How to Repair / Fix Stuck Ignition Key - Mercedes (worn tumbler replacement) 

My key wouldn't turn at all and the steering wheel was locked. I tried nearly two hours wiggling/vibrating the key, brute force with pliers, hammer, not putting the key all the way in. I was about to quit, when I thought this is the last try. I turned the key very vigorously back and forth clockwise and anticlockwise with pliers and turning the wheel at the same time. The bloody key turned and I can't even describe the feeling I had. Thanks to this video and mr bpetertube I saved at least 400€.

Thank you for posting this video. Your analysis of the tumbler was very helpful for thoroughly understanding the problem. No other video out there is as clear as this one. Wife will now be able to drive her 2001 SLK again.

An absolute fantastic video. I now know why you cut away while trying to get the damn key to position 1!!! LOL. Here were my steps to fill in that gap: 1. Couple small squirts of liquid wrench. Push the key in and out about a 100 times. Violently try to turn shake and turn about a 100 times. Nothing. 2. Vacuum out key hole with straw. Violently try to turn shake and turn about a 100 times. Nothing. 3. Carb cleaner squirted in. Push the key in and out about a 100 times. Violently try to turn shake and turn about a 100 times. Nothing. 4. Put valet key in and shoved orbital sander on end and side while trying to turn. Nothing. 5. Walk away mad. 6. Walk back and violently try to turn shake and turn about a 100 times. Moved to position 1!!! 7. Ordered new tumbler. 8. Put band-aids on my knuckles

This man is only the one man on youtube i called him troubleshooter one man nd all other stuff is garbage 🗑 really appreciate bro

If you want to avoid draining your battery, use a flat head screwdriver to return the switch to position zero once the mechanism is removed and put it back to position one before you reinstall. In my case, it revealed the problem was with the steering wheel lock mechanism and not the tumbler assembly. Helpful video, thanks for sharing!

Thank you for this very detailed video! My new tumbler arrives today, I hope it goes as well as your video.

Great information, Knowing how the barrel all locks together allowed me the chance to get the key to turn once and then dismantle it. Thank you

Thanks for your very clear and helpful video instructional!!! Awesome. Compared to others that only waste your time watching!!

Thanks for posting this valuable video for old Mercedes owners.😊

Excellent video. The tumble makes perfect sense now!

Thank you very much sir. i have watched your video carefully and i did it my self. Very clear indeed. Now it is very easy to me to replace it my self. Thanks

You are totally awesome! I have not seen such a great video tutorial and you gave me hope to try this myself. Thank you!!!!

First of all thank you for the nicely explained video easy to follow and understand. On my W202 1996 the key didn't turn on the, I saw your comments on not turning it off again if you manage to turn it now I'm needing to order and replace it cold.. as it eventually broke, half the key is stuck in the actual tumbler. I will have to jimmy it with a screwdriver and hammer I guess. Thanks again. Cheers from South African.

You did an amazing job on this video. Thanks so much

Hey Just wanna say thank you for the video. It was very helpful getting the tumbler out of my Old MB this morning. Peace

You emphasized clearly, the details, Just awesome.! Thanks so much.

Just what I was looking for, Good job mate. Good quality.

Thank you so much for this video, it helped me out a great deal....thank you!

Excellent video, thank you!!

Just a little follow-up: I successfully removed the old ignition tumbler, but noted that it didn't look worn, and the pins (or wafers, as they are also called) were aligned just fine with the cylinder. I installed the new tumbler, which I had to purchase from the local M-B dealer. (You have to bring your title and ID for them to order the part. New tumbler, cover and extra key set me back $180) Being a little skeptical given the condition of my original tumbler, I did not install the cover and tried the ignition. It worked, but the next time I tried it, it was stuck again! As it turned out, installing a new tumbler did nothing! Replacing the steering lock housing is the next logical step, and getting to it was more than I am in the mood for, since that involves removing the steering wheel and the complications that come with it. So I fiddled with the key for half an hour, got the car started, and had the local M-B dealer take a look, and they agreed that I need a new steering lock housing. However, since they (against my clear warning) turned the car off, they say that they need to replace the steering lock and tumbler. All for a mere $1690. If anyone is in my situation, find a certified M-B mechanic and steer clear of the dealers.At least the independent mechanic will listen to you and not lock up your steering wheel and charge you to drill out the tumbler.

Thank you very much, awesome!!!

Davvero bravissimo, spiegazione davvero perfetta BRAVO. Ho un dubbio visto che c'è antifurto sulla chiave, tutte immagino, se metto questa chiave poi telecomando, dove metterlo? È chiave che si apre e ha il tasto x chiusura portiere, antifurto Che fare, ho problema che non parte, non da impulso motorino avviamento Non vado MB,mi costerebbe ...CONSIGLI X FAVORE . GRAZIE DA BG ITALIA

at 9:46 where the white yellowish plastic piece is on the right, what's that mechanism for? What if it was accidentally removed when removing the tumbler? I have a 1994 Mercedes c220 and the ignition locked up and so did the steering wheel, well at the point I was in , what was the worst that could happen, right. well I hammered a flat head screwdriver into the ignition and cranked the vise grips down and started chunking out the tumbler piece by piece well that came off when I got half of the tumbler out.

Hello sir thank you for your great tutorial I have a big problem with the key dosen't turn on 1st position. Pls any adea to fix the problem

So I’m having this same problem. Will start if it shake key really hard. My question let’s say if I can manage to get tumbler out how to take out wafers? Or would it be easier to file them down some how. I can’t get the tumbler out by the way just asking in case I do idk if I don’t have it in right position or the tumbler is stuck. Would really appreciate the help

Excellent video! What lubrication do you recommend to apply to all the relevant components before inserting the new tumbler?

I'm having difficulty removing tumbler cover with key in the #1 position?? Your video is very Well done 👍 I'm just not tweaking the cover right???

How does the cover come off with the tumbler? It's not shown in the video. Thanks

Hi there Sir. O have a question o change the tumbler 1 Year ago but now a new I got a new problem I inserto the key and the key turnos no problem but the 3rd Last position when I try to Stratford the engine the key doente turn completar in the 3rd position so nothing happens and I cant start the emgine I Wonder if I buy a new tumbler fix the problem or I have to buy the iginition switch module too

I have no problem turning the key, but when i turn it over to start the engine it doesn't respond immediately. It takes like half a second. Yesterday it didn't respond at all and i had to turn the key back and forth for it to finally crank. What part of the lock is failing?

Very detailed video with the aim to help other RU-vidrs. Many thanks. I have a E280 1996 (W210)which just developed the infamous jammed steering lock problem. First I could not turn the key but after a few tries, I could turn the key and even start the car. However, the steering lock still remained in lock position. I wonder if your technique can be used to start my "unlocking the steering lock" project?

Ive got a diferent issue my key turns first second even 3rd position the last one doesnt tuen corrwctly because it wont turn on the car if i change my tumbler can ijsolve this problem? Like you did in yours

I'm still unable to rotate my key on my W202 to position 1. What tricks did you do to rotate it to position 1?

Our tumbler is locked solid. Will not turn. Is there another way to get it out?

HI PETER,I DO NOW HAVE THE SAME PROBLEM,MY QUESTION IS WHICH POSITION IS # 1,IS IT ON ACCESORIES OR ON POSITION?THANK YOU

did you need to swap the waivers and add them too the new tumbler?

So there is no way to repair the tumbler yourself? Are these like disposable lighters or can these be repaired vs. replaced?

Can you turn the car on if u happen to drill the tumbler out and stick a screwdriver while I wait for the parts? 3 to 4 days

Hi I have tried but the key just would not turn into position one, I have only sprayed wd40 but just no luck, any guidance please do let me know.

hi my ignition is stuck and can't rotate at all what method did you use to get it to turn mine is stuck and won't move at all please help

Do your mercy have immo?

I was able to get the black tumbler cover off without the key being in the lock at position 1. Dont ask super long story. I did not cut it off or damage it. The question is how do I get the tumbler out. The key will go in but not turn. Thank you

How so you managed to turn the key? In my case I can't turn my key ti the first position help me please how can I turn to first position

Very helpful, thank youBut you do not have to buy a new lock, just file down the tumblers that stick out when the key is inserted, what sticks are the ones that stick out when the key is in it, dremel or file them down so they are flush, clean and lube and put back in, works like a charm.All together took me about 45 min. and now I do not have do worry no more to get stranded somewhere.

Thanks 👍👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏💪💪💪🇱🇾

Как всегда выручили

I try everything to turn the key in first position and nothing happens. I think have to destroy it completely by drilling and or bashing but I don't know how to do it can somebody help me

Just a quick point.... On my c220 with the ir key.. If your battery is completely flat, the ignition key is locked mechanically.. This may save you an hour of your life.

how much does mercedes charge to install new tumbler and key?

What if my key is lost and I'm trying to change the cylinder...please help

96 Mercedes ignition tumbler shroud stuck

Thank you but my key still will not turn at all

what to do if i cant put the key into possition 1???

My key doesnt rotate how i take it of

Does the key or anything need to be programmed

Hi Sir, good job and good video, I have the same model E320 and 1996 model, it has the same problem, the key can't turn and I can't start the car. Can you send me your direct email or WhatsApp so we can communicate further? I need a new replacement, thanks. Awaiting your response.

Қазақшасы керек еді?

You skipped the most important part, how to get the ignition out!

It 000000000000.1 to get key 102M But I have it at 🇮🇶 😅