WELCOME TO BENZDOC.COM

 

8/13/01

  • We have a 1991 300 E.  About one month ago, my wife had difficulty starting the car because the ignition switch would not turn.  A friend helped her and they finally (after much "jiggling") got it started.  When she got home we turned it off and again we could not turn the switch.  I put graphite in it and it started operating just fine.  We had no trouble until today when it again refused to turn.  Before I went to bring the car home I called the service manager for a Mercedes Dealer.  He advised that I should try "jiggling" the steering wheel and that if I could get it started we should replace the tumblers in the ignition (about $200) or it would probably seize and we would probably have to do extensive repairs in the steering column (about $600).  When I moved the steering wheel, the ignition freed up instantly and has been operating just fine.  Do you think we should take any other action?  I don't especially want to spend $200 for new tumblers if they are not needed but I don't like the other scenario ($600 cost) that the service manager described. 
     
    Thank you in advance for your opinion of the best option.
     
    James

 

  • The ignition tumbler should be replaced immediately. The tumbler which comes with a matching key when ordered with the chassis # should cost about $75.00. It takes less a minute to install ( when the key turns ) The dealer will probably charge you one hour.  When one of my customers comes in I give them a shop tumbler to use until the matching one comes in. Get it done today because it is 600.00 to fix it if it locks up again. JON
 

Easy Submit


 CLICK HERE!!!!!

Benzdoc is in no way affiliated with Mercedes- Benz of North America. The Mercedes-Benz trade mark and Logo are registered Trade marks. No affiliation is expressed or implied.. These pages are NOT affiliated with, sponsored by, nor authorized by Mercedes Benz of North America, and/or its associated companies. The creator assumes NO LIABILITY based on information contained herein. Many comments made here are my opinions to which I am entitled
.