Problem Reports » High Usage Vehicles May Experience Ignition Lock and Tumbler Failures

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Mercedes-Benz E320

 

Report: High Usage Vehicles May Experience Ignition Lock and Tumbler Failures

Mercedes-Benz E320 Problem
23 Reports
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Model Years Affected: 1994, 1995, 1996, 1997, 1998, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002

Average Mileage: 147,640 mi (86,000 mi - 201,000 mi)

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Due to wear, high usage vehicles can experience ignition lock and tumbler failures. The ignition lock cylinder will generally require replacement to correct this concern.

  •  Rookie

    Tumbler -lock failure
    Very important: The first time you have a problem teying to turn the key get it repair ASAP. The ignignition key has to be 'on'position in order to remove the tumbler which is a 15 mintute job. IF you leave it to the point as to where you can not turn- BIG JOB- They them habe to drill the thing out and it is not an easy process due to the bullet prove material Benz uses to differ theft. The most in expensive way to do it is to purchase an after market tumbler which comes comple with 2 keys. I paid $35.00 for mine online. Again ..Ve!ry iimportant that you repair at the first sign change it

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  • Visitor, 1997 Mercedes-Benz E320, 150,000 mi

    Unable to get key out of ignition sometimes. It usually comes out, but it takes about half a minute.

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  • Lock tumblers failed. Key stuck wouldn't start. Replaced

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  • Visitor, 1995 Mercedes-Benz E320, 116,000 mi

    Ignition tumbler was stuck in the off position. Removed and replaced it with another ordered from the dealer for around $100 including an extra key. Probelm was i had to use pliars on the key head to force the tumbler to turn to position #1 which is required for removal.

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  • Took vehicle to after market MB repair shop Friday. They quoted me $900 repair. Not sure what to do?

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  •  Rookie

    I owned 3 MB 320 (94-95-95)wagons) Lost a 95 to a rear ender.. Multi problems with ingniton lock and tumblers failures. Loose wire in rear of lock set. Vehicle towed twice refusing to start or turn over. Expensive to repair. Mercedes charged $450.00 ...2nd repair $300.00 non MB.
    Great car but suffers from defective wiring harness. Engine will out live it's owner. Transmission 94 car has lazy reverse. Count to Four and is slips into place. Car is worth the cost of care. Vacuum system is areal pain. Multi problems. If you don't have access to used parts forget owning this car. MB parts prices are in the moon.........jp

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  • Visitor, 1995 Mercedes-Benz E320, 201,000 mi

    Replaced ignition tumbler with new key from dealer

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  • Visitor, 1994 Mercedes-Benz E320, 158,000 mi

    I drove to work, parked and when I tried to start the car to leave the key would not turn. I tried to move the steering wheel while turning the key, but that did not help. I purchased a new ignition lock cylinder, but cannot find instructions on how to change the part. I believe the key needs to be turned to get the old one out. Can anyone help?

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  •  Enthusiast

    The only option for me was dealer. They troubleshooted correctly and fixed it. Part&Labor $700

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  •  Rookie

    Key wont turn

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