Would anyone happen to know how to remove the ignition key tumbler protective collar for a W140 vehicle - attached photo. That metal collar on right side of the photo protects the ignition key tumbler. Tumbler internals actually already fell out since the front die cast part wore out. Thanks.

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For those who may be interested . . . was able to find alldata (courtesy of deutschland mechanix - great guy/guys) statement that the collar cannot be removed once placed in position. Had to cut into collar so I could pry off & access tumbler (which had worn down to point that die cast at top of tumbler cracked apart).

To remove tumbler you need to access horizontal metal piece in tumbler w/ wire to pull in (retract) so tumbler will fall away. Cannot really get to that part except from topside & must remove the collar to do that move.

FYI for anybody having a problem w/ their key getting stuck between positions 1 & 2.

Could not really understand the tumbler design until I removed. Have reinstalled now - procedure would be to align the tumblers to position 1 using your key, where you can look from inside the plastic housing up at the tumbler - once you see that small slit, use a very small jewelers screwdriver to push that metal in.

The metal spring action will only be able to push in if the key is inserted and turned slightly right (position 1).

Once you pull inward, the tumbler will fall towards the plastic ignition housing - but you will have to sacrafice 1 of your keys to grind the sides down so the key can pass through the metal collar.

This procedure will save the collar (and ignition housing) from being destroyed by prying it off. Collar's only function it appears is to prevent thieves from easily accessing the tumblers for the car.

Benz really protected the W140 against thieves - takes quite a bit of time to fool around with this well-designed ignition assembly.

The attached photo shows my ignition lock from an R129 with it turned to position 1. Can you please describe to me where to push against a spring to allow the tumbler to release?

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For Sale: many used R129 parts from a white '92, black interior. Send email if interested.

I believe it is on the bottom - looks like it's aligned & ready for pushing that spring loaded metal piece in towards the tumbler (small jeweler's screwdriver should do it).

Once done the tumbler will fall towards you - but make sure your key will fit through the collar. May have to cut the edges of the key to make it through.

While pushing in the spring loaded metal piece push down on the key side to slide through. Good luck.