Source steering column lock for 1971 280SL (automatic)

[EdRedSled]

Hello all, new hear and trying to help out dad on the other side of the US (Santa Barbara).

So he got the car repainted, and when it came back he was unable to start the car.  Local mechanic says he needs the following below.  These seem to be specific to a handful of models, and thus rare/expensive.  I found your site through google, which took me to (https://www.sl113.org/wiki/Electrical/IgnitionSwitch), which looks to be a great write up on the issue, but I am not local to the car and Dad is 75, and less mobile than he was, and so I need to rely on the local mechanic.

And so I am here to ask for references for a parts source.  I've been to the Pelican site which is quoting $800-$1400 with little info, not returnable, etc.   Was wondering if I should be looking to other sources, and if so, who?

The mechanic says he needs the following.

000-462-72-30  STEERING COLUMN LOCK

or

000-462-72-30-81 STEERING COLUMN LOCK, rebuilt
000-460-00-04    Tumbler, UNCODED
000-462-10-23   Cover, Tumbler

Thoughts appreciated, including if I have the wrong parts listed...  Thank you.

[MikeSimon]

My parts list for the 280SL shows 000 462 5930 or 000 462 7230 81 depending on the chassis number for the 280SL
The rebuild part is 000 462 2830 81 only for 230SL and early 250SL
this may be specific for German or Euro-spec cars, though, 
The tumbler (including key!) number is the same

The tumbler cover number you have is for 280SL from chassis no ..12690 and up

[Pawel66]

Are you 100% sure you need this? This is not going to be nice, easy and non-expensive.... It just doe snot fly for me - after re-painting steering lock went dead? Your dad cannot turn the key? Maybe it is just stuck? Is there a way to verify that?

[Tyler S]

If the car wont start because the key wont turn then you will need the entire lock assembly. However, if the key turns and the mechanic diagnosed an electrical issue with the ignition switch/lock then you only need to replace the electrical portion of the lock assembly. Link below. https://www.pelicanparts.com/More_Info/1164620093.htm?pn=116-462-00-93-MBZ&catalog_description=Ignition%20Switch%20%20%20%20%28%38%20Pin%20Connectors%29%20%20&SVSVSI=5731