Glove Box Key - 280SL 1968

[PeterW113]

Hello all,

I do not seem to have a key that fits the glove box in my 280 SL 1968.   I was told by MB Pool that it should be the same key a one as the door keys.  One of the door keys does fit the glove box lock but does turn.

Could it be that there is something wrong with the lock itself or should it have a separate unique key?

I have looked in the Technical Manual but this did not quite cover this point.

You advice is appreciated as always.

Kine regards

Peter

[scoot]

Hello all,

I do not seem to have a key that fits the glove box in my 280 SL 1968.   I was told by MB Pool that it should be the same key a one as the door keys.  One of the door keys does fit the glove box lock but does turn.

Could it be that there is something wrong with the lock itself or should it have a separate unique key?

I have looked in the Technical Manual but this did not quite cover this point.

You advice is appreciated as always.

Kine regards

Peter

Is your car a single-key car?  One key for ignition, doors, trunk, gas cap, glove box?  It's either a 1 key car or a 3 key car...
The key code for the car is stamped a variety of places including the side of the glove box lock (easy to remove) and on the door handles just inside the door.  You can also get the key code from MB when you get your data card.  

1.  Verify that the key code stamped on the side of your glove box lock matches the key code for your car - if it does, have a new key cut from the key code (via Mercedes or key-men.com or....

2.  If key codes are different, you have some choices.  You can disassemble the glove box lock and put in the key you have and file the pins such that they aren't sticking up when you have the key in - this will cause the lock to work with your existing key...   I think there is a small snap ring on the back side of the lock that you need to remove in order to get the tumbler out of the lock.  It's easy.

3.  You _might_ be able to order a lock of the correct code.  This will be the expensive option.  If you just want the lock to work, see 1. and 2. above...

Scott
ps - and if you want to buy an additional lock from me to mess up instead of messing with the original one, send me email.

[Bob G ✝︎]

in 1968 they supplied you with three keys a square  key with a black plastic cover for the ignition, the other two keys worked the locking gas cap optional and the glove box and one for the trunk. they have changed vendors for the glove box lock so if your  lock is still working I recommend getting an extra two sets of factory Steel keys made. sometimes you can get them through the Classic Center as I did or an independent. but  always demand Steel keys.
In late 1969 they made only one key to fit all the locks and ignition less expensive  but not as amusing to using three keys .
Bob Geco
Tagman

[PeterW113]

Bob & Scott,

First apologies for my rudeness in not responding sooner and second thank you both for your help and advice. 

My car is definitely a three key car but curiously none of the keys work in the glovebox. I have removed the lock barrel and whilst the drivers door key fits the lock, not all of the pins retract. I think my next step is to remove the glovebox and see if I can see the key number and then compare it to the key numbers I have. That way I can make the call of ordering a new key if have the wrong one or filling down the pins in the lock barrel I have if the wrong lock barrel.

I will keep you posted of progress.

Thanks again.

Peter

[Rolf-Dieter ✝︎]

Peter,

I have a 5 key arrangement for my 1969 280 SL. When I got the car only 3 of the 4 keys worked for me (Ignition, Trunk and the Gas Cap).

Last week I took my car to Mercedes since the key marked "D" for doors did nothing on either side of the car. I asked Mercedes to only make the drivers side work since I can lock the passenger side from the inside. The driver side lock handle (the small one ~ not the larger one that opens the door) was flappy i.e. no tension like the one on the passenger side. The mechanic called me into the shop when the door panel was removed to show me that a connecting rod from the small handle linkage to the key lock barrel was missing. He manufactured a new one and all is well now.

I don't know what he did with the key lock barrel, how he got it to work? Perhaps only some lubrication I have no idea. I am mentioning this since like your key lock barrel, mine did not work before. Perhaps all you need to do is lubricate it. Next winter I will take the passenger door panel off and see if I can fix that side. I'll add the glove box to my winter project keeping an eye on your progress

[W113SL]

The round key which fits your trunk lock also should fit the glove box.

W113SL

[PeterW113]

Hello all,

I have been in touch with MB and ordered a new set of keys.  Interestingly according to the Data Card which I now have, one of my keys is the wrong number although it works one of the doors. May be the door lock has been changed at some time or may be the when the keys arrive I will find that the one I currently do not have will fit the glove box.

Fingers crossed and thanks for your interest and help.

Peter

[ptooner]

I ordered a new set from MB for my 230sl and none of them still fit the glove compartment.  I removed the lock cylinder (very easy) and took it to a local locksmith who made me a key to fit it in short order for a very small charge.

Gerry