I have a 1985 300 turbo diesel. All of the sudden, I can't engage the start position of the ignition switch. I thought it was a worn tumbler, removed it, took it to a mechanic who quickly told me it was fine. He thought the likely problem was the electric switch on the back side of the key/ignition assembly. He says it is held on by 3 screws and that I should be able to access them. I think I see them, but I see no way of accessing them with a screw driver without removing all of the dash board. Do I have to go to that extent? Who can describe the process for removing the electric component on the back of the ignition switch?

See if some of this information helps.

http://www.peachparts.com/Wikka/W201IgnitionSwitch

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1993 190E 2.3
2001 SLK230
1971 LS5 (454) Corvette Convertible

This is very helpful. Thank you for quick response. This is no small project getting to that switch. There are a couple of steps I would like further clarification. Namely, using the orbital sander to expose the three screws that hold the electrical part on the back. Are the screw heads at the back of that assembly (facing the firewall) or facing the driver? Are the screw heads covered with plastic coating that you are sanding through?