[R129 SL] Ignition switch/key problem

[Damian Ball]

Thanks Chris.

 

Well done again!

 

 

From: r129list-bounces at mbcoupes.com
[mailto:r129list-bounces at mbcoupes.com] On Behalf Of chris wadlow
Sent: Tuesday, 17 June 2008 3:55 PM
To: SL Mailing List
Subject: Re: [R129 SL] Ignition switch/key problem

 

Hi Damian

Go ahead and publish it where ever you think it might help or amuse. I
must admit that although I feel a certain satisfaction at having
recovered the keys without damage I do feel a little stupid at having
owned the car for 5yrs without getting a spare key and also alowing the
central locking fault to go uncorrected. My wife was quite sure that the
whole episode was due to my own stupidity and she preferred to listen to
the 20/20 cricket commentry rather than to my account of the keys
retreval. I think she probably has a point.
 
Regards Chris.

________________________________

Date: Tue, 17 Jun 2008 09:05:00 +1000
From: D.Ball at psychology.org.au
To: r129list at mbcoupes.com
Subject: Re: [R129 SL] Ignition switch/key problem

Chris, 

 

You have outdone yourself with your ingenuity and I'm very impressed! If
it's ok with you I'll post this on the Aussie R129 forum because I'm so
impressed!

 

Damian.

 

 

 

From: r129list-bounces at mbcoupes.com
[mailto:r129list-bounces at mbcoupes.com] On Behalf Of chris wadlow
Sent: Tuesday, 17 June 2008 3:55 AM
To: SL Mailing List
Subject: Re: [R129 SL] Ignition switch/key problem

 

Hi Jan, 
 
Thanks for the advice. I am pleased to say I have retrieved the keys
without damaging the car. Just in case anyone else has this problem I
will explain how I managed to do this. I manually raised the hood (as
described in the drivers manual). This gave access to the soft top well.
The hinges for the well cover come through two holes in the bulkhead,
one each side, between the boot and the soft top well (about 2cm by
4cm). I strapped a small web cam to a long screw driver and slid it into
the boot on one side through a hinge hole and fixed up a car bulb on a
stiff wire and pushed it in through the other hinge hole. I could now
see inside the boot and eventually located the keys after poking around
in the rubbish with a variety of pieces of bent wire, copper brake pipe
material and magnets on bendy shafts I managed to position the keys
directly under one of the hinge holes. I then used a hook on a piece of
string to catch the keys and bring them out through the hinge hole. I
dropped the keys many times during the operation and the whole job took
about 5 or 6 hours but what else is there to do on a sunny sunday when
you cant drive your SL. I was very pleased not to have damaged the car
and of course the next thing I must do is get another spare key made
!!!!
 
Regards Chris Wadlow.

________________________________

From: J.kuylaars at kpnplanet.nl
To: r129list at mbcoupes.com
Date: Mon, 16 Jun 2008 14:43:22 +0200
Subject: Re: [R129 SL] Ignition switch/key problem

Chris.

You have a big problem.

Normally should open the doors , activate the central locker for the
boot.

There are two wires and switch to do so. All of other central locking
parts are in the boot.

And if your boot lock not will react is properly the air pipe  or the
membrane damaged .

So the only thing you can do is to drill out the lock cylinder in the
boot and then with a hook release the iron piece from the membrane to
the locker.

Or ask your dealer if they have an other suggestion.

Flying dutchmen

 

	-----Oorspronkelijk bericht-----
	Van: r129list-bounces at mbcoupes.com
[mailto:r129list-bounces at mbcoupes.com] Namens chris wadlow
	Verzonden: zondag 15 juni 2008 7:56
	Aan: SL Mailing List
	Onderwerp: Re: [R129 SL] Ignition switch/key problem

	Hi, I hope you sort your key problem. I have a key problem of a
different sort at the momment. My only key for the car (1990 R129) is
locked in the boot. The central locking has failed on the boot and only
locks it. It wont unlock without the key which is in the boot. Any
suggestions which dont involve cutting would be gratefully recieved. I
have obtained another key from Mercedes but it doesn't fit any of the
locks which is supprising as all the locks operate with the same and
only key I have so they all must have been changed at some time.
	Chris Wadlow

	
________________________________


	From: gregorio at weststargroup.net
	To: r129list at mbcoupes.com
	Date: Sat, 14 Jun 2008 12:33:01 -0800
	Subject: Re: [R129 SL] Ignition switch/key problem

	I had this problem as well - my mechanic explained that it is a
common problem with the early models (mine is a '91 as well) and can
prove to be very expensive if you DON'T get the key out. Once out, it is
a fairly easy fix.  The keys & ignition tumblers tend to wear out and
you have to order a replacement key at the dealer (bring your
registration the VIN number and a driver's license).  Keep trying and
jiggling to get the key out, if you don't get it out, it's VERY
expensive to repair!

	Just replacing the key may solve the problem too.

	 

	Just my 2 cents.

	 

	Greg in West Hills, CA

	91 500SL

		----- Original Message ----- 

		From: Oldbenz1 at aol.com 

		To: r129list at mbcoupes.com 

		Sent: Saturday, June 14, 2008 11:36 AM

		Subject: [R129 SL] Ignition switch/key problem

		 

		My '91 500SL has developed a serious problem.  When I
turn off the ignition and try to remove the key I have trouble turning
it to the extreme counter--clockwise detent so the key can be removed
Moving the steering wheel while attempting to turn the key does not
help, nor does using other keys (I have 3 keys for this car).  After a
lot of playing around with the key in the lock, I am finally able to
remove it.  Likewise it is sometimes difficult to turn the ignition
switch clockwise to start the engine- it is sticky.  A shot of aerosol
WD-40 injected into the lock did not help.  Anyone had this problem and
found a fix?  I'm afraid if I need to replace the ignition switch I may
also have to replace all the other locks as well resulting in a major
expense.

		 

		
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