300E Ignition Switch Replacement
 

I have been searching and can't find where anyone has replaced the electrical portion of the ignition switch. How hard is this procedure? I am thiking about attempting this weekend. Also does anyone where I can purchase the tool to remove the ignition tumbler. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

There are numerous steps to be taken and all are documented at:

http://mb.braingears.com

Here you'll find the doc for your 124 car.

You may obtain the tools at:

http://www.************************

or

http://www.baumtools.com

Some have claimed to have done this w/o pulling the steering wheel. I suppose it's possible, but believe it to hard to do w/o first removing the steering wheel. There's a write-up on doing this for a 190E at:

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

Click on -> CLK55 Steering Wheel

Same setup as your 124 car. There are 2 torx screws holding the air bag cover on. They are on the backside of the steering wheel. In my case a torx 27 size is used. Some here have reported size 25 and 30. I suppose there may be a different torx screw size used between the different models.

If air bag equipped, remove battery ground strap first and disconnect red SRS plug under passenger side floor. The exact location is documented in the braingears doc - section on steering wheel/air bag removal.

I think the switch itself just screws onto the back of the ignition lock, not need to remove tumbler, but I didn't look while I was in there.

At the very worst you will have to remove the ignition lock, but that's fairly easy -- remove underpanel cover after pulling headlight switch knob and unscrewing the nut underneath, remove cover and pull cover around ignition switch to reveal top screws. Pull carpet to get the plastic nuts off the cover, then remove. A bit tight, don't break it. Ignition lock is held on by a couple bolts, just remove, then turn key (I think) to get it out. Switch is, I believe, held on by a couple screws on the back side.

Best course of action is to get a proper manual, you won't break thinkgs that way.

Peter