Hi everyone!

My names Joe and I'm new to the forum. I own a 1987 Mercedes-Benz 260E. I've loved this car up until a month ago. I'll give you the quick story and if there’s anyone here that has an opinion or knack for something of this nature let me know!

About a month ago I lost the ignition key to my car. I went down to the dealer and spoke to a parts/service rep. They took down my cars info etc... and sent an invoice for the key to Ft. Worth Texas. A week later the key comes in and I picked up. The key didn't work. Drove all the way back down to the dealer and they sent the key back out to TX. A week later the key comes in, I pick it up, try it out and it doesn't work. I had also ordered a valet key ($29) and that did not fit either. Was told the barrel could have been replaced at some point. That still didn't explain why the valet keys didn't fit either.

Frustrated, I called and e-mailed MBUSA several times and was basically given the run around by a customer relations liaison up in NJ. For the hell of it, I gave MB’s Roadside Assistance offices a call and was told that the keys for my model of MB should have been sent to Germany. After that I was given a number that when I tried was disconnected![:'(]

I called the dealer one more time and was told "we don't really know what to do, sorry; you could try calling a local area locksmith". A week later, I placed at least three more calls and have left two messages, still no reply from this dealer. I'd avoid Mercedes-Benz of Alexandria, VA Service Department! I was very close to filing a BBB complaint.[:@] On top of that both the ignition and valet keys are non-refundable and other area dealers I’ve spoken to will not accept, process, or handle special order parts from other MB dealers.

At any rate, I went down to another dealer and was told to remove the ignition, bring it down and they would send it back off to TX for a proper fit. The rep gave me a diagram of the steering system. I've got the bottom half of the dash popped and I have access to the ignition. I'm just having trouble removing it. The ignition looks to be held on by one piece that connects to the steering column. When I turn the wheel the ignition moves. Is there a way to just pop it out or would I have to take the steering column apart to remove the ignition? The rep I spoke to said “it should just pop out”.

If anyone has any information on removing the ignition for my 87 260E I’d really appreciate it! I noticed a lot of technical questions don’t really get answered by a lot of members here. I was hoping there was someone here that wants to tackle this one for me.

Thanks again.

 

I read with great interest about your problem, I can't help you, but I would like to comment. I had a rust problem with my 99 C280 on both rear quarter panels, where they meet the plastic bumper cover. My car is Starmarked until July of 05. The dealer didn't want to know nothing and MBUSA also didn't want to get involved with any repair consideration under warranty, even when I provided documentation from a large body shop who wrote and had notarized a letter explaining the rust was caused by inproper caulking from the factory,where seams met. MBUSA, customer service were arrogant and not concerned, to the point one service person told me to stop bothering them as they aren't going to fix the problem and hung up.