I have the instrument cluster out, the square trim around the key hole out and the bottom panel on driver's side out. No amount of poking the holes around the key to release the black round trim is working. There is a 3 to 4" diameter black vent tube right across the bottom that blocks access to the lock...do I need to remove this as well?

Of course I started the job with the car parked halfway in the garage

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82 300D....went to MB heaven
90 350 SDL....excercising con rods

bump and this is 90 sdl.

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82 300D....went to MB heaven
90 350 SDL....excercising con rods

Diesel Giant does have a nice review of removing the ignition but it is based on W123 Diesels. I don't know how well it fits your model, but I think it could be of value.

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Junqueyardjim
Christianity, if false, is of no importance, and if true, of infinite importance. The only thing it cannot be is moderately important. C.S. Lewis



1983 Mercedes W123 240D 4 Speed 285,000 on the road with a 617 turbo, beautiful butter yellow, license plate # 83 240D INDIANA

2003 Jaguar Type X, AWD. beautiful, good mileage,
Mom's car, but I won't let her drive it!

Thanks.
Saw that and most other posts under ignition replacement.

They all say to remove the bottom piece under the drivers side to access the steering lock but I have this drain looking vent piece that blocks everything.

__________________
82 300D....went to MB heaven
90 350 SDL....excercising con rods

Which car? If it's the 126 I have a good thread here with pic's and tools. 123 and 126 are two different animals.

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BENZ THERE DONE THAThttp://www.peachparts.com/shopforum/...c/progress.gif
15 VW Passat TDI
00 E420
98 E300 DT
97 E420 Donor Car - NEED PARTS? PM ME!
97 S500
97 E300D
86 Holden Jackaroo Turbo D
86 300SDL
(o\|/o)

126

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82 300D....went to MB heaven
90 350 SDL....excercising con rods

If changing just the ignition (non tumbler) portion of the switch, there is no need to remove the black ring around the key.
There is no need to remove the panel below the steering wheel either.
Remove inst. cluster.
loosen the allen that holds the ignition to the steering.
Undo the 2 bolts holding the steering.
Insert key to 1 position and push release pin and pull switch to right. The key has to be removed after the release pin releases the assembly.
Undo the 2 vac lines connected to the assembly.
Rotate assembly to get to switch...remove 3 screws and swap in new part.

Reverse the above and turn key to find out it wasn't the switch that caused the problem!!!!

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82 300D....went to MB heaven
90 350 SDL....excercising con rods

Andmoon, I need to change out the electrical portion of the ignition switch in my W126 which will solve the climate control fan problems. I have already removed the panel under the steering column to replace the seat belt warning module. I am replacing the bulbs in the instrument cluster while its out. I was thinking of replacing the key tumbler assembly also if I can figure out how to remove it. Any words of advice?

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2001 E320
1991 350SD 265,000 - SOLD
2000 VW Beetle 1.8Turbo - restored
1997 E320 - SOLD
1988 190E - SOLD
1969 Mustang - SOLD

revival...
anyway, My SD will not start with the key. the transmission and shifter are firm and new. I am pretty sure it's the switch itself, as the glow plugs continue to glow even after I attempt to start... I will swap the switch from my parts car and see if it makes any difference.
is there a start relay? fuse? something to check before swapping the switch?
Thanks!

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John HAUL AWAY, OR CRUSHED CARS!!! HELP ME keep the cars out of the crusher! A/C Thread
"as I ride with my a/c on... I have fond memories of sweaty oily saturdays and spewing R12 into the air. THANKS for all you do!

My drivers:
1987 190D 2.5Turbo
1987 190D 2.5Turbo
1987 190D 2.5-5SPEED!!!

1987 300TD
1987 300TD
1994GMC 2500 6.5Turbo truck... I had to put the ladder somewhere!

so... nobody knows any more about this? I will investigate on my own... yea me.

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John HAUL AWAY, OR CRUSHED CARS!!! HELP ME keep the cars out of the crusher! A/C Thread
"as I ride with my a/c on... I have fond memories of sweaty oily saturdays and spewing R12 into the air. THANKS for all you do!

My drivers:
1987 190D 2.5Turbo
1987 190D 2.5Turbo
1987 190D 2.5-5SPEED!!!

1987 300TD
1987 300TD
1994GMC 2500 6.5Turbo truck... I had to put the ladder somewhere!

Hey, check this out if it is like mine & make sure it is!

http://www.peachparts.com/shopforum/tech-help/200554-1987-300e-key-stuck-ignition-post1640662.html#post1640662

Well ... was it the switch?

Do manual's have a clutch safety switch?

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What Would Rudolph Do?
1975 300D, 1975 240D, 1985 300SD, 1997 300D, 2005 E320 , 2006 Toyota Prius

How is the square plastic black trim removed? 1986 300SDL thanks!

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'96 C220 138,000mi, '95 E300D 239,000 mi., '87 300TD 214,000mi '88 6.2 Turbo Diesel Chevy Conversion Van 253,000 mi.

Not easily. Mine broke during removal. There are little ears on the left hand side I believe. Don't know if the plastic 'catches' can be pushed from behind the dash to unlock them.

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1977 300d 70k--sold 08
1985 300TD 185k+
1984 307d 126k--sold 8/03
1985 409d 65k--sold 06
1984 300SD 315k--daughter's car
1979 300SD 122k--sold 2/11
1999 Fuso FG Expedition Camper
1993 GMC Sierra 6.5 TD 4x4
1982 Bluebird Wanderlodge CAT 3208--Sold 2/13

I tried pushing the plastic studs out from behind to the dash to no avail. There is no way to remove the plastic trim around the ignition switch without breaking the studs off. There are metal clips around the plastic studs and they are fit tight enough not to come off without breaking the plastic studs off. Worked on trying every way to remove the plastic trim nearly two hours. Pretty lazy engineering on Mercedes part.

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'96 C220 138,000mi, '95 E300D 239,000 mi., '87 300TD 214,000mi '88 6.2 Turbo Diesel Chevy Conversion Van 253,000 mi.