Woe is me. I've lost the ignition key.

[stumpjumper]

I don't have a record of the key profile or its number. I think it was the original key.

As I see it, I have several choices. If anyone has any comments or ideas, I'd appreciate them.

1. Pull out the dash and get at the barrel to see if it has a number.

2. Ditto and try to rearrange the tumblers to suit a new key (I'm no locksmith).

3. Pick the lock to get the car going and steerable and drive it to a locksmith (I'm no lockpick).

4. Go to Mercedes in Adelaide, give them the VIN and $300, and wait for a key to come from Melbourne.

The first option is a pain in the arse, and so is the last one. The other two aren't much better.

[tsharkey]

Is the ignition key different from doors and boot (as most people who replaced with after market would NOT have bothered with the door and boot locks). If no, you have the original and your $65 will serve as a reminder to never loose it. If yes, then ....

Option 5: Remove the whole ignition locking mechanism and take to the underpass .... They maybe able to create a key from the after market barrel.

[Pete49]

There is no number on the ignition to cut a key to.Try option 5 as above and take to a locksmith for a quote. If the door & boot locks are different get them rekeyed too.
Pete

[Tony From West Oz]

Do not use the boot lock to get a key cut. That lock is different to the ignition key, to prevent Valet parking theft from the boot.
Front door handles are easily removed and should allow a usable key to be cut - providing the ignition lock barrel has not been changed in the past

[Boyracer]

You might still be able to order a new replacement key from the dealers if you have the rego papers to show VIN and prove ownership.

[mathuisella]

i was quoted $60 from mercedes for a new w123 key

[280Ejim]

Look on this as good fortune. An ideal opportunity to get a beautiful new key. My 280E has only done a fairly low mileage, so I imagine not an awful lot of use of the key and ignition - relatively speaking. But I was out recently, and parked the car with the steering wheel turned just off centre. When returning I had some difficulty getting the ignition key to turn. Not good. I immediately ordered a new key from Mercedes, by providing Vin and ownership details. It came from Germany. Only about $60 I think. Comparing the new and old keys, side by side, I could see how much the old original was worn. All the edges rounded off. Threw it away. The new key is crisp and firm in the lock. I tried to order a new cylinder to match the same number as the original, but Mercedes no longer do this. The very helpful Parts person told me of a locksmith here in Sydney that would change a new 'generic' cylinder to match the original. When I called him he advised he no longer does this, as it involves bending a part of the cylinder to get to the tumblers, and then after modifying it returning it to it's correct position. And he once had one snap on him, so no longer does it. I'm going to look after that old original ignition cylinder as if turning the key and getting home depended on it. Cheers, jim

[Pete49]

easier to get the door locks and boot changed to suit the new key unless you use a boot release in which case just the doors. They are simple to do no bending etc.
Pete

[stumpjumper]

Thanks for the advice.

Removing the door handle is probably the quickest, but I have been told by the local MB dealer that they will give me a data card for nothing if I send them the VIN.

I'm hoping the data card has a number on it which identifies the key, which I will then get from a locksmith. It will take a week to get the data card. If that's no good, I'll try removing the door handle.

The alternative (other than removing the door handle and getting a key made for the lock) is to pay MB $300 for a new key ready cut to match the VIN. I'd feel like a sucker doing that.

[Tony From West Oz]

Not only that, but if the lock has been replaced previously (eg the whole set changed from another car) then the key would be useless.

[stumpjumper]

I've sent MB the VIN and I'm waiting for the data card.

Goodwood Locksmiths confirmed they can cut a new key to the data card's code for $65.

They advised that to cut a key from the driver's doorlock it would have to be made to fit the bootlock as well and would end up costing me $400-$500 plus the hassle of pulling out the locks. I don't think he was keen to do it. I'll wait for the data card and cross my fingers that the lost key was the original one described in the data card. It was very worn and opened everything, so I'm hoping.

[newMercowner69]

I''ve got same/similar problem EXCEPT i CAN'T etc unlock my car (C200/W202 T Elegance) despite having 2x brand new batteries to the remote! :(.
At both a loss&bewildered &aghast loss(t) for words&speechless to describe WHY this happened&occured in the 1st place! :(.My spare key is in the car itself hopefully the stealership will provide me with the code so as i can get a brand new key cut or they'll cut&deliver one to me?! :).

[stumpjumper]

God luck! My saga had a happy ending. I decided to clean my car thoroughly since I couldn't drive it, and I discovered a spare key I had made a couple of years ago. It was in the front passenger door bin for some reason. I just about sang hallelujah.

[stumpjumper]

God luck! My saga had a happy ending. I decided to clean my car thoroughly since I couldn't drive it, and I discovered a spare key I had made a couple of years ago. It was in the front passenger door bin for some reason. I just about sang hallelujah.