Scott you just helped me to understand how the sidewinder keys work. I'd never
visualized it before since I've never had one apart but I can now see in my
mind how the wafers work.
Assuming they're somewhat like the wafers in a 123 you could also modify (grind
off) the outside of the wafers to fit the lock allowing you to use wafers that
aren't quite right.
-Curt
On Saturday, October 23, 2021, 11:23:42 PM EDT, Scott Ritchey via Mercedes
<mercedes@okiebenz.com> wrote:
I never opened an ignition cylinder but I have been inside w126 door locks.
The sidewinder style does not use pin-style tumblers like a typical home
lock. They use spring loaded split "wafers" that ride up and down the
profile cut into the sides of the key. When everything is "right" with the
key inserted, all the wafers ends are flush with the diameter of the
cylinder, allowing it to turn. I assume these split wafers come in standard
numbered sizes. It appeared to me that sticking from dirt and grease as
well as wear would be the main problem. Also, the door locks were crimped
together making a really neat repair difficult. On the other hand, bad
wafers could simply be removed if too worn and the lock would still work
(albeit less securte).
-----Original Message-----
From: Mercedes On Behalf Of David Bruckmann via Mercedes
Sent: Saturday, October 23, 2021 8:22 PM
To: mercedes@okiebenz.com
Cc: David Bruckmann <d...@bruckmann.com>
Subject: [MBZ] W116 ignition tumbler and key
Greetings,
In case it is helpful for others, I'd like to relate my recent journey in
attempting to avert ignition tumbler failure on my '79 W116.120 (300SD). All
of the information below was confirmed with Tom Hanson at the Classic
Centre.
Ignition tumblers coded to the vehicle are no longer available for W116
models. Fortunately, it is still possible to order a generic "service"
ignition tumbler with a key that is not coded to the vehicle. The "service"
tumbler may actually use a different style of key. My W116 has the so-called
"sidewinder" key, but Tom mentioned that the service tumblers probably use
the more conventional-style keys used in 107/114/115/123 models. And by the
way, ignition tumblers for 107, 108, 114 and 115 are also NLA, even as an
uncoded service part. Only the later 123 tumblers remain available.
I also ordered two replacement keys that ARE coded to the vehicle. These are
still available, but under A2017600306 versus the original A0007600406, a
fact that my local dealer was unable to determine.
My plan is to remove the existing ignition tumbler, replace with the service
tumbler, then dismantle the old part. Sounds like the failure is caused by
wear of the lock pins, which then protrude and cause the tumbler to lock in
the housing. So I will take a look for that and make adjustments before
cleaning, lubricating, and reassembling the tumbler.
If I'm REALLY lucky, Tom is wrong and the "service" tumbler also uses a
sidewinder key. In that case, I will try to find a competent locksmith who
can modify the coding of the generic tumbler to match the vehicle keying.
I posted on this (R107) thread:
https://www.benzworld.org/threads/apparently-mb-no-longer-makes-the-ignition
-tumblers-for-our-cars-so.2067042/page-4
where there's a useful link to
https://www.coolcatcorp.com/Mercedes/Lock190.html and this thread
https://forum.w116.org/mechanicals/modifying-w123-lock-cylinder-to-fit-w116/
which give you an idea of the internal construction of the tumbler.
Anyway, I'll keep you all posted as things progress. If anyone knows of a
competent automotive locksmith near San Francisco, please let me know!
D.
--
David Bruckmann, Temescal/Oakland, CA
Current Reality:
1966 Citroen DS21M Pallas "Celeste"
1972 Mercedes-Benz 280SEL 4.5 (160,000 km) "Blauer Engel"
1973 Mercedes-Benz 450SLC (210,000 km) "Lottie"
1976 Citroen 2CV6 (150,000 km) "Piaf"
1976 Mercedes-Benz 300D/8 (325,000 km) "Willow"
1979 Mercedes-Benz 300SD (270,000 km) "Tina"
Shady Past:
1970 Citroen DS21 Pallas (170,000 km) "Goettin"
1970 Mercedes-Benz 220/8 (250,000 km) "Blanche"
1971 Citroen DS21 Pallas (137,000 km), 1972 Citroen DS21 Pallas (502,000 km)
1978 Mercedes-Benz 300D (1,200,000 km or thereabouts) "Sieglinde"
1979 Mercedes-Benz 300TD non-turbo (260,000 km) "Diva"
1979 Mercedes-Benz 300D (425,000 km) "Liz"
1980 Citroen 2CV6 Charleston (120,000km), 1988 Merkur XR4Ti (209,000 km)
1981 Peugeot 505 GRD (350,000km), 1984 MB 300TD (385,000 km) "Gertraud"
1985 Toyota Camry (330,000 km) 1986 Renault 9 1.7L (155,000 km)
2002 VW Golf GLS TDI "The Hated Golf" (74,000 km)
----------------------------------------------------------------------
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