Ijust boughta 1983 300D with 260K miles on the odometer. If I let the steering wheel lock, I have to jiggle the key aggressively in order to get it toturn and to get the steering wheel tounlock. I havetried this while wiggling the steering wheel and also making sure there is no tension on the steering wheel. I don't have any problems with the key working if the steering wheel is not allowed to lock in place. I also have two factory cut keys.</P>


I don't think this is a problem with the keys. Is thisa common problemfor MB's with a lot of miles? Is it a problem with the tumbler or the locking mechanism? Any advise would be helpful.Am I looking atthe dealer tofix this orcan a DIY mechanic fix this.</P>


TimK</P>

 

tumber problems extreemly common, but if you dont get it fixed and it locks up it gets more expensive because the tech will have to drill out the safety lock on the tumber if u have directions on how to do it, if not better have the dealer do it.</P>

 

my 190 started doing this i sprayed wd40 in the lock and its been ok since, </P>


Hmm maybe i shouldn't have said that</P>