Well you need that tool, and you will have to either dremel the face off the old tumbler or remove the entire lock cylinder. To dremel the face off, be prepared for some long work ahead. Just keep sawing at it until you can get a clear shot at the groove where you can insert the wire. When you get the new tumbler, look at it and you will see how the mechanism works. The lock cover comes out WITH the tumbler (well I cut mine into pieces )

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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

I would seriously consider getting the key to position 1 and leaving it there until you can replace that tumbler. Do whatever you have to do - hide the car under a cover and lock the doors w/ the key in the ignition if you must.

When the key begins to feel "loose" or worse yet difficult to turn you might be okay for a hundred more cycles or it might fail on the very next turn. If it jams and you cannot get the key to position 1 you are in for either a full day of DIY work (and I mean a FULL day) or a $500+ bill to a locksmith.

My 400E locked up with absolutely no warning last summer in a shopping center parking lot and was there for three days. You really don't want this to happen.

Do not let that key get jammed! If it does, I can get you in touch with a locksmith in Atlanta who specializes in MB locks - he's really good, but if you are fortunate it won't get to that point.

Your guess is exactly that, and not in fact. There are a few different ways these tumblers can fail or almost fail, not just what you experienced with your vehicle.

I agree with the above....had the key gotten stuck in mine it would have taken twice as long. Make sure it doesn't get stuck!

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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

so wait. as of now nothing is stuck or locked up which is what I meant when i said everythign is fine. but I want to change it as a preventive measure since the symptons are there.

So I do have to remove the entire ignition or can I pull the tumbler while everything is in original position?

EDIT: Nevermind got it

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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

just for posterity, it was an easy fix. I made a tool with a coat hanger and the tumbler literally pops then you get it just right. I found that making the tool long lets you manipulate it more easily. The collar does pop out with the tumbler. no need to remove any dash panels, but the black frame with the rubber insert makes it easier plus it takes seconds to take off.

is it acceptable to drive with a bypassed ignition lock assembly?

the ignition key in my '82 w123 (240d) failed to work. i took dieselgiant.com advice (thank you!!!) on grinding down the pin potruding into the steering column. regardless the key still did not work! i bypassed the system by removing the vacuum lines and plugging them before starting...
glowplugs don't work but a squirt of WD40 does it everytime... I just short connectors on starter ad it comes right up
and unplugging the vacuum lines to kill the car!

my question is will continued use in this state cause any damage to the electrical sys or otherwise???

thank you for any input!
john

Ahhh, I am running around with an ignition tumbler/key that i got from my indy mech....



My tumbler was shot and would not turn at all. I took a flathead and a vice grip, and went to town on the tumbler. Got it to turn to the spot to insert the coat hanger, and bam it was out....


Not reccomending this, but it worked for me as a last resort.

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-Justin

91 560 SEC AMG - other dogs dd
01 Honda S2000 - dogs dd
07 MB ML320 CDI - dd
16 Lexus IS250 - wifes dd

it's automatic.

Looks like my tumbler is going on my 97 E420 so I call the MB dealer to order one. They first quoted me $138 which I balked at and then he said $92 which I accepted? What's up with that? Is he first quoting me retail pricing and then gave me a break at shop wholesale prices? Well I pulled the chrome ring and I'm looking at the spring release holes. I got the top two at 11 and 1 o'clock to release, having trouble with the 4, 6 and 8 o'clock positions to release. It there a trick to this? I spent 45 minutes to no avail inserting my u-shape coat hanger tool. Any hints? Arghhhhh!

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85 300CD Signal Red/Tan sold
83 300D Manganese Brown 109K
97 E420 Midnight Blue 197K sold
98 BMW 328i Vert White 100K, sold
95 BMW 525i White 125K, sold
93 BMW 525iT Red 193K, sold
95 E320 Green Wagon 125K, sold
94 E320 White 127K, sold
85 300SD 156K Grey (Annie), sold
84 300D Lapis Blue 170K (Judy), sold
99 ML 320 Black (lease), 1998 C230 White (lease)
00 Honda S2000 Red (lease)
86 Mercedes 300E (sold)
84 Porsche 911 Red (sold), 1965 Porsche 911 White (sold)

How do I extract this thing?? The key is in the #1 position. It's partially out, do I now remove the key and simply pull it out?

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This thread is about the 124 ignition tumbler, which your car is not. I for one do not know how different your tumbler is from the 124. Maybe you should start a new thread pertaining to your chassis.