Balky new cheap German aftermarket ignition lock cylinder

[northNH]

As I am preparing to sell my 320TE, and the original ignition cylinder is feeling crunchy I have removed it and need to replace it.
As you’all know, MBz has it’s hoops one must jump through in order to get a new cylinder that uses the original key…
Including that the car must be currently registered, which this car is not.
And I neither intend to nor need to in order to sell.

Despite being well aware of all facets of the ignition lock fiasco, I decided to temporarily get an inexpensive aftermarket replacement.
It’s made in Germany and appears to be of good quality. Key looks identical to OEM.

It arrived with one of the two keys inserted into the lock, and I have been unable to either remove or turn the key…
FCP quickly sent another one; same deal, no removal or rotation possible.

My spare new OEM coupe cylinder/key (never installed) not a problem to remove or turn the key.

Two defective cylinders vs. what am I missing?

 

[gsxr]

MB dealers should only require proof of ownership, not current registration. Talk to the parts department manager, if he won't cooperate, try a different dealership... and finally, try the MB Classic Center in SoCal. If you have a title in your name, you can get a key, regardless of registration status.

Bizarre that FCP has sent two apparently-defective tumblers. That's not encouraging.

 

[northNH]

Almost ten minute response time, are you out on the town eating dinner?

As NH does not require titles for pre-‘99 cars, my proof of ownership is solely the NH registration.
I’m guessing they’re thinking I could sell the car, and keep just the old registration to swindle them out of a keyed cylinder for a car I no longer owned.

But you’re sure the pair I have is worthless?

 

[gsxr]

Almost ten minute response time, are you out on the town eating dinner?

As NH does not require titles for pre-‘99 cars, my proof of ownership is solely the NH registration.
I’m guessing they’re thinking I could sell the car, and keep just the old registration to swindle them out of a keyed cylinder for a car I no longer owned.

Hrmmm. I think MB Classic might work with you to get a proper VIN-coded tumbler.

But you’re sure the pair I have is worthless?

Every ignition lock tumbler I've received from the dealer, turns easily with the key inserted, and the key can be removed. If you can't do that, something has to be wrong. I'm very confused.

 

[Ian White]

As of last fall, my local dealer and MB Classic claimed that ordering the parts was dealer only and a dealer had to be the one to install the new lock as well. Having the title made no difference.

$600 later ....

 

[gsxr]

As of last fall, my local dealer and MB Classic claimed that ordering the parts was dealer only and a dealer had to be the one to install the new lock as well. Having the title made no difference.

$600 later ....

That's insane. Definitely getting different stories from different dealers.

 

[Ian White]

Yeah definitely didn't make me too happy. The mouth breather who answered the phone at MB Classic was insistent they couldn't sell the ignition to me.

For anyone who figured out which stealer will sell the VIN coded ignition, I'm curious to know the name. I need one for the 500E.

 

[gsxr]

Have you tried Naperville, Husker, Laredo, or Covington? Doesn't hurt to ask...

 

[Ian White]

Good plan, will call Laredo.

 

[northNH]

Both of my within-a-hundred-mile dealers require the lock be picked up in person.
No shipping.

 

[northNH]

After contacting FCP about the 2nd defective cylinder, a Febi/Bilstein cylinder was quickly sent to me.
Looks well made, box and main label scream Germany, little tag says Made in China.
Works as it should, perhaps could last as poorly as OEM.
So, two cylinders from Germany junk, one from China AOK.
Go figure.
FCP customer service exceptional, even for $20 item.