The inevitable lock cylinder failure......and the cure

[ptashek]

The key is a Silca YM15P
http://www.wplusm.eu/produkt/fahrzeugschlussel-kunststoffkopf---silca-hu72rp-ym15p--errebi-ymnflp17/5590

45USD each? Nice markup

[Harv]

45USD each? Nice markup

He said the actual key was only about $10. So the extra $35 is for his labor and skill.

[floyd111]

How many keys per car, officially? 1 to use, 2 spares?

[Beastie]

How many keys per car, officially? 1 to use, 2 spares?

Don't forget the valet key.

[floyd111]

Sorry, guess my Aspergers kicked in here...
Was that a joke or are you serious about a 4th key?

[gavin116]

Sorry, guess my Aspergers kicked in here...
Was that a joke or are you serious about a 4th key?

Yes Stan, 4 keys:

   
• 2 master keys (identified by a square black finger-grip)
• 1 valet key (identified by a round black finger-grip)
• 1 wallet back-up key* - it's a master key BTW (identified by no finger grip, when original, it came in a sealed plastic wallet - you will see it in the picture below)

* you could carry it in your wallet (or your purse if you were a lady driver) in case you lost your main key, then you had a ready back-up if the occasional called for it.

[floyd111]

Besides the link already posted for the square one.. where to get virgin round keys like that? Or naked keys?

[UTn_boy]

Stan, you order them from any dealership.  However, you must have you VIN and know the lock number.  There are between two and three possible masterand valet keys for your cars; all according to VIN breaks and whether or not pneumatic door locks are used or not.  EPC is your friend.  Use it, and pay attention to all of the foot notes.  Group 72. 

It used to be that we could order just blanks.  Though, the only two blanks listed in EPC show to still be available.  Master 000-766-51-06  Valet 000-766-52-06.  Whether or not they'll work for your cars or not I am not sure of.  They're cheap.  Try them and see. 

In addition, do take note of the following:  Regarding your particular cars, a 280S and a 280SE if I remember correctly;

On the 280S only after serial number 110229 for models without pneumatic locking system, and only after serial number 110397 for models with pneumatic locking system was a flat key offered. 

On your 280se, only after serial number 127569 on models without pneumatic locking system, and only after serial number 127927 on models with pneumatic locking system was a flat key offered. 

In essence, the early cars did not ever have a flat key offered.  That's not to say that there weren't any flat keys for the early models.  A lot of people would have a copy made, cut the head of, and stick it on their wallet or purse. 

[UTn_boy]

Oh yeah, I forgot to mention, you can still buy both the master and valet key heads individually.  Master:000-766-44-06  Valet: 000-766-45-06.

[UTn_boy]

Stan, did any of what I replied with help you any? 

[floyd111]

Sure, and I found some data on other cases where people cleaned up the motor units.
However, my idea of a refurbishment would be a standard re-enforcement of the lifting unit (against bending), as well as a replacement -in metal- of the engine tooth-wheel.
This, and a good cleaning/greasing, would be an acceptable mothod, bar rewiring the coil.

[UTn_boy]

I was inquiring about the keys and key blanks.  However, I'm still glad that some headway has been made on the electric window set up. 

To any of you other fellas that are interested....I have  some advice regarding electric windows.  To prolong the life original mounting points in the door and the gears, when the car is not being driven, roll all 4 windows down to where they're still closed, but not up against the "stop" on their upward travel.  This extra stress against the mounting points and on the gears when they remain in the "all the way up" position is what distorts things and causes unnecessary wear on other items.  This applies to and model with electric windows.  Seeing how expensive regulators are for W116, and even W108 and w109 cars, this is a money saving bit of advice that I have lived by for nearly 15 years now, and have not ever had another problem.  And yeah, it's a bit of a hassle, but so it preventative maintenance.