1987 W201 on loan to my son-in-law.
The key will not turn in the ignition lock. The key is not stuck in the lock. The lock is stuck in the "off " position.

He has tried everything:
turning the steering wheel
turning the key hard
turning the key soft
pushed in hard and turning
pulled out slightly and turning
vibrating the key with a sander
begging
pleading
threatening

The last one was not a hollow threat. I have a new tumbler set and key in the mail to him.

He cannot get the tumbler turned to the first position with the key, so it can be removed with a wire tool. What sort of mechanical attack upon the tumbler would you advise to get the old tumbler out without damaging anything else?
A drill?
Pound in a large screw driver and twist it ?

Thanks,
Greg

This is yet another reason I should not have had the parts car tow away. I would have had something to practice on.

__________________
Greg
2012 S350 BlueTEC 4Matic
2007 ML 320 CDI
2007 Leisure Travel Serenity
2006 Sprinter 432k
2005 E320 CDI
1998 SLK230 (teal)
1998 SLK230 (silver)
1996 E300D 99k, 30k on WVO
Previous:
1983 240D, on WVO
1982 300D, on WVO
1983 300CD, on WVO
1986 300SDL 237k, 25k on WVO (Deerslayer)
1991 350SDL 249k, 56k on WVO - Retired to a car spa in Phoenix
1983 380 SEC w/603 diesel, 8k on WVO
1996 E300D 351k, 177k on WVO