Steering Lock and Start-Key-Switch questions, '58 180D - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

DieselPop · #1 08-31-2008, 10:58 AM

OK. I am having a problem with my steering at present and I think now that it is due to not having the original keys and having the dashboard key-switch stuck in a certain position where it is intended to block full movement of the steering shaft. I can hear a bind-up and clunk/pop release as I turn the wheel coming from the steering column as it starts at the dashboard, near the switch armour and assembly.

So this sets me off on my quest to find proper keys. I have heard that one can take their VIN number in to most larger MBZ dealerships and they can order/provide properly cut keys just based on the numbers. Is this worth a try any longer with a model as old as this? My other option would be to remove a trunk-latch or door latch and take it to a locksmith shop and just have them make a suitable key for it, provided trunk/door latches are supposed to match the start-switch key tumbler. Does anybody know the proper keying setup for all the compononts?

Door: ?
Trunk: ?
Dash-Start-Switch: ?
Glovebox: ?

Which ones use the same key or different?

Also.... can anybody tell me how this stuff under there is supposed to work? I will attach a couple of photos. What is the big chrome lever on a shaft, and what is the big rheostat looking cylinder/pot at the end of this shaft? Would I be correct to guess that this hand-lever is ment to twist and acuate the start-circuit for the glow-plugs and starter-motor?

Lycoming-8 · #2 09-01-2008, 01:59 AM

If there were no changes between your 180 and our 1961 190Db there should be three keys. One fit the 'ignition', one fit the entry doors and the third fit the trunk and the glovebox. At this point I am not sure which one worked to unlock the fuel door, but all three keys were steel and of markedly different size. The ignition key had the largest head, the entry door one was longer in the blade and smaller head, while the glove-box/trunk one was much smaller over all. Made it very easy to pick the right one in the dark.

So if the system did not change there is no other tumbler like the 'ignition' one. Sorry, looks like going to the dealer with the VIN is the best option, assuming that they are still available that far back.

DieselPop · #3 09-01-2008, 03:10 AM

Thanks for this information. Does your 190Db have this lever type chrome handle located below the "start" key-lock tumbler? If so, could you tell me how it is all supposed to work?

I'm thinking though that you have a fintail 190?, and not a ponton?

Lycoming-8 · #4 09-02-2008, 02:15 AM

The 1961 190Db is a 'Pontoon', but it has the wide and somewhat shorter grille used on the later 'finners'. However I do not remember anything like the chrome handle you showed in the picture. The only thing like that is the hand brake lever, but I think that is on the other side of the steering column. The operational item for glowing the 190Db is the 'Gorilla knob', which is used to glow the plugs, start the engine, and shut off the fuel at the end of the drive. It pulls straight out from the point where it penetrates the dash, and is located above the steering column and is a larger knob than the radio or idle switches.

Douglas Broome · #5 10-20-2008, 02:20 PM

The ignition key is unique to the ponton. Have you read the following:

http://www.mbzponton.org/valueadded/other/keys2.htm

All ponton ignition keys are the same profile except for the 190SL. I have a very few of the original Neiman key blanks for pontons available. They are available nowhere else in Europe of the USA.

Contact me separately if interested. Not inexpensive.

Douglas Broome · #6 10-20-2008, 02:22 PM

I should note further that Mercedes can supply a key blank for a ponton, but it is not a Neiman 8 profile original. Depends on what someone wants.