Changing Ignition tumbler lock
 

I am currently attempting to remove the ignition tumbler on my 1987 300E. The tumbler will not turn because it has collapsed so I cannot turn it 1 notch in order to remove it as described in the manual.

I now have broken the key off in the ignition and have forced the tumbler 1 notch to the right and have inserted the wires in an attempt to release the tumbler.... no luck.

What must I do to get the tumbler out given the current situation?

I have already ordered a new matching tumbler from the dealer.

Request is rather urgent. I need to get the car back on the road.

recently had to do this. my car was stuck for half a month before i got it figured out.

i don't quite understand where you key is in now. it is broken in the tumbler and is it in number 1 position? if it is then it should be fairly easy to take out. insert a wire (i looked at the new tumber to see how far it goes in before the latch goes down) and make sure it is in all the way. and to take it out it is either turning it counter-clock wise. or poping it out.

but if the thing is not in position 1 and it is stuck in there then that might be bad news. i think it can be anywhere from $5-600 for the dealer to take it out. (disassemble dash, and grind the cylinder out, i am not sure of the procedure)

you can also do a search on it, it has been mention several times before. hope this helps. good luck

oh one more thing. if u can get the key out. try a fresh key that came witht he tumbler. my tumbler came out in 3 pieces, and the new key was the only thing that could turn it.

If that shouldn't worl, you are going to have to cut the harness from the rear, splice in a new one & well you know the rest of the story.

A good locksmith will have a tool to grab onto the sides and "break" the tumbler out. It will cost around 75-100 dollars. Alot better than screwing around with the dealer. Of course you will have to replace more than just the tumbler.

Ask an independant repair shop. I am sure that they have had to do this before and know which locksmiths have it.

I finally got the tumbler out... but it took some doing. I took a grinder and cut the black housing cap from around the tumbler.

My thanks to everyone who gave me advice... all was helpfull and kept me going in a very frustrating situation.

I did not have to replace the total ignition assembly.

Smiles.

glad it worked out for you. and i thought you can't cut that black housing.

ejsharp
I am in the exact same boat as you were in. Key broke off inside, switch not in off (0) position etc. However my tumbler assembly has a slot/hole for only 1 wire not 2. How did you cut the black housing away? Dremel? Rotozip? What did you replace the black housing with? Were you able to unscrew the black housing? Which direction did you turn it CW or CCW? I also have a replacement tumbler and key but I am stuck.:(

In your case use a single wire and insert it down into the slot.... it should go in about an inch and a half. My 300E requires the tumbler to be in position 1 not 0 as yours is. Do everything possible to get your slot lined up... insert the wire....as thick as possible so that the sides of the wire will release the tension spring and then pull out the tumbler.

I used a 4" grinding wheel with a steel cutting stone to cut out my housing.... made two cuts ... one at about 4:30 and the other at about 7:30.. then poped off the black housing and then temoved the tumbler.