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!!!

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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.