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 removed the black collar. Now how do I get the tumbler out? It there a trick to this? I spent an hour to no avail. I h ave searched for hours and most of the threads are for the W124. Thanks.

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97 E420 Midnight Blue 197K sold
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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)
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86 Mercedes 300E (sold)
84 Porsche 911 Red (sold), 1965 Porsche 911 White (sold)

First the key must be at position #1.
Then the trim around the ring must be removed.
Then you must press in on the black ring &
then turn the ring 90deg counter-clockwise.
Then pull out on the key.

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MERCEDES Benz Master Guild Technician (6 TIMES)
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Retired Moderator

Thanks, I'll try it when I get my new tumbler from the dealer tomorrow. I'm scared to drive it until I get it exchanged.

FIXED! Thank goodness, I was having nightmares about not getting the tumbler changed before my wife or kids got stuck in some shopping plaza and trowing and cutting for an $800 repair bill. Turning the ignition was becoming such a problem that the car wasn't driven for the last 3 days awaiting the new tumbler (which includes a valet key in the tumbler) from the dealer. The W210 series tumbler replacement is very different from the repair on the W124. To release the black lock mechanism MB has a special took but I used a small pointed vice grip to turn it. Here is a more complete description along with pics and a youtube video:

http://www.benzworld.org/forums/w210-e-class/1438891-ignition-key-wont-turn.html

Thanks, M.B. Doc.

__________________
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)