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W116 without keys and doors locked ?

Started by kertbache, 10 February 2021, 12:51 PM

kertbache

Hi

I've rescued a W116 that has been stand abandoned for many years with the doors locked, and there are no keys.

Can anyone please suggest the best way to gain entry, so that I can remove the drivers door lock and have new keys made.

Or maybe it might be better to somehow gain entry and remove the boot lock, and have the keys made ?

Thanks !

Kert

Squiggle Dog

Does it have manual windows? If so, and if the driver's window regulator has significant wear on it, you should be able to apply suction cups on the window and then slide the window downward enough to access the lock plunger.
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1967 W110 Universal Wagon, Euro, Turbo Diesel, Tail Fins, 4 Speed Manual Column Shift, A/C
1980 W116 300SD Turbo Diesel, DB479 Walnut Brown, Sunroof, Heated Seats, 350,000+

kertbache

Thanks, but no, it's 450SEL with electric windows.

Type17

What year is it? (lock types differ before/after '77).


A decent locksmith should be able to pick the earlier (double-sided wafer) or later (slider lock) type.


I'm no expert, but there are loads of videos on YouTube from the likes of Lock Picking Lawyer, so a decent locksmith should be able to emulate their work.


Once they get one lock open, they should be able to disassemble the barrel and make a key from the wafers/pins.
'76 350SE in Silver-Green

kertbache

Thanks, I've been through all that online. I've found a specialist locksmith to make new keys, but he can't go to the car, so I somehow have the gain entry to remove either boot lock or the drivers door lock. I'm considering drilling a small hole in a specific place so as to release the either the door lock, or boot lock, as that would be easily repairable afterwards. 

Type17

Fair enough.


If it's a wafer lock ('72-'76), I'd buy a raking tool online and have a go at the door lock - they're considered a low-skill picking prospect, and older (worn) locks are easier again. Not sure about the later type, though.
'76 350SE in Silver-Green

kertbache

Thanks, but this is a 79 and it's in amazingly good condition, so everything is still tight, as a good Mercedes should be.

Pete49

Just get a mobile locksmith to open it and most likely would be able to make a key. They are a simple lock for any competent locksmith. I speak as a retired locksmith so from experience.
Pete
What this country needs are more unemployed politicians.
Edward Langley,  Artist (1928-1995)

Squiggle Dog

Here's another thought--if you pry off the trim at the bottom of the door glass with a plastic prybar (I think it's only held on by clips and not by any other hardware, someone can correct me if I'm wrong) you'll have a decent sized gap between the door glass and the door sheet metal. From there, you should be able to reach in a coathanger and catch the mechanism that unlocks the door. Then you should be able to simply remove the door handle by removing the two hex key screws and striking the door handle with your palm to push it toward the front of the vehicle, thus releasing it from the door.
Stop paying for animal cruelty and slaughter. Go vegan! [url="https://challenge22.com/"]https://challenge22.com/[/url]

1967 W110 Universal Wagon, Euro, Turbo Diesel, Tail Fins, 4 Speed Manual Column Shift, A/C
1980 W116 300SD Turbo Diesel, DB479 Walnut Brown, Sunroof, Heated Seats, 350,000+

Harv

The Mercedes-Benz Classic Center in California just cut me a new key after I locked mine in it while running.

You have to show ownership proof to get a key. Can you email the Classic Center in Germany for a key?

Breaking into the car is extremely difficult given how well these cars are built. If you pry back a door far enough to where you can slide a hook in to pull a lock knob, its probably going to be damaged forever. Your best bet if you can't get keys is to try to pull down a window on a weak window regular. If not, just break the window, but make sure you have replacement glass sitting next to you.
1980 300SD
1983 240D
2000 E55 AMG
2002 G500

ptashek

I would also suggest going the official way about it, and just order the keys from Mercedes. Take your V5 and photo ID to the nearest dealership, and they will be able to make the order for you if they are still available. Last time I did this, it was about £35 per key, and took about a week or so.

No damage, no hassle, and new original VIN matched keys. Win-win.
1993 "Pearl Blue" W124 280TE
1988 "Arctic White" W124 200T
1979 "Icon Gold" W116 450SE

kertbache

#11
The the local MB dealership will not make keys without the vehicle being taken to there premises, so that's obviously out in this situation.

graham miller

Yes go to a GOOD MEERCEDES GARAGE, with all the vin numbers , and your I/D and they will get you a set of keys from Germany
regards Dusty Miller

revilla

#13
There's an easier/faster but non-orthodoxe solution without moving the car. But it requires certain tools competency.
Open slightly your gas/petrol lid. There's a pin (weak) that locks it. If you pull firmly (without bending the lid) you can disengage the pin easily using a flat plastic piece. Once lid open, drill a hole until you see either the red or yellow vacuum hoses. You are drilling away from the gas/petrol intake so no fire risk here. Pull the hose through the hole. Depending on the hose you grab either blow or vacuum air and your lock pins will magically go up. Bingo. The drilled hole can easily be repaired. It's in a non-visible location so aesthetically you should be fine.  The same procedure can be followed in the area under the car next to the liquid drain rubber plug right behind the right/rear wheel well. Not far from the gas/petrol excess drain hose.  Your choice. The 2 hoses pass right at that angle. Careful not to drill too closely to the drain line just in case.  Again, the hole is easily repairable not requiring painting in body color.  This will cost you time but a lot less money than making keys at Mercedes. 

ptashek

Quote from: kertbache on 11 February 2021, 06:02 AM
The the local MB dealership will not make keys without the vehicle being taken to there premises, so that's obviously out in this situation.

Tell them to stop being silly, or go to another one :)

All you need is proof of ownership. I got my keys ordered in Ireland without any fuss, without the car being present (as in, nobody even asked about the car being present; it was parked at the far end of their lot).

They can't possibly expect you to schlepp a keyless non-runner there. MB dealers in the UK seem to go out of their way to fob off classic owners.
1993 "Pearl Blue" W124 280TE
1988 "Arctic White" W124 200T
1979 "Icon Gold" W116 450SE