Need to replace elect. part of ignition switch. Piece in question is shown at the following URL:

http://catalog.eautopartscatalog.com/mercedesshop/sophio/wizard.jsp?partner=mercedesshop&clientid=catalog.mercedesshop&baseurl=http://catalog.peachparts.com/&cookieid=1EQ0PTV2S1KB0RO8IY&year=1991&make=MB&model=300-SEL-006&category=M&part=Ignition+Switch

Can this piece be replaced without removing the steering wheel?

I understand the dash cluster/lower panels may need removal first.

Thanks.

__________________
Mike Murrell
1991 300-SEL - Model 126
M103 - SOHC
"Fräulein"

yes u can take the switch out without removing the steering wheel.but it would be easier if it is removed.it is alsso easyier to remove the complete lock to replace the swith.cause the 3 screws in the switch are usally quite tight and u need a short screwdriver to remove the screws.it u remove the complete steering lock,remove the instrument cluster and lower pannel.than on the steering colum where the steeing lock meets the colum is a band and a 6 mm bolt .remove the bolt and band put key into ignition turn to stage one or two ,and under the band in a pin that you can push in now and remove the complete steering lock for easy removal of ignition lock. Good luch Harald

Hey, A New Tech ...

Welcome Aboard , MeanGrean !!!!
The group needs more....

thanks Aurthur try to help where i can

Not to hijack Mikes post, but that is great and , as the group has grown at such a fast pace , you can see the need ..
5 years ago was all Tecks and few posters , but that has changed dramatically..

Thanks from the group !!

meangrean/Arthur:

I'm eventually going to replace the elect. portion of the 126 ign. switch - once I finish another car I'm working on.

I've done some research since first making this post. I was leary of removing the steering wheel for fear of the air bag going off. At the following thread under "CLK55 Steering Wheel" I saw some photos of steering wheel removal done on a 190E. Though a different car than mine, the dash/wheel setup look very much like my 126.

http://www.2phast.com/190E/default.htm

I looked on the back of my steering wheel and it too has 2 screws that come off and out goes the air bag after an elect. connection is undone. Of course the ground strap on the battery is first removed and I think I'll wait a bit - maybe 30 mins or so. I 've heard that on some cars(maybe not MBs), there's a capacitor that can hold a charge and possibly allow for deployment of the air bag.

Next is the 10mm allen head holding on the steering wheel. I've read mixed reports...easy to loosen 10mm...not easy to loosen. Guess I'll find out. I will however, not use the steering lock as a counter in order to loosen the 10mm allen head that secures the steering wheel.

I have also purchased the following from specialty parts suppliers:

a. 2 hooks with handles to pull instrument cluster
b. ignition lock cover remover
c. ignition lock release wires.

Tools came from Performance Products and Baum Tools in Florida.

Thanks for all your help.

Onward.

__________________
Mike Murrell
1991 300-SEL - Model 126
M103 - SOHC
"Fräulein"

hi Mike to remove the steering wheel ia a snap,but u do neeed a long t25 or 27 torx.,if you have the tool,first and this is important,turn the steering wheel in such a place that you can insert the torx into the rear of the steering wheel one on on the left and one on the right.if you can get to either hope ,take out the KEY .Now you can insert the torx into the holes and unscrew the bolts.After they are loose pull the air bag gentelu out and remove the electrical connector from behind.and that is it.the only thing now is that u can not turn the ignition on because if you do the vehicle will have a air bag code in the instrument cluster.So just to be sure and you have your radio code disconect the battery first before you do anything.and than you will not have any trouble at all.and when removing the steering wheel ,mark the shaft to the wheel so u put it back at the same spot when reinstaling

meangrean:

Thanks again for all of the great insight.

__________________
Mike Murrell
1991 300-SEL - Model 126
M103 - SOHC
"Fräulein"