W126 91 300SE ignition tumbler removal
 

My key sometimes sticks in the ignition tumbler so I'm trying to replace the tumbler. From what I see in the new tumbler, there's only one spring tab to compress before the tumbler slides out. I've tried various combinations of 2mm drill bits and 2mm hex keys but I can't get the old tumbler to release. I even humored the manual and used two devices to simulate the u-tool. No amount of tugging will release the tumbler.

What am I missing?

Thanks,
Sixto
91 300SE
87 300SDL
81 300SD

Take a 1.5 mm pin ( big paperclip) and turn key to 2nd position , insert pin and you should be able to unscrew black collar and tumbler will come out.:D

you need to insert pins in each of the holes a good 3 inches and sort of squeeze together and work it straight out. this one doesn't need to be unscrewed. good luck ...paul

Key in the 1 position. 1.5mm pin, paper clip or allen works, but it helps to grind an edge to an angle to help it slide over the keeper. I used an allen the first time, hard. Picked up a pointed probe at Radio Shack the second time, easy. Once you depress the keeper, unscrew the black retaining ring. I had to use long needle nosed pliers, scratched up the collar, now have the official removal tool for next time. On reassembly, make sure to align the collar correctly or the tumbler won't turn. If you get in that position turn the collar until the keeper clicks into the slot. By the way, if you put the tumbler in without the collar and turn the key to the zero position, the steering lock will come out with the ignition lock. Requires removal of the whole steering lock assembly, lots of tinkering to figure out how to get it all back together....been there. Much easier the second time. Good luck.

I have the key in the #1 position, otherwise the pins won't go more than a couple of mm into the tumbler. I feel the pin engage the spring lock in one hole, nothing in the other.

I'm tugging on the key to remove the tumbler. Is this correct? If I tug on the pins they come out of the tumbler.

I'm really tempted to take a slide hammer to it but I don't want to risk damaging the tang that the new spring clip expects to catch.

Sixto
91 300SE
87 300SDL
81 300SD

1 or 2 holes?
 

If you have 2 holes in the old one but only 1 in the new, you may not have the right tumbler. On the one hole version the pin presses down on a spring loaded catch. When thatat is depressed, it allows you to turn the black collar that surrounds the tumbler. I had to use pliers to unscrew the collar, but I've read of people using their fingers--must be the ones who don't need tools to remove the oil filler!!. I don't know about the 2-hole version, but I think it just pops out. Check your private message.

Both tumblers have two holes. I can tell by inspection that the new tumbler only has one spring clip. I can tell by 'feeling' that the old tumbler is pretty much the same way.

I don't know if the old tumbler has a collar. There is a trim piece over the old tumbler that has the position dots. I don't know how it comes off the tumbler but it should if it is to go on the new tumbler.

Sixto
91 300SE
87 300SDL
81 300SD

2 holes, I'm out of the game. I'll try to sneak home this afternoon to look at the CD. If it's like most of the other stuff I've done, the second time will be a breeze.

Maybe you can read it differently. I'm staring right at job 46-640 and doing what it says but the tumbler won't come out.

Thanks,
Sixto
91 300SE
87 300SDL
81 300SD

On this model you do not have to stick a pin in the bottom hole. The top hole is the one with the spring lock. I dont remember if on this one if it unscews, I know on the older 126 bodies they unscew and newer model 124 and others dont. I have had one that would not some out on a 124 and I had to remove the steering lock.:D

How do you remove the steering lock with the tumbler in place?

Thanks,
Sixto
91 300SE
87 300SDL
81 300SD

Remove instrument cluster, turn key in position 2 and remove electrical plug on ignition switch ( pulls off) . Loosen 10mm (or 5 allen ) bolt that holds steering lock from moving . Disconnect buzzer plug on bottom of steering lock. You will have to pull and wiggle steering lock out . Its not that hard once you do a few. :D

keep trying before you remove the whole steering lock. if you get the pins in right with the right tool it takes about 30 seconds.for the top hole the pin slides over the retainer tab to disengage it. you can see how this works on your new tumbler that you have out. the other pin disengages a part that is a part of the steering lock behind the tumbler. that one push straight in and you should feel that it is slightly spring loaded when it bottoms out. when both pins are in place just tug on the key and the tumbler will come straight out.the only thing i can think of that may be going wrong is that in the upper hole maybe you're going under the retainer tab instead over the top or you're not going in far enough in the lower hole. keep trying. taking out the whole steering lock is a last resort when your key won't turn at all. or have some one with the right tool to take it out for you. I usually just charge people for the tumbler and no labor to replace it if it takes the usual 30 seconds. keep trying. I hope this helps.
good luck...paul

To close the thread, the job is done.

It turns out my tumbler was in a couple of pieces. The top ring, the one with the holes that align with the release channels in the main tumbler housing, was no longer attached to the tumbler. It was held in place by the black cylinder that covers the tumbler. I suspect it was this loose piece causing the key to stick, not worn key fingers.

I made the u-tool that finally worked out of a wire hanger. The diameter of the rod was an interference fit in the channels, but that's what it took. 2mm wire didn't do it. A reshaped paper clip wasn't even close. It also took a 5-degree CCW turn of the tumbler to get it to release while extracting. The manual says nothing about that.

Thanks to euro 287 and Paul for sticking through this with me.

Sixto
91 300SE
87 300SDL
81 300SD

Bumping this one to the top for '90-91 126 owners.

My ignition lock started to stick over the last few days and finally locked up today. A few minutes of jiggling got me started and home. Like a moron, I stopped the car and took the key out. Do'h!

Anyways, made the tool described in the manual for 126 cars built AFTER 9/89. Used a slim coat hanger (paper clip would not work, as Sixto said) and ground the inside side of the business ends to 70 degree angles.

Another 5 minutes of jiggling and put her in position 1.

Pushed tool in and unit popped right out.