So, the ignition switch to my 1992 400e won't turn beyond the first click. If I understand it correctly, there is a little metal spring within the ignition housing(?) that needs to be depressed with a special tool (or simply a couple of large paper clips!) before I can remove the ignition switch and replace it. Well, I've been "workin' it" for a couple of hours, trying to depress this pesky spring, but to no avail! Since there are 2 holes, I am inserting into both of them, trying to feel the metal spring to depress it. I have the replacement part to look at, but, I'm a little confused as to which hole in the ignition switch contains the metal spring. Can anybody help me? Is there more to this than I thought?I've read suggestions to DRILL into it, but that seems so drastic. Is it time to take it to the mechanic? Any suggestions will be greatly appreciated. Thanks.

You probably need to build the tool - 2 mm rod, like a coat hanger, bent to U shape, 20 mm apart with the ends filed to a 70 degree angle facing inward. Try a search - lots of info in the archives.

Try an orbital vibrating palm sander..hold it on key head and let it vibrate the tumblers/key..it works, but takes a fine touch..once you get the key to #2, you can get tumbler out with wire tool

YAHOO!! I got it out! The "key" to getting the ignition cylinder out, using the tool I fabricated, is to first get it to the position #2. (I was trying it in position #1, because that's all the farther I could get it, at first). Had to fiddle with it until it clicked over to the #2 position, but once I did that ,the "tool" that I made from welding wire ("U" shaped, 20 mm apart, and filed 70-degrees on the ends, facing inward) slipped into the slot, and with a minimum amount of finessing, it came out easily! Boy, I just saved myself a chunk of change, thanks to both "deanyel" and "Arthur Dalton." THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU!!

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