Problem with lock for pagoda 280 SL

[Dermot O Brien]

Recently purchased Pagoda 280 SL. However no key came with drivers door. Got new key cut but still lock does not work after many hours trying to figure it 0ut. My conclusion is part of the internal mechanism is missing. As i think someone has taken it apart previosly. Can You HELP PLEASE AM DESPERATE!!!

[Kemal]

Hi Dermot,
Welcome ....
I also have a 280 SL & my car came with just the ONE key to open all the locks, 2 doors + boot & some times the petrol cap. [ + start the engine ]
To my understanding the 280 SL, only came with the One Key !
Try closing [ Lock it ] the drivers door from the inside & then go round and try the key again from the outside !

Hope this helps, without having to investigate the inside of the door.

Regards
Kemal

280 SL Manual 69

[ja17]

Hello Dermot,

Often times the drivers door handle has been replaced without having it re-keyed to fit the original key. Possibly it is broken or has  parts missing. These door handles and locks are removalble without removing the inside door panel.  A phillips headed bolt can be removed and the handle can be pushed forward and it will release from the door.

If everything seems to be in order take it to a locksmith. He can key it to work or repair it if needed.

Keep us up to date.

Joe Alexander
Blacklick, Ohio

[seattle_Jerry]

If all else fails just get accuators for power locks installed with an alarm.

1967 230SL Havana Brown Auto with A/C

[ejm]

if you find that the lock will work with the handle off the car but not when fitted, then lock the door from the inside before refitting the handle. I found that this was the only way i could make the lock work on the drivers door.

[Raymond]

Kemal,
My 1968, 280 came with three keys. One for the ignition, one for the doors, and one for the trunk. Either door or trunk key will open the glove box. Add a locking gas cap and you get another.

Dermot,
You didn't say what year yours is. I presume you tried the key in the other locks.  Do you have access to a parts diagram?  It helps to look at that before you disassemble it.  It isn't too conplicated even if you don't.  Just pay attention to how it's put together before you take it apart.

Ray
'68 280SL 4-spd Coupe

[68_white]

My 1968 280SL had three keys. Just like Raymond's.  When I replaced the door handles, I also made some key modifications. I had a local locksmith change the locks so that I can operate the ignition and the glove box with the original ignition key and the rest of the locks (doors, trunk, gas cap) with the smaller key.

Dermot, if you ordered the keys from the MB dealer and they do not work on your door, someone for sure before you had made changes to the locks.



HARRY

68_WHITE

[Bob G ✝︎]

You can check with the classic center in Irvine by giving them your vin number and proff of ownership they can give you the lock code number for the drivers door and passenger key so you can give the lock smith this information. I prefer the orginal steel key blanks be cut, worth has lock lube spray that helps to keep the locks easy to operate.

Bob Geco

[Raymond]

Bob reminded me of an unrelated point.  One of the tricks that thieves sometimes use on late model cars is to get the VIN from the plate inside the windshield then get a duplicate key cut at the dealer.  Many parts counter guys can cut keys and don't remember to ask for registration.  A piece of tape over the plate prevents this.

Ray
'68 280SL 4-spd Coupe