hmmm.. when i did mine on a 260e... i did not have to take the collar off... i just used a coat hangar with the tips at the proper angle... it took a bit of jiggling but when it released..the ignition tumbler just popped right out.

i just pushed the new one in....

__________________
1989 300ce 129k
( facelifted front,updated tail lights, lowered suspension,bilstein sports, lorinser front spoiler, MOMO steering wheel, remus exhaust,stainless steel brake lines). (Gone)

1997 s320 154k (what a ride). Sold with 179k miles. Replaced with Hyundai Equus

1994 e320 Cabriolet 108k



1972 280se 4.5 153k Owned for 12 yrs, sorry I sold it


[/SIGPIC]

Thanks guys....drill I used wouldn't touch it so great anti-theft I guess!

Glad to see I can get another one easy so not afraid to give it to that cover.

Ah yes, but I can't turn the key to position 1, so its not gonna work. I have to drill at the correct position 1 spot so I can insert the tool and this cover doesn't let me do this.

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2016 Monsoon Gray Audi Allroad - 21k
2008 Black Mercedes E350 4Matic Sport - 131k
2014 Jeep Wranger Unlimited Sahara - 62k
2003 Gray Mercedes ML350 - 122k

How can I cut all the way around the lock cover because there is just not enough space to do so? I've made one long cut down, but even with the biggest flathead screwdriver I have, the cover won't snap off at all. That is one damn tough piece of steel!
I can dremel the bottom half, but there is no space at all above.

I'm thinking I may need to resort to doing it the long way around. What is involved to remove the steering wheel? Is there a risk due to the airbag? If so, I would prefer to just hand it off to a local indy because if I hit the airbag off, I'll end up having spending a few hundred bucks to get that fixed. I already have the bottom of the dash taken off.

__________________
2016 Monsoon Gray Audi Allroad - 21k
2008 Black Mercedes E350 4Matic Sport - 131k
2014 Jeep Wranger Unlimited Sahara - 62k
2003 Gray Mercedes ML350 - 122k

It's really too bad you were not able to somehow get the key to turn. I assume you have given up on that at this point.

You now need to replace the ignition lock housing into which you will install the new ignition tumbler.

If you remove the steering wheel, make sure you disconnect the battery and unplug the large red plug connector (SRS) near the ATA unit under the panel under the passender side floor mat. Discharge static to ground.

I suggest you call around and explain where you are at in this repair attempt to see if anyone (indy?) near you has a clever way of getting the tumbler itself out.

Also, sometimes a very worn tumbler will actually have the face detatched from the body, since yours is already screwed up, try turning just the face of the tumbler with a large flat screw driver to set it so the holes are lined up to insert the tool.....I think it's worth trying just in case.
good luck buddy
Acky

I will give that a try thanks!

But yes I have tried every possible method to get the key to turn and it won't budge. I tried the orbital sander method too.

I'll try the screwdriver method on the weekend and if that fails I may just take it to an independent as I am not comfortable removing the wheel /w the airbag. I shouldn't be charged too much as I have all the parts he needs and half the dash is already removed.

__________________
2016 Monsoon Gray Audi Allroad - 21k
2008 Black Mercedes E350 4Matic Sport - 131k
2014 Jeep Wranger Unlimited Sahara - 62k
2003 Gray Mercedes ML350 - 122k

Got it!!

Absolute hack job and it took absolutely forever....but eventually with enough dremeling it came out. I had to completely cut + pry off the lock housing which took most of the day. Once it came out, the first pin fell right out (that must have been the broken one) and with the correct tool that I made, it came right out without much hassle.









I'm just glad I didn't have to take it to anybody.
It makes me wonder if I should replace the one in my 260E....but then again some cars have over 200k+ and have never had a problem.

__________________
2016 Monsoon Gray Audi Allroad - 21k
2008 Black Mercedes E350 4Matic Sport - 131k
2014 Jeep Wranger Unlimited Sahara - 62k
2003 Gray Mercedes ML350 - 122k

Good news for sure, you proved that perserverance pays!
Acky

Congrats..

i have had only 1 go.... and that was on he 260e with about 215k.

i was able to turn the key... when i started having a problem... i left the key in the ignition for a few days until the part came in.

__________________
1989 300ce 129k
( facelifted front,updated tail lights, lowered suspension,bilstein sports, lorinser front spoiler, MOMO steering wheel, remus exhaust,stainless steel brake lines). (Gone)

1997 s320 154k (what a ride). Sold with 179k miles. Replaced with Hyundai Equus

1994 e320 Cabriolet 108k



1972 280se 4.5 153k Owned for 12 yrs, sorry I sold it


[/SIGPIC]

Just a tip to anybody who searches this in the future, it makes it easier if you get the key all the way in (regardless if it turns or not) then insert the tool and use the key to pull the tumbler out.

But as said before, make sure not to turn the assembly once the tumbler is out!

---

I got a question though, in the picture you see the second plug left of the tumbler? With that disconnected the buzzer is deactivated. Does that plug control anything else other than the buzzer such as SRS? I'd love to unplug it because the buzzer drives me nuts to be honest.

__________________
2016 Monsoon Gray Audi Allroad - 21k
2008 Black Mercedes E350 4Matic Sport - 131k
2014 Jeep Wranger Unlimited Sahara - 62k
2003 Gray Mercedes ML350 - 122k

I've got a 95 e320 wagon and I think the tumbler is on its way out. i can insert the key and turn, but then something catches and I can't turn. a slight jiggle and I can more forward. I guess I better call the dealer like yesterday right? what I'm looking for is the "tumbler" correct? what will they need, VIN?

Yes ignition tumbler. Are you going to replace it yourself or hand it over?

__________________
2016 Monsoon Gray Audi Allroad - 21k
2008 Black Mercedes E350 4Matic Sport - 131k
2014 Jeep Wranger Unlimited Sahara - 62k
2003 Gray Mercedes ML350 - 122k

If it turns to position 1, leave it there and replace the tumbler ASAP!

__________________

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

I ordered the tumbler and it will be here tomorrow. everything seems fine...oh crap, now I've done it..hopefully my car hasn't blown up.

anywho, so yeah I suppose I need to figure out how to remove it. I see some kind of bent/shaped hanger wire. Is that all I need? I guess I need to read some more posts!

BTW I havent opened anything, do I need to or do I only need access to the face of the ignition?

so you never actually got a new key made? And tried the new key? Is that right? or have I missed something here..... just interested....cliffmac

my guess is that you tore your interior apart to replace the tumbler when in fact it's the key itself...same thing on my 1990 300TE....old key works in the doors and and trunk just fine like...ignition...nope...went and got a new key from the dealer and it works just fine. I can't explain it but it's true, in my case.