Hey folks, I bought this car with only a set of ignition keys. I found a spare ignition cylinder in the car and had keys made from that thinking it was the original. The new keys didn't work in the door. So, I'm trying to get my passenger's side door handle and/or cylinder out to have keys made before Winter. I'm using the ole passenger-side-window-doesn't-stay-up-keyless-entry system, but that won't cut it once things get icy.

I removed the covered bolt that's supposed to release at least the cylinder, and I understand the whole handle, but no luck. I must be missing something. Anyone know what it is? Thanks.

~Brian

Ok, found the phillips head bolt holding the handle on. Now it's loose but not free. Any advice?

~Brian

Removed the 4 screws for the door catch, turned handle ~90 degrees and it's free. Thanks me! I'm gonna go buy me a beer.

~Brian

Unfortunately, usually you need a key to turn the lock in order to seperate the lock stem from the door latch mechanism.

The alternatives are not pretty or easy, you might be able to unbolt the door latch mechanism enough to manipulate it enough to line up the lock stem so as to allow it to be removed. An alternative would be to cut the lock stem allowing the existing door handle/lock to be removed, then you could install a new stem on the existing door lock handle. If you're swapping the existing door handle/locks for newer ones with keys then once you get the old ones out just put the new replacements into their place.

I've got a set of w126 door handles with at least ONE good key if you need them. PM me if you are interested.

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daw_two
Germantown, TN

Links:
Sold last car --- 05/2012 1984 300D Light Ivory, Red interior
No longer selling Cluster Needles Paint
No longer selling New Old Stock (NOS) parts

Past:
3/2008 1986 300SDL "Coda"
04/2010 1965 190D(c) "Ben"
& many more

Any tips on removing the cylinder, or is this the non-servicable type? Thanks.

~Brian

Got the cylinder free... maybe I should keep from posting until I get really stuck. But still wondering if this is servicable or not and any direction towards some instructions would be awesome. I haven't ruled out the locksmith or some replacement parts yet, so I'll keep you in mind daw_two. Thanks.

~Brian

If you're sure the locks are original why not have MB make you a new key from the VIN. Probably less $ than having a locksmith make one. Using the door lock cyl to make your key, will you wind up with a master or a valet key?

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82 300SD 202K
82 300SD 233K
83 300TD 340K
82 300TD 98k euro (parts on the hoof)
85 300TD 282K
83 300TD 197K

Maybe I'm not understanding correctly but wouldn't it be whole lot easier to order the correct ignition tumbler (which matches the door handles) from a dealer for about $30? The only information they need is VIN and a title for proof of ownership.

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Sam

84 300SD 350K+ miles ( Blue Belle )