Author Topic: 230 SL key Tumbler (ignition) (Read 6166 times)

BartSt · « **on:** December 07, 2021, 16:39:08 »

All,

Bart from Belgium again.

After removing the dash instruments "85" times (to redo LED, connect speedo cable to tach and vice versa...

and a lot of other small stuff) I thought I was finished and put all back together.

But then Murphy came by.

Now I have problems with my key. Sometimes it will move to position 1, sometimes it doesn't. And I even can turn it to -1.

So I'm digging into older posts, but I read some conflicting info.

Maybe you can help

1. After removing the Chrome inner bezel, I'm supposed to see a "C" clip which will hold the key tumbler

2. But another post talks about " ... loosen the 10mm bolt and clamp ... install the key again and move to position 1 and depress the hidden pin ... to take out the ignition lock assembly

I do not know which version is correct for my 230sl

And furthermore I read that the lock tumbler from a 111 coupe or 108 sedan will work as a replacement for my 230 tumbler.

But can I fix my 230 tumbler or is that impossible?

Hope somebody can share a bit of his brainpower.

Be well,

Bart

lpeterssen · « **Reply #1 on:** December 07, 2021, 19:40:30 »

Bart

Buy a key tumbler from a w108.

If the internals of your key lock are damaged that is a b9mb wait8ng to explote and leave you stranded anywhere.

The w108 uses a more modern key for which you can make copies everywhere.

Search on eBay, they cost about 100 usd.

Best regards
Leo

lpeterssen · « **Reply #2 on:** December 07, 2021, 19:45:26 »

Bart

Here the link for w108 tumbler

https://www.ebay.com/itm/Ignition-switch-tumbler-for-Mercedes-W107-W108-W110-W111-W112-W113-0004600004-/144210770581?mkcid=16&mkevt=1&_trksid=p2349624.m2548.l6249&mkrid=711-127632-2357-0

And this the link for a w113 tumbler

https://www.ebay.com/itm/MERCEDES-W108-W109-W111-W112-NEIMAN-IGNITION-KEY-TUMBLER-FIX-KIT-/122846581719?mkcid=16&mkevt=1&_trksid=p2349624.m2548.l6249&mkrid=711-127632-2357-0

Best regards
Leo

BartSt · « **Reply #3 on:** December 07, 2021, 20:14:48 »

Leo,

Thanks.

Are you sure a w108 will fit in a 230SL?

Bart

PS and what is the correct way of taking the tumbler out?

BartSt · « **Reply #4 on:** December 08, 2021, 07:30:52 »

Anybody?

450sl · « **Reply #5 on:** December 08, 2021, 09:43:50 »

Bart,are you sure that the assembly is in the exact spot? can remember some fiddling made my key go all the way.......mark

BartSt · « **Reply #6 on:** December 08, 2021, 09:48:21 »

Mark,

I do not understand your question.

Bart

450sl · « **Reply #7 on:** December 08, 2021, 10:51:28 »

I remember the position of the complete key-tumbler assembly in the steeringhousing ,
has influence on how easy the key turns.

lpeterssen · « **Reply #8 on:** December 08, 2021, 11:28:35 »

Bart

First you have to test if the key turns freely when inserted into the ignition tumbler cylinder when it is outside the steering lock assembly. Just the cylinder with the key as shown on eBay listing photos.

If it turns ok there jagging and moving the key, then it is ok. If there is excessive play of they key in order to make it pass the lock position and turn then the cylinder itself is damaged. I do not know how much a locksmith charges to fix that in Belgium, but take in mind that will be always a fix, one temporary thing, not with dependability over long periods of time.

The cylinder is old and has a lot of wear, due to poor lubrication and many turning cycles during its life.

It’s better a new one.

I am sure the w108 cylinder fits without problem.

If not sure buy the one suggested by gullwing parts on the eBay add.

On the other hand the cylinder lock enters the steering lock assembly in only one possible position.

If you took the chance to align the back part coupling to the steering assembly then that is it, no chance to mistake.

Best regards
Leo

BartSt · « **Reply #9 on:** December 08, 2021, 14:57:54 »

Leo,

Hi, I just bought the 108 version from the UK.

My only question remains is how to get the old tumbler out …

Bart

lpeterssen · « **Reply #10 on:** December 09, 2021, 00:58:53 »

Dear Bart

Bring your ignition lock assembly to a locksmith, that is what I usually do. Ask them to remove the ignition cylinder.

If you have the key is not so difficult, but requires some tools that they have on their shops.

Or…….I saw once a video from “mercedessource” explaining how to change that tumbler.

Best regards
Leo

BartSt · « **Reply #11 on:** December 10, 2021, 11:43:35 »

All,

I have included some extra pictures since I really do n to know how to get the chrome barrel off.

Who can help?

Bart

DaveB · « **Reply #12 on:** December 10, 2021, 13:22:05 »

I think you need to drill out the small locating pin(s?).
But better wait for advice from someone who knows for sure.

450sl · « **Reply #13 on:** December 10, 2021, 13:51:57 »

With the key in, the pin can be pushed down ...

Mark

BartSt · « **Reply #14 on:** December 10, 2021, 14:01:59 »

That simple?

How cool if true

Will report back

(big smile already!)

Bart

BartSt · « **Reply #15 on:** December 10, 2021, 16:20:07 »

Mark,

Nope, does not work.

The pin you see on the photo is solid ...

What to do ... drill ...?

Bart

BobH · « **Reply #16 on:** December 10, 2021, 17:34:12 »

Hello, found this earlier post

I have found on 230sl's that when this happens it is neither the key tumbler or the electrical switch but the steering lock mechanism in between. The electrical switch is available seperatly, but the steering lock and key tumbler come as an assembly (electrical switch included)
The key tumbler is held in by the chrome bezel and can only be removed by drilling out two steel pins that are driven through the crome bezel into the aluminum lock housing.
Not the same replacable design found on the 280sl.

lpeterssen · « **Reply #17 on:** December 10, 2021, 19:57:32 »

Yes Bart

Drill drill. That is the way I extracted the chrome ring on my steering lock assemblies.

Then once finished lubricate everything like described by Mercedes’ source

Best regards
Leo

BartSt · « **Reply #18 on:** December 11, 2021, 16:20:41 »

Ok it's off.

Now ... how to get it out ...

Bart

lpeterssen · « **Reply #19 on:** December 15, 2021, 11:12:51 »

Dear Bart

Any news with the tumbler lock extraction?

I think you have to put back the lock key that holds the inner cylinder in place and turn the key half way and then pull the whole cylinder out of the housing.

Best regards
Lpeterssen

BartSt · « **Reply #20 on:** December 15, 2021, 16:50:40 »

Tried it, but does not work (I can pull key out in any position)

I think I need to drill holes deeper. Tumbler is also stuck with the same 2 pins as the chrome ring.

Bart

lpeterssen · « **Reply #21 on:** December 16, 2021, 11:57:41 »

Bart

Yes you have to drill deeper, look at the pictures I made for you from a similar w113 ignition lock assembly and it’s tumbler.

Best regards
Leo

BartSt · « **Reply #22 on:** December 16, 2021, 15:02:47 »

Exactly ... but now I'm checking with a shop in Germany if a w108 will fit if I take the current tumbler out.

Is not clear for me ...

Bart

lpeterssen · « **Reply #23 on:** December 16, 2021, 16:57:29 »

Bart I have here some w108 new ignition lock assemblies. Let me take the picture for you so that you are convinced is a sure fit.

lpeterssen · « **Reply #24 on:** December 16, 2021, 17:14:25 »

Bart

You are right w108 ignition tumbler does not fit into lock assembly NEIMAN 120 which according to my investigation is a w113 230SL ignition lock assembly.

First photo, NEIMAN 120 from a w113
Second photo, NEIMAN 160 from w108
Third photo NEIMAN 95 from w110

Sorry

Leo

News:

Author Topic: 230 SL key Tumbler (ignition) (Read 6166 times)