Odd w124 door lock tumbler failure
 

So on my w124 the drivers door lock tumbler will not allow the key to go In all of the way. So the key doesn't turn. I attempted to remove the tumbler but I cannot rotate the key to remove the tumbler. Soooo I'm stuck.

The little metal door that closes the opening is missing and I think I saw some sort of spring jammed in it. So, what do I do?

I completely mis-read the thread. I missed my coffee as I thought it is the ignition tumbler.

He's talking about the door, not the ignition. If you can't fiddle it out, it can be drilled out. You'd need to drill out the entire cylinder section, and even then it's a bit tricky to remove. The only good news is that the cylinder isn't hardened like an ignition lock.

Well, this sucks. Looks like I'll be pricing a new key and tumbler.

You can buy a matched tumbler at the dealer. It's kind of pricey. Have you tried lube/ spray or tapping in with a hammer?

If you could get the lock off of the car you could perhaps tip it up, use a paperclip to push some of the pins, and tap it to knock any parts stuck inside out.

-J

There is always an option to add keyless entry and forget about the lock.

I haven't had my 124's tumbler out but I had the same problem you're experiencing with my 123 ... the inward-most leaves were so gunked up they couldn't move enough to let the key in.
I was able to tap it out of the handle assembly using a drift, but I guess on the w124 you can't get it out without turning the key. I would try unsticking those leaves with some object other than the key ... as someone mentioned, a paper clip, coathanger, etc. Maybe you can get them loose enough to fit the key in and turn.
This was what mine looked like. You can see why the key could only go in so far ... looked like it belonged in some archaeological museum.
http://compressionignition.files.wor...10/01/key1.jpg

I have had problems with the drivers door lock on our 87. Have you gently pried off the chrome cover? If not, use a small flat blade screw driver inserted into the key slot and see if you can get one side off. That will then let you have better access into the lock and you can look for the door and spring inside the key slot. You might try a needle pick (you can get a set at Harbor Freight or Lowes also has them) in the key slot if you see something and try working the obstacle out. If you don't see anything, get a spray can of solvent (brake cleaner) and use the straw and spray a lot of solvent into the key hole to clean the insides. Put a rag under the lock to catch solvent/grease as it flows out of the lock as you solvent wash the key hole. While there is solvent in the key hole, insert your key and gently work it to see if you can get it completely in and if you are successful, then gently turn it to see if you can get it to lock/unlock.

Good luck. I kept putting the cover, door and spring back on when the door got out of whack, but eventually gave up and it is now cover less. One of those things to get at the pull a part one day.
Lee

if you go the dealer route... brace yourself for the price... over $250... wholesale...