I bought a new ignition tumbler and need to know how to remove the old one and install the new one. I went through the CDrom several times and can't find anything. Anyone know where to look? If it's not in there can anyone give me some tips on the procedure? It's a 1980 300CD.

Thanks
Ernie

i think if you insert the key and insert a small screwdriver or piece of wire in the little hole on the edge of the tumbler it will come out. but first gently pry off the chrome rim around the ignition area. does that help. that is how it is on my 300d(84)

I have that info on the CD for my 126 chassis. It would expect that it is in yours as well. The proceedure goes something like this: turn the key to position 1. Insert two wires of the right diameter into 2 small openings around the cylinder. Then you must have a special tool that can get a grip on the metal collar that surrounds the cylinder. Turning CCW it should then come off. The tumbler then can be removed. The wire has to be the right diameter. I can send you the excerpt it you cant find it. As I recall it was in the section dealing with the steering column. They also detail how to build a wire tool.

__________________
I got too many cars!! Insurance eats me alive. Dave

78 Corvette Stingray - 3k
82 242 Turbo Volvo - Manual - 270k
86 300e 5 speed manual - 210k
87 420sel - 240k
89 560sl - 78k
91 420sel - 205k
91 560sel - 85k
94 GMC Suburban - 90k
97 Harley Davidson Heritage Softail - 25k
00 GMC Silverado 1 ton 30k

Thanks for the tips. This tumbler has only one hole for a wire. From what I have heard, the ones with one hole come apart differently than those with two holes, and if you don't do the "one holer" just right, you can be in as much trouble as a ket that won't turn.......is that so?

Do a search on "tumbler". I put some pics up not too long ago. You need to turn the key to the proper position, use a heavy paperclip inserted in the hole, push on the paperclip to "release" the lock and turn the outer black "ring" around the tumbler. Continue unscrewing the black ring until you can pull the tumbler out. Pretty straight forward once you do it a time or two.

__________________
Jim

I did one of each this weekend. My daughters '90 190E 2.6 went bad a week ago and my '80 300CD has been stiff and acting funny for some time. I ordered one of each and changed them both. They both were a breeze, the 190E was a little trickier on the installation but no problem.

Once again.....Thanks
Ernie