Thank You jbaj007
 

A week ago, the steering lock seized on my 300D. Lock-Ease, WD-40, and lots of bad language failed to get the key to turn. The car did this to me at my office. Very embarassing for me after telling my co-workers and boss how trouble free the old Mercedes is. I tried again to turn the key once I had the car towed home. No dice. The day that the key refused to turn, I ordered a lock tumbler matched to the VIN at the local dealer, $135 please. I also ordered a new steering lock assembly from Rusty at buymbparts. Sorry Phil, UPS to Hawaii is expensive so I've got to cut costs where I can. I followed the instructions jbaj007 posted a while ago. The locking pin that held the assembly to the steering column was very easy to cut. I used a tungsten carbide carving bit on a Dremel tool. The pin was ground down in about a minute. The lock bolt had to be pounded into the assembly to remove the wiring harness from the ignition switch. Reassembly was very easy. I used some stainless steel fishing leader to push in the release on the tumbler. It is much stiffer than a paperclip. Total time to do this was about two hours. The one locksmith in town who would touch this job quoted me $400 labor, not including parts if the key could be turned. I do not want to know how much it is if the lock is frozen. Thank you for saving my car and my money jbaj007.

Glad it worked. You're quick; paid yourself $200 per hour. I'd like that job ;)