Hello,

I posted a day ago, my ignition key would not turn, finally after 1 hr.
with using pencil, etc. it turned. So I thought as long as I don't lock
the steering wheel, I'm ok. Because I really Need this car until Thursday.
Last night I parked, came out, It was Locked. And the steering wheel was
locked. I didn't lock it on purpose, thought it was not locked. Almost had
it towed again, then then Triple A guy kept hitting it with a rubber mallet.
He started it. So the problem is; I Really Have to use this car the next couple days.
As Long As the Steering wheel does not Lock, am I safe for a couple days?
AND is there a way to park to assure that when i stop the car and get out
that the steering wheel does not lock.
Sometimes, I have to really turn it, but last night it seemed to lock on it's
own. It was on a slight incline, the wheels were straight.
Thanks

You should follow the instructions provided earlier on how to remove the lock cylinder (Turn to position 2, insert paper clip, unscrew round cover nut etc) Take cylinder right out of there. Then if you look inside, there is a slot on the inner switch housing. Use a screwdriver to turn that slot to operate the ignition switch (which is located behind that slot). I ran my car like that for weeks. (Then did the "fix" I posted about on other thread (grinding off outside of lock cylinder so it will not lock.) - it's still like that!)

With the cylinder out of there, your steering shouldn't lock.

__________________
Graham
85 300D,72 350SL, 98 E320, Outback 2.5

Actually the key should be turned to the number 1 position in order to insert the release wire. The very best thing to use as the release wire is a number 54 drill bit which is 1.40mm in diameter (.0550"). The number 1 position is the very first turn (turning the key clockwise). You will see a small notch in the black security guard denoting the number 1 position. The wide blade screwdriver will work fine but is a little tricky ay first. Even when using the screwdriver I would not turn the switch to the full lock position. If you are not sure of the position using the screwdriver use the stop switch to turn off the engine and remove the negative cable from the battery while the car is parked. Before re-starting the engine re-attach the negative battery cable to the battery.

Hello
Thanks,
I don't recall the posting on your instructions.
Did you post them earlier. I have no idea how
to do this, so I would appreciate instructions.
Thanks much

The instructions, I don't know, Is there a way to just
prevent the steering wheel from locking when you park?
It locked last night and I did nothing to physically turn the
wheel to engage it.

I read on the past post, about have the key in the number 1 position, inserting
a paperclip...I guess I should Not attempt this. If the key is in the ignition,
where do you insert a paper clip?, and what do you do when it's inserted?
Thanks

check out the utube link I posted in you other thread

__________________
92 e300d2.5t
01 e320
05 cdi
85 chev c10

Unfortunately you car has a non-repeating ignition switch which means that anytime the engine is turned off the key must be turned back to the lock position in order to re-start the car, which puts you right back where you started with a locked steering wheel and locked ignition switch.

Unless you have basic mechanical ability it will be pretty tough to remove the tumbler yourself but I will describe the process.

1. Remove all keys from your key ring except the ignition key. If your ignition key is already in the switch take the other keys off the ring WITHOUT removing the key from the ignition switch.

2. Turn the key to the number 1 position (turning clockwise this is the first position from lock). You will see a small notch/depression in the black security lock bezel. Do not turn the key back to the lock position.

3. You will see a small 1/16" diameter hole just above where the key is inserted into the ignition switch. Using a straightened uncoated wire paper clip insert the straight end of the paper clip through the hole while moving the key very gently back and forth (about 1/8" movement back and forth). The wire should go in about 1".

4. Using your fingers with the wire still inserted and the key at number 1 position turn the black security bezel counterclockwise. It should un-screw completely bringing the tumbler with it. If the security bezel does not turn you will need to repeat step 3 and try to push the wire in further. The wire is going into a small device that looks like a very small home door lock. The small device when extended will not allow the security bezel to be removed thereby preventing someone from removing the tumbler and inserting their own tumbler and being able to drive away with your car. The wire is holding the device in the retracted position allowing the security bezel to turn counterclockwise and be removed along with the tumbler.

Once the tumbler is removed you can safely drive the car using a large flat blade screwdriver to start and turn off the engine without fear of the steering wheel or ignition switch locking.

I live in the LA area also. If you want, send me an email (Bwhitmore2@earthlink.net) and hopefully I can help. It normally takes me about 15 minutes to remove a tumbler. I am happy to do this while you talk to my wife.

SO, If I manage to do this, I can literally start the car with a screw
driver until I get it fixed?....I won't get a shock or anything?
And If I manage to do this, At that point, would I want to replace
the tumbler to fix it?, could I do that and would that require a new
set of Mercedes Keys?...

Absolutely no danger of shock. A new tumbler with a single key that will fit your ignition switch, doors and trunk will cost about $180 from the classic center in Irvine (Tom.Hanson@mbusa.com). Tom will require proof of ownership (copy of car registration and a copy of your drivers license with same address). It takes about 4 days to get the new tumbler with key as they are made in Texas. Yes you will be able to start and turn off the engine using a screwdriver without fear of locking the steering wheel or the ignition lock.

Thanks for all the advice. I think I'll try it.
I really need my car on Wed. and don't think I can take the car
in and have it back by tomorrow night.
And I'm afraid that if i turn off the engine, and that wheel locks
again, I'm in trouble. Don't recall how it locked when I got out
of the car last night, unless I turned the wheel slightly when
I got out of the car.
I Wish there was a way I could keep and use the old keys.
I'm sentimental, They're the original keys from 84.

I am guessing that you, like most people, touch the steering wheel while getting out of the car. Just the slightest turn of the wheel will lock the steering. Your new key that comes with the tumbler will look exactly like your original key and will fit all of your door and trunk locks.

It is possible to buy an after market tumbler with key. The after market tumbler is not the same quality as Mercedes and the key will not fit your doors or trunk. Usually the cost is below $75.

Reminds me of this play ... or the modern version....' Groundhog day'

https://www.cliffsnotes.com/literature/n/no-exit/about-no-exit

__________________
1980 240d ,

chain elongation, cam marks reference:
http://www.peachparts.com/shopforum/diesel-discussion/10414-help-i-need-check-stretch.html

http://www.peachparts.com/shopforum/diesel-discussion/305365-9-degrees-chain-stretch.html

evap fin cleaning:

http://www.peachparts.com/shopforum/diesel-discussion/156207-photo-step-step-post-showing-w123-evaporator-removal-1983-240d-1982-300td.html?highlight=evaporator

A/C thread

http://www.peachparts.com/shopforum/diesel-discussion/297462-c-recommendations-mb-vehicles.html

Yes, Groundhog day, that's how I felt last night....
This already happened!

Hello,

I looked at this video
of taking the tumbler out.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H2kAIA2-sZ8&app=desktop
The guys key broke off...when I put the key in and turn to right position,
the key does not come out. SO at that point I can stick the paper clip
part in the little hole and hopefully work with it so I can turn to the left
and take the part out?
Thanks