230sl ignition switch

[Joe]

Someone drilled out the key hole of my 230sl years ago, probably because the key had been misplaced. I've not been able to find a replacement ignition switch, but have bought a 280 switch. Does anyone know if the cylinder from the 280sl will fit into the 230sl housing? Both are from LHD cars, if it makes any difference.
Joe

[graphic66]

I put the whole locking ignition key assembly from a late 67' 250SL into my 66' 230SL. It is a little different in that it sticks a little further out of the dash. Other than that it fit perfect. The cylinder is very hard to remove, I tried to take apart my old one. The cylinder was held in by 3 stake type pins. They are hardened and couldn't be drilled. There is nothing to grab to get them out. That is why I just used the whole assembly and it has worked great.I did notice that the 250SL had an additional bracket to mount beside the radio. I took that from the 250SL and put it in my 230SL. It helps hold the assembly a little better, but is not really needed.

[waqas]

I believe the steering lock stayed the same throughout 230SL production and into the 250SL. Sometime during 250SL production they changed it to the second version, and then kept it the same throughout 280SL production.

They were different for LHD and RHD.

I believe early and late steering locks are functionally compatible, but clearly look different.

[waqas]

Part numbers for the steering lock from the original dealer parts manual are as follows:

Left-Hand Drive:

• 000 462 28 30 - 230SL (all chassis), 250SL (up to chassis 002979)
• 000 462 59 30 - 250SL (from chassis 002980), 280SL (all chassis)

Right-Hand Drive:

• 000 462 29 30 - 230SL (all chassis), 250SL (up to chassis 002979)
• 000 462 60 30 - 250SL (from chassis 002980), 280SL (all chassis)

These part numbers may no longer be current.

[glennard]

Joe, The 230 s/w has 5 contacts, the 280 s/w has 8(I think).  Might be able to use it, if you figure out what ones meet the 230's circuit needs.  Happy 'shade tree' work!  This will delight the next owner.  Glenn

[Joe]

I wasn't thinking about replacing the whole assembly. I was asking about just the cylinder, the part that the key fits. I'd get a locksmith to do the work - just want to know if the cylinders would interchange. The rest of the 230SL switch is just fine.
Joe

[waqas]

quote:Originally posted by Joe

I wasn't thinking about replacing the whole assembly. I was asking about just the cylinder, the part that the key fits. I'd get a locksmith to do the work - just want to know if the cylinders would interchange. The rest of the 230SL switch is just fine.
Joe

Unfortunately, I don't know how easy it would be to remove the cylinder in the early cars. I've dismantled a 280SL ignition lock and cylinder, but never the earlier type. In fact, the 230SL and early 250SL do not even have a separate part number for the cylinder, unlike the 280SL and later 250SL which do. If your locksmith can't get the remnants of the old cylinder out, you might be better off simply using the entire ignition lock assembly from the 280SL.

[merrill]

I replaced the ign switch on my 66 230 about 14 years ago.
I purchased a whole new assy from MB. The counter guy told me that the
cylinders were not replaceable on the earlier cars.

Maybe call tom hansen at the classic center?

[114015]

Guys,

I support Merrill's opinion here.
The key cylinder on the later style steering lock (see parts numbers below, switch point was 250 SL serial 002980 - as usual) can be replaced; but not from the earlier style. The whole assembly must be replaced & is extremely costly.
I think you can get a replacement from MB - by sending yours in.

Currently a big problem indeed.
Best is to hunt for a reasonable useful used unit.

Sorry to say so ....

Achim
(has no replacement unit ...)

[al_lieffring]

The lock tumbler for a double sided key will not fit into the 230sl switch/steering lock assembly.

I ended up cutting up 3 used lock assemblies to get enough good pieces to make one working assembly for my 230sl.

A replacement tumbler for this lock assembly has never been available from MBZ parts.

I ended up using the tumbler from a 67 108 sedan (The tumbler from a 111 fin tail might fit too) and putting it into the housing from a 230sl. The 108 switch/lock assembly has a shorter locking pin than the 113 it will bolt into the SL column but doesn't reach the steering shaft so it won't lock the steering wheel.

To remove the hardened pins that Alfred mentioned I used a Dremmel tool to grind them out, and made sure that I didn't make any marks that the rubber escutcheon ring wouldn't cover up when I reassembled it into the car.

When looking for a used lock assembly make sure there is not a crack in the chrome face of the tumbler below the slot where the key goes in, if it is cracked the lock is about to fail and isn't worth the trouble to install it.

[ja17]

Hello,

The early finback cars had the same ignition key lock assembly. Try looking for a 220S, SE, 230S, 230 Finback 1963 through 1966. Most are marked from the manufacturer as "Nieman 95". Some of the earliest have no manufacturer label. These units are pinned as mentioned and not easily dis-assembled, but it can be done.   I have six of these units left but without keys. I suppose a good locksmith can make one.

[paults1]

Iam about to finish replacing the iginition switch on my '63 230SL.  Before I begin to re-install the dash guages & re-tighten the steering column I need to know which componet causes the key to spring back from the start to the run positon ( key postion #2). Is it the key barrel or the ignition switch itself?  Key postion #2 is completely dead, so I pray that the iginition switch is at fault, I know that the entire steering lock assembly for the 230SL is no longer avaiable. 
Regards, Paul '63 230SL

[al_lieffring]

The starter lock out mechanism is inside the electrical switch. there are no detents or return springs in the lock assembly.

[paults1]

Thank You al, I will continue to complete the work.
Paul