# Mercedes key tumbler **URL:** \ **Category:** The Show\ **Tags:** mercedes-benz\ **Created:** [February 13, 2010, 4:08pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/mercedes-key-tumbler/44386 "2010-02-13T16:08:00Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 5\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![MarcMcElroy](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/51bf81/32.png) [@MarcMcElroy](https://community.cartalk.com/u/MarcMcElroy)\ **Post date:** [February 13, 2010, 4:08pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/mercedes-key-tumbler/44386/1 "2010-02-13T16:08:00Z")
I had a simular problem to the guy who was on the show and couldn’t turn his MB key. Here’s what I did. I sprayed penetrating oil into the keyhole (PT Blaster or whatever that stuff is called), and worked the key in and out… and then let it sit for a while, and since then it works fine. It only costs $2.19, it may not work for you but it’s probably worth a try. ---
**Author:** ![roberthelfrick](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/db5fbb/32.png) [@roberthelfrick](https://community.cartalk.com/u/roberthelfrick)\ **Post date:** [February 13, 2010, 4:12pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/mercedes-key-tumbler/44386/2 "2010-02-13T16:12:21Z")
If there is too much wear or a heavy key chain the tumbler may need replacement. The mercedes dealer can get a matching new key and tumbler using the VIN. It is more expensive than $2.19 but may be a more permanent fix. The new key will match the door and trunk locks. Worth the peace of mind IMO. ---
**Author:** ![MarcMcElroy](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/51bf81/32.png) [@MarcMcElroy](https://community.cartalk.com/u/MarcMcElroy)\ **Post date:** [February 13, 2010, 5:24pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/mercedes-key-tumbler/44386/3 "2010-02-13T17:24:22Z")
That’s totally a good idea. I just mentioned my solution because it’s held for two years, and he was looking for a do-it-yourself type repair, it a good first thing to try, then go for more expensive and complicated options. Take it to the dealer is always an option, it goes without saying. Whenever I take my 1984 Mercedes to the dealer, I don’t feel the love, I feel the, “what can we do or say to get this rusty old thing out of here.” ---
**Author:** ![27hotrodguy](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/2/f1d935/32.png) [@27hotrodguy](https://community.cartalk.com/u/27hotrodguy)\ **Post date:** [February 13, 2010, 6:07pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/mercedes-key-tumbler/44386/4 "2010-02-13T18:07:17Z")
My '84 Mercedes (280SE) also had an ignition problem. One needed to wiggle the key while turning - no amount of lubricant or new keys made any difference. Upon taking it to the dealer (for an unrelated problem) I was told that the ignition was broken, and they couldn’t start the vehicle. “Nonsense” I said, and went out to do my key-wiggling trick. This no longer worked! However, they were happy to replace the ignition, having broken it in my opinion, and for only another $200, now all of the keys work fine, and no more wiggling - hope this helps you. ---
**Author:** ![Carveaholic](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/f07891/32.png) [@Carveaholic](https://community.cartalk.com/u/Carveaholic)\ **Post date:** [February 13, 2010, 10:44pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/mercedes-key-tumbler/44386/5 "2010-02-13T22:44:55Z")
I had this problem on my 93 civic, and I just took the ignition apart and removed the tumblers. Worked great. I could start my car with a popsicle stick. never had another problem.