This is the best and most complete description I have found; thanks to Nate & all the other posts.

On my 1986 300e - Sadly after I got the old tumbler out using the instructions here, put the new one in, something went horribly wrong and now the new key jams real bad, and wont turn to position 1. Before I take a sledge hammer or a drill to it, does anyone have any suggestions? Can the black collar be removed with the key not turning (doesn't seem to want to come out - I can take the key out and put it in by forcing it somewhat, but collar and tumbler seem to be stuck together)

Ultimately I would like to do away with the key / tumbler if possible - any ideas? Not concerned about car being stolen, so a simple solution would be welcome - if there is such a thing!

Thanks in advance for any tips!

Is a company that makes an Incredibly Easy Drill Set Guide Kit for Mercedes
Ignition Locksets.

I used to have to you tube Video of the kit being used.
['Vanished,Like the Aliens snatched it!]

Think of a Super hardened Metal tube that's I.D. Exactly matches the O.D.
of the Tumbler's faceplate outer edge.
'Slip the tube over the tumbler and insert a specialized "Hole Saw" drill bit
into the tube that cuts the Tumbler's faceplate just inboard of the tube's I.D.

Lockset tumbler was out in less than 60 seconds!

I've gotta imagine with all the trouble Diamler Benz got into with Interpol
over the "Eastern European" Bizsmen getting keys cut In the U.S. for
Italian,German and Swiss Mercedes...That would end up the next day in
Zagreb.

Mercedes (or Interpol) probably bought Sauber's compliance in removing the
Tool from Public availability.

__________________
'84 300SD sold
124.128

ray1,

Insert the Key in a Vibrating device.
Reinsert the Key AND the Proper Wire release tool.
(This will take 3 hands)

With the Key being vibrated see if you can turn it to Position #1 and Insert
the Wire release device to free up the Tumbler.

The w124 lockset is not like the older w123,the Black Uber Hardened Outer ring
of Alien Made metal doesn't come out with the Tumbler.

__________________
'84 300SD sold
124.128

To your query about De-Securitizing your Mercedes Ignition is to REMOVE the
1Lb bolt that the Keyset has to throw back and forth every time you use the
Ignition.[That's the Wear Inducing factor on the Ignition system.]

One of the Ozzie members has a Tutorial on the process on his W126.

A Sledge Hammer is probably the Slowest way to your ends.You'd have to
destroy so much of the Steering Column/Dashboard/Instrument Cluster...
You'd not want your Mercedes anymore.

Drilling out the outer Cover Plate on the Tumbler is NOT for anyone EXCEPT
a Master Locksmith.[NOT A LOCKSMITH...A Master Locksmith]

__________________
'84 300SD sold
124.128

Compress,
Thanks for your feedback. After trying the vibrating sander till I just about lost feeling in both hands, and couple other techniques, I resorted to drilling it. Close to getting it out, once I do, is there a way to verify if the rest of the ignition mechanism is the problem, before I put another cylinder in and get back to square one jammed again? Trying to avoid a trip to the dealer and the $$$.

One locksmith suggested the old cylinder can be repaired to guarantee perfect fit - anyone have experience with that?

Thanks again - this is an awesome forum!
Ray

managed tro drill out cylinder; any ideas how to test w/o new cylinder? dont want to repeat this mess!

A few weeks ago the ignition buzzer was acting funny and then the key started to feel completely non indexed, there were no longer any noticeable (by feel) positions. So I ordered a new cylinder from MB and took out the old one today - total time including sanding the paint off of the coat hanger was about 25 minutes. Have a look at the state of the cylinder I pulled out!
Yikes!! Broken into three pieces!!!

Attached Thumbnails

 

Ray,

I didn't "Re-Visit" this thread again until Today.
(Were that there was a little light flashing on the screen whenever someone
asks you a question and you logged in after that.Oh That's right It's called P.M.)

There is an almost 1Lb. Bolt that the Key/Tumbler has to "Throw" and "Retract"
(It's part of the housing that holds the: Tumbler , Bolt and the Electrical portion
of the ignition switch)EVERY time you use the Ignition.

If I'm replacing the "Tumbler"
(Which it Ain't...In actuality it's a holder for the "Leaves" that the Key operates)
especially after a certain age/miles the Mercedes gets a new locking mechanism
AND new electrical switch.That way I know I'm "In the Clear" for at least another 100K.
[Unless of course the Gnomes of Stuttgart have "Subbed out" the manufacture to Child Slave Labor in the PRC,
in which case all bets are off!]

__________________
'84 300SD sold
124.128

Thank You Nate for this very nice DIY article.

I ordered a new tumble/key combo from Park Place Mercedes-Benz, it cost me $81.90. (6/13/2012)

I was able to quickly construct the tool, had the old tumbler out in 10 minutes, new one in 5 minutes. Very concise, clear and to the point instruction wise.

Tip: The black collar has a notch, use a flash light to locate this notch on the housing the black collar mates up against. It will greatly reduce the amount of rotating you may have to do since you will have a fairly precise idea of where the collar should end up. (This information in addition to where the I, II, and Start positions were before you took everything out is good to have!)

I double checked the new key with my two door locks and trunk lock. All was seemingly machined well for my key. Everything is smooth as butter again.

It was nipped in the bud, just in time! I ordered the new set on Saturday, It was ready for pickup on Tuesday. My retired father picked it up for me today. The tumbler jammed on my way back from lunch at work. Was able to free it by moving the steering wheel side to side and pulling and pushing on the key gently. Had to do this process again on the way back from work. If I had waited until next weekend, the 300E would most likely be standed somewhere!

__________________
2006 BMW M5 "Heidi" @ 109,000 miles
2005 MBZ C55 AMG "Lorelai" @ 165,000 miles
1991 MBZ 300E "Benzachino II" @ 165,000 miles
1990 MBZ 500SL "Shoshanna" @ 118,000 miles

(On the hunt for a good used M103 engine as of 6/10/23, PM me if you have one to sell!)

I need some help.
I replaced my broken tumbler from the ignition of a 300E without much trouble.
The ignition tumbler and sleeve came out effortlessly, thanks to some great DIY's.
For some strange reason (not the first strange thing I've done) I decided to put the sleeve back in, without the tumbler installed, to "dry run" the installation.
The sleeve went in and as I turned it to check positioning it clicked on and I can't get it off...no how.
Obviously there must be a release of some description inside because it came off with the tumbler.
Does anyone know how to release the sleeve, from inside, so I can get it off and out?
Otherwise, I'll be starting the car using a screwdriver for the forseeable future.