Help! Newbie has Tumbler problem
 

Thanks to all of you for such a great site. As a newbie to the Benz experience, I have just been hanging back and enjoying learning about my Benz though the threads. I bought a 1994 E320 about two months ago, love it.

But, last week my tumbler started sticking. Thanks again to many of you, I ordered a new one from my dealer before it got stuck in the number 1 position.

So far, I got two paperclips, actually two thin finish nails inserted into the holes around the key hole. I can feel the engagement of the nails deep in the holes. So far so good.

Here are my quesitons:
1. How do I remove the lower dash panel? I removed about 6 screws and the hood release. The panel seems to bind around the headlight switch. Do I remove the light switch knob to get the panel off? How?
2. How do I remove the black collar around the tumbler? Does it pull straight off or unscrew on a 1994 E320?

Thanks, John

P.S. I order spark plugs (Supers not Plats per this site), trans filter and oil filter from the FastLane, good prices, quick and so easy. Plan on doing use them after I get the tumber fixed.

You pull the lightswitch knob off and then the nut that now became visible must be removed so that the plastic cover can be pulled off in order to reveal 3 more screws holding the lower dash panel.

The plastic cover around the tumbler are pulled straight off similar to the one behind the lightswitch and reveals 2 more screws.

THANKS Per Eriksson, I got the dash cover off just like you described.

Question:
On a 1994 E320 does the black steel collar that is surrounding the tumbler unscrew or just pull off? Should the tumbler just pull out now?

I know there are many threads on this subject but I am not sure. Oh ya, I order repair CD set but it may not be here for a few days. Any further advise will greatly be appreciated!

I have the pins inside the tumbler. One seems to go in a little further than the other, is this normal?

PLEEESE HELP!

Thanks,
John
1994 E320

The collar doesn't remove until after the tumbler has been pulled out.

This you should be able to do with your tool while having the key in "I" position and some wiggling.

The pic below shows a typical tool and then the black collar

THANKS AGAIN Per! I removed that old tumbler and installed the new one without a problem. The trick was your picture of the 70 degree chamfer. When I put the chamfer on the pin, the tumbler came out very easy.

Many thanks,
John

have tumbler off
 

I did as you guys sugested obove as I have the same issue. and now I have the tumbler in my hand but cant figure how to get the key out or remove the black metal sleeve from the tumbler since the key is stuck. I should mention I have an 89 260e.

any help would be much apreciated