my key will turn the cylinder upto the 'glow plug' position so i ordered a new cylinder. i hope that's all it is...

any tips for the r+r of the cylinder? i know basically to turn to position 1 and then insert a wire/paper clip to remove the lock cylinder?

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1984 300D Turbo - 231k....totalled 11/30/07 RIP

The wire will release the dogs that prevent you from rotating the outer sleeve. You must release the dogs with the wires and simultaneously rotate the outer sleeve. A set of 90 degree neddlenose pliers wrapped in electrical tape is preferred for this task to avoid damage to the outer sleeve.

It takes some finesse to use the wires. Best thing to do is to purchase the new cylinder and look it over carefully to understand exactly what your goal is when you get in the vehicle to do it for the money.

If you make a careful plan........it's a 15 minute job........if you don't.......it's two days and multiple posts on the forum.

The dealer sells the wire, but the guy was cool and lend me it.

I think the hardest part is putting it back on.

thanks, will post the result of this surgery.

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1984 300D Turbo - 231k....totalled 11/30/07 RIP

http://dieselgiant.com/repairignitionlock.htm

sofar... got the old cylinder out. it went pretty much exactly by the book..
turn key while inserting paperclip. wiggle around a little bit and voila locking ring is able to be unscrewed and cylinder/locking ring slides out.
better news is that i can start the car from inside now with the trusty needle nose pliers, therefore the mechanism behind the cylinder is ok

now just waiting on the brown truck to deliver the new cylinder

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1984 300D Turbo - 231k....totalled 11/30/07 RIP

How'd you arrange for that?

The dealer usually requires you to make two trips?

ahh i just bought one online.. different key from the doors but i'm cheap (the part was $20+ ups shipping...)

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1984 300D Turbo - 231k....totalled 11/30/07 RIP

OK.......I got it.

new cylinder did not do the job. now i get no lights on the dash at all...
think maybe it's the switch mechanism that is fubar'd .. not looking forward to taking it all apart...

anyone ever do this ? besides dieselgiant that is..

my lock cylinder will turn to all positions but no electrical connection is being made it seems...

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1984 300D Turbo - 231k....totalled 11/30/07 RIP

ughh i had to drill the whole mechanism out.
the little locking pin that dieselgiant dremeled off i couldn't find. anyhow after much 'metal removal' especially the steering wheel locking pin, i finally clamped a pair of vise grips onto the sucker, gave it a decent whack with a hammer and it broke free. at least now i can use the car by jumping some wires from the wire cluster

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1984 300D Turbo - 231k....totalled 11/30/07 RIP