Hello, my car just stranded me about an hour ago. Its a W116 1980 300sd 198k miles.
The ignition switch turns, unlocks the steering wheel but does not even go into the "acc" position. I'm not sure if something seized up or broke, but tthere she sits in a parking lot. Its pouring down with rain, figure I'll go try to fix it tomorrow if its still there... I hate living in the city.

Any suggestions on where to start disassembling?

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1982 300D (w123, "Grey Car")
1982 300D (w123, "Blue Car")
2001 Ford F150 "Clifford" (The Big Red Truck)
1997 Dodge Ram 2500 12V Cummins
1996 Dodge Ram 2500 12V Cummins
Previous Vehicles:
1995 E300D, 1980 300SD, 1992 Buick Century, 2005 Saturn Ion

Well I got the car home yesterday. Unplugged vacuum lines, removed ignition switch from lock and turned with screwdriver. The lock absolutelyy refuses to turn. Is this common? What do I have to do to remove and replace it?

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1982 300D (w123, "Grey Car")
1982 300D (w123, "Blue Car")
2001 Ford F150 "Clifford" (The Big Red Truck)
1997 Dodge Ram 2500 12V Cummins
1996 Dodge Ram 2500 12V Cummins
Previous Vehicles:
1995 E300D, 1980 300SD, 1992 Buick Century, 2005 Saturn Ion

turned lock to acc position, removed cylinder, removed key, finding replacement now.
very much brute force and ignorance involved.

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1982 300D (w123, "Grey Car")
1982 300D (w123, "Blue Car")
2001 Ford F150 "Clifford" (The Big Red Truck)
1997 Dodge Ram 2500 12V Cummins
1996 Dodge Ram 2500 12V Cummins
Previous Vehicles:
1995 E300D, 1980 300SD, 1992 Buick Century, 2005 Saturn Ion

These lock assembles can be a pita some times. sounds like you removed the tumbler.
Best would be to order a new one from the dealer. with Vin # they can order one. you will need proof of ownership. registration, ID, and might want to look at your car.

Getting a used one from another car would work, draw back, is having a second set of keys, and if you loose the key you are up the creek w/o a paddle. the tumbler doesn`t match you Vin#, and no way the dealer can get you a key. even if you had the Vin# from say a JY car, no way dealer will help you. now it will have to drilled out.

I just went through this with the 80 240 and 85 300D. replaced both steering lock assemblys and new dealer tumblers. they do get tired after 25 to 30 years of use.

Charlie

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there were three HP ratings on the OM616...

1) Not much power
2) Even less power
3) Not nearly enough power!! 240D w/auto

Anyone that thinks a 240D is slow drives too fast.

80 240D Naturally Exasperated, 4-Spd 388k DD 150mph spedo 3:58 Diff

We are advised to NOT judge ALL Muslims by the actions of a few lunatics, but we are encouraged to judge ALL gun owners by the actions of a few lunatics. Funny how that works