreppond]

The 280’s came two ways.  I believe the ‘68 and ‘69 had three keys: ignition, doors/trunk and gas cap.  The ‘70 and ‘71 models had a one key fits all as well as a valet key that didn’t open trunk, gas cap nor glovebox.  Once you get your data card you’ll know what the car came with originally.  I believe the Ymos TB Key is for a gas cap on an early model since it is one sided.  With keys (especially without having good service records) it’s hard to know what is original and what may have been changed.