[R129 SL] Ignition switch/key problem

[Frank GLASCOTT]

Fantastic piece of work, Chris. Take my hat off to you.    Frank (France)





> Message du 16/06/08 19:54

> De : "chris wadlow" 

> A : "SL Mailing List" 

> Copie à : 

> Objet : 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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