I dirve 1988 300CE, and my Key is stuck in my ignition and I can't get it out so I ordered a new lock cylinder and ignition switch. I cant seem to get the rest of the lower dash out though. It seems that i can't get the black plastic where you turn on your lights to come loose. And the only screw left to take out is behind the plastic. If i could get some help on how to finish getting the dash off it would be appreciated.
Know on to the next question, I am about to order a new ignition Lock cylinder, it say it comes with two keys and lock cylinder. But its says the lock is undefined. So would I have to go to a dealership to get it defined, I just don't understand what that means. I also ordered a new ignition switch. I really dont want to go to a dealership because the closest one is about 200 miles away from where I live, and the towing would be to much for me. Some help would be greatly apreciated.. I need my asap for work and I am tired of getting rides from my friends. Anyways thanks for reading this.

The headlight switch holds that trim on, you need a 24mm (or 1") socket to unscrew the thin nut after you pull the knob off.

If you can turn the key to position #1, you can change the cylinder without taking the lower panel off. You will have to remove the plastic cover on the key, and maybe grind the end down a bit, but the cover over the cylinder comes off at position #1. With the head off the key, the cover should come off.

You then need a loop of stiff wire that will fit into the two holes with a 45 degree taper cut on each end, points on the outside.

Push the wires into the holes with key at #1 position and the cylinder should release, pull out with the key and install the new cylinder.

I don't remember if you need to remove the outer cover on the cylinder, but I think you do.

The dealer doesn't have to do anythying with an 88 key, they are just steel. You do need to get the key and cylinder there or at a good independent shop, though -- that way it will be the same as original. Aftermarket brass keys cause trouble, the wear and don't work, and can also fill the lock cylinder with brass shavings, causing them to stick.

Peter

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1972 220D ?? miles
1988 300E 200,012
1987 300D Turbo killed 9/25/07, 275,000 miles
1985 Volvo 740 GLE Turobodiesel 218,000
1972 280 SE 4.5 165, 000 - It runs!

Go to the following thread for additional details on replacing the ignition cylinder lock. The dealer will need to see your vehicle registration to verify that you are the owner. You can probably fax a copy to the dealer. The key for new lock cylinder will match your old keys; however, using an old worn key tends to cause problems with the lock cylinders. I purchased a new key for our 1991 300CE to prevent potential lock cylinder problems.

300E, Replacing Ignition Tumbler HELP!!

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Fred Hoelzle

If you can't turn key, try this, worked for me....

Saw a post on here to use vibration with a jigsaw. Pressed the jigsaw handle against the key and used a wrench to turn key at same time, turned in 30 secs due to the vibration! Disassembly of tumbler was 5 mins