HELP!!! key problem
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Apr 2018
Posts: 39
Likes: 2
From: Melbourne, Florida, United States
2000 E320, 1997 E420
HELP!!! key problem
I have a 1997 E420. This morning I go to run errands and everything is fine. Later on I try to start it and the key will not move after a bit of wiggling I am able to start the engine. Now no matter how much I wiggle it the key will not move. The car has old school metal keys not the new laser keys. I have tried all three keys (2 masters and 1 valet) fortunately it is at home.
Is there a way to put the transmission in neutral. It is not a tiptronic 722.6
If possible how do I fix this myself.
If not possible how much should I expect to pay in the Orlando, Fl, USA area.
Is there a way to put the transmission in neutral. It is not a tiptronic 722.6
If possible how do I fix this myself.
If not possible how much should I expect to pay in the Orlando, Fl, USA area.
Senior Member
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 301
Likes: 23
1997 E300D
The dealer or an indi that works with a dealer can order a new cylinder that is matched to your keys for modest money, but the fact that the key will not turn is likely a problem. I would not DIY it because the steering lock can go off causing big problems unless you know the tricks. My cylinder cost about $90 and it took about an hour of labor as I remember it, but my key would turn, although it was difficult.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Nov 2015
Posts: 1,456
Likes: 140
From: Westcoast/Interior
02w163ML500 / 97w210E50AMG / 99w202C230k / 95w124500e-wip
I have a 1997 E420. This morning I go to run errands and everything is fine. Later on I try to start it and the key will not move after a bit of wiggling I am able to start the engine. Now no matter how much I wiggle it the key will not move. The car has old school metal keys not the new laser keys. I have tried all three keys (2 masters and 1 valet) fortunately it is at home.
Is there a way to put the transmission in neutral. It is not a tiptronic 722.6
If possible how do I fix this myself.
If not possible how much should I expect to pay in the Orlando, Fl, USA area.
Is there a way to put the transmission in neutral. It is not a tiptronic 722.6
If possible how do I fix this myself.
If not possible how much should I expect to pay in the Orlando, Fl, USA area.
Can you elaborate more please.
What tranny do you have and is the shifter stuck in a particular position (ie. park, drive, etc...)
Push the shifter gear forward, all the way to the front end. Do it gently as there is some freeplay when the shifter is in park. Turn key gently ccw.
You may feel a slight notch. After this, pull the key out.
These cylinder tumblers can wear down, dry up and build up debris inside.
After you remove the key, try spraying WD40 or graphite w/red straw directly and lightly into the cylinder one, two times. Spray upwards to get the top of the cylinder and then work the key in and out a number of times.
This could be also a sign of the bushing on the tranny selector arm is worn and needs to be replaced.
You can also try the "pen trick" to move the selector/shifter if needed (at bottom of the selector shift gate)
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Apr 2018
Posts: 39
Likes: 2
From: Melbourne, Florida, United States
2000 E320, 1997 E420
I figured this out the next on 3/11/2020 but forgot to post the solution. All it took was a pair pliers and brute force haven't had the problem since.
