Single key issue

[philmas]

Hi!
My '71 280SL, as many others I guess, has 3 different keys.
As I intended to shift to a single key system, I came looking to the SLS web site.
They have a complete set of locks (ignition,doors,trunk,gas cap...)that comes with a single key for around $600.
My local MB dealer says They would have to replace the ENTIRE steering lock, which by itself costs more than $600, not mentioning a couple of hours of behind-the-dashboard hard work!

SLS though displays a separate, removable, ignition switch barrel,apparently fitting in the steering locking system as a discrete part.

Does anyone have experienced this before?

[Klaus]

philmas,
a 71 280SL should be equipped with a two-key system ex-factory (main and valet key, plus spare).
This is described as such in the 1971 280SL sales brochure for the German market (Grundausstattung; Schloesser). I doubt that France kept the old system.
You can check the production date of your car in our databases section.

Klaus
1969 280 SL

[philmas]

I'm sorry, but I'm not sure I got you right on this.
What do you mean by a "two-key system"?
The main key and the valet key are (nearly) identical, except the main key opens the trunk and the glove box, am I right?
The spare key is identical to the main one.
So, what is the "second" key for?
On the SLS website, they say late 280SL's had a single key for all locks.

[rwmastel]

Basically, with a 280SL (did this start w/ the 250SL?) you have:
- One key that does everything.
- One spare key that does everything.
- One valet key to give a valet parking person (does not open everything).

Some threads on keys:
http://index.php?topic=4101
http://index.php?topic=3777
http://index.php?topic=3670

Rodd
Powell, Ohio, USA
1966 230SL, Euro, Auto, Leather, both  tops
1994 E420

[Klaus]

Rodd,
no, not with the 250SL; it was introduced about August 1969 as a running change for the 280SL.
philmas,
if you have your datacard (if not, get one from the Classic Center), it will show you if you have two or three (the older system) key codes.

Klaus
1969 280 SL

[philmas]

@Klaus:
I agree with you;the 280SL was the only single-key operated pagoda!

The locks, on my car,are obviously not from stock : the driver's door key is different from the ignition key, which is identical to the passenger's door,the glove box and the trunk key (supposed to be the original one).The gas cap is a more recent item, and of course has its own key (which makes...3 keys!).
The fun about it is ... they all look just the same;
Try and figure out what a PIA it can be just attempting to unlock the door!
My question therefore remains: how can you replace the ignition key?
Do you need to replace the entire steering lock,or is it possible to replace the ignition switch only, as suggested in the SLS parts list document?

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[al_lieffring]

If I remember correctly, when the ignition switch is in the accessory position there is a hidden button that can be pushed and the chrome bezel that holds the lock tumbler will pull off. The lock tumbler just pulls out once the bezel is off.

The lock assembly would need to be taken out of the column first to do this.

My 66 230 has a different lock so I don't remember the exact details on where these might be.

The tumbler is removable but is no longer sold as a seperate component through MBZ.

The master key and chaufer's key were the same cut, but on different key blanks.

Al



66 230sl
113-042-10-014715
904/396 blue, Ivory Tex
condition: not-as-rusty-as-before-bucket

[hands_aus]

quote:Originally posted by al_lieffring

If I remember correctly, when the ignition switch is in the accessory position there is a hidden button that can be pushed and the chrome bezel that holds the lock tumbler will pull off. The lock tumbler just pulls out once the bezel is off.

The lock assembly would need to be taken out of the column first to do this.

My 66 230 has a different lock so I don't remember the exact details on where these might be.

The tumbler is removable but is no longer sold as a seperate component through MBZ.

The master key and chaufer's key were the same cut, but on different key blanks.

Al



66 230sl
113-042-10-014715
904/396 blue, Ivory Tex
condition: not-as-rusty-as-before-bucket

The BBB 68-72 has a section 46-8/2 showing the removal of the key mechanism with the lock still in the dash.

Bob Smith (Brisbane,Australia)
RHD,1967 early 250 SL, auto

[Naj ✝︎]

philmas,

If you buy a lockset 113 893 0403,
you will get:

ignition barrell
glove box lock
trunk lock
fuel cap and
2x door handles
2x Key (mine did not come with the chauffer's key but then it was NOS)
All above work with the same key.

I have such a set but I'm not sure the ignition barrell will fit my '68 steering lock. With your '71, it should not be a problem.

naj


68 280SL

[philmas]

I would like to thank you all  for good advice!
The ignition barrel is actually removable from the steering lock assembly, and available as a separate part for the 280SL only.There is no need to remove the whole lock, and it sounds like it would be a pretty simple job.
I have ordered the lock set at SLS.

Phil
 

[Anfinn]

Phil or any other.
As I have also ordered the lock set for my car, I would like to know how the ignition key barrel can be removed without removing the lock.

I see the reference to BBB 68-72, section 46-8/2 further down, but I only have the 1959 version pluss the Motor mamnual from -68 on,
so I would appreciate a description of how it is done..

Anfinn E
1970 280SL auto
Saab 9-5 Estate

[RBurg]

Am I wrong - a locksmith should be able to reset the tumblers so a single key would work (providing the key would be able to be ibserted in to the lock.

Ron - Minnesota
71 280SL Tobacco "O GIGI"
03 525 BMW BlACK/BLACk
97 E420 Silver Mist

[Anfinn]

Yes, but even a locksmith would have to have the barrel out of the lock to reset the tumblers??
It is how to get the barrel out which is a mystery to me..

Anfinn E
1970 280SL auto
Saab 9-5 Estate

[philmas]

Anfinn,

I don't know how my mechanic did it.But I'm fairly sure it's a straightforward job (i.e.no need for steering lock removal).
You should ask Dr Benz!

Philippe from Paris
'71 280SL manual 4sp

[Anfinn]

Well, it came off!!
After fiddlig for a while, I ended up with the chrome surround and barrel in my hand.

Having got it out I can see how it can be removed if you don't have as much wear in the components as I had.  


 
The pin sticking out from the side of the barrel can be pushed in when the key is turned 90 degrees clockwise.
So insert key and turn 90deg.
Slide the chrome surround out as far as it will go with the key in.
Turn key to entry position, take it out, remove surround, put key back in.
Turn 90 deg. cl.w. Pin which is now exposed, can be pushed in, and the barrel can then be removed, with the key.  

Anfinn E
1970 280SL auto
Saab 9-5 Estate

[philmas]

Pleased to read  you made it!
Enjoy the one key system!
Anyone who's never had three keys doesn't know what it's all about!

Philippe from Paris
'71 280SL manual 4sp

[Peter van Es]

quote:Originally posted by Anfinn

Well, it came off!!
After fiddlig for a while, I ended up with the chrome surround and barrel in my hand.

Good stuff, I've added it to the Wiki!

Peter

1970 280SL. Also known as 'admin@sl113.org' and organiser of the Technical Manual.

[hauser]

I have two keys.  One for all the locks on the car and one for the gas cap.  I also keep my gas key on the same keyring so that when I gas up I don't forget the gas cap.

1969 280sl 5 spd
Gainesville, Fl.