The locking mechanism can be disabled if you remove the lock cylinder. You can press in the locking mechanism and pin it in place, preventing the column from ever locking. I had to do this on my G. The part is basically the same as in the w123. I wrote a tutorial for doing it on the G.

https://clubgwagen.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=18&t=17639&p=167718&hilit=column#p167718

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Old Blue - '83 240D 6 speed manual trans, OM648
Green Machine - 2001 Europa G500
'87 300SDL Bought on Peachparts
'02 E320 4matic wagon

Patchouli Wagon - 2004 E500 - SOLD
333k mile 97 BMW 750il V12. - SOLD
The Californian - 85 300TD - SOLD
Daily Super Sedan - 03 Audi S8 - SOLD
Family Truckster - 2012 VW Touareg TDI - SOLD