Johnson, with the key in position #1 you insert the release wire (paper clip in your case) into the slot and push on it to release the lock cylinder which pulls straight out. Based on my experience I doubt that the diameter of a paper clip is large enough to work properly. I used the copper wire from a piece of 14/2 electric cable that I stripped the insulation off ... the wire should slide into the slot with light contact on the sides. If the fit is too loose and sloppy the release wire won't work.

You might try using the red extension tube from a can of WD40 to retrieve the piece of paper clip that broke off in the slot.

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Fred Hoelzle

First off the tumbler comes straight out, there is no need to twist anything.

Buy a THIN hanger (can't be more than $1 for a pack of 12). I'm sorry to say that you may have screwed yourself if the cheap paperclip is stuck in the hole. The releasing mechanism is way in the back of the tumbler, so I can't see it comming out if the paperclip is blocking the way. Try to get the clip out. Don't force it in any deeper because like I mentioned earlier, the releasing mechanism is way in the back of the tumbler.

Good luck,

jrmd01@yahoo.com

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JR
1986 Gold 300E 4Dr automatic

Ok I tried using the coat hanger and thanks for the link for the picture with 70 degree angle. This helped and i could feel one of the pins click BUT the other hole has a paperclip jammed in it.

I cant get the paperclip out. So I ALREADY HAVE a new steering lock mechanism, can i just remove the old one and put on a new one with a new tumbler? Or do i have to remove the old tumber to remove the steering lock mechanism? does the steering wheel have to come off?

Many thanks in advance...

I know you already got the sunroof closed, but perhaps for next time:

I don't know if the '92 300D includes this feature, but my '93 400E (and I presume everything after that) allows its windows and sunroof to be closed from outside the car using the key in any of the door locks.

Just turn the key to lock the doors and hold it in the "locking" position for a few seconds. The sunroof will close and any lowered windows will roll themselves up.

Again, I don't know if this applies to your model or not but in case it does, it's easier than finding a tarp some future stormy night or afternoon...

-JDK

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--Jim Kimble

"ALPO is 99 cents a can -- That's almost SEVEN dog dollars!!"

Johnson, try vacuuming the piece of paper clip out of the one slot. Then use the release wire to remove the malfunctioning cylinder lock and install the new one.

Hopefully you ordered a new cylinder lock from the local MB dealer by showing him your owner's registration and prepaying ... the dealer won't order without verifying that you own the car. A key comes with the new lock cylinder.

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Fred Hoelzle

Magnet may be strong enough, but only if the paper the clip fits loosely in the hole.

Luck to you,
DanielW

I've been a member of this site for a while now and I can't say enough especially after reading this thread. Is the process the same on the 126?? I think I want to change my tumbler I occasionaly have a problem turning the key.

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**A few Hondas etc... etc... Not Worth Mentioning**
83 Euro W126 380 sel Money Pit (Sold)
91 W124 300e 2.6. (Sold) 3.0 Motor is Much better!!
93 BMW E34 Touring Wagon (Sold) Sweet Car!!
91 300e (Just 200k with Ease.)Best car ever ???(Sold)
90 420sel (Black with Tan Interior) Best car ever!!!!!!!

Theurig, I would expect the process to be the same. Remove the trim piece that surrounds your lock cylinder, then turn the key to position #1 so that the slots are accessible for the release wire. Be sure to use a 2mm diameter wire and avoid the problems that Johnson encountered.

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Fred Hoelzle

ferdman thanks for the info, I have a question though, I turned the key to the no 1 position and all I could see was one little hole on the top side aren't they supposed to be two?

__________________
**A few Hondas etc... etc... Not Worth Mentioning**
83 Euro W126 380 sel Money Pit (Sold)
91 W124 300e 2.6. (Sold) 3.0 Motor is Much better!!
93 BMW E34 Touring Wagon (Sold) Sweet Car!!
91 300e (Just 200k with Ease.)Best car ever ???(Sold)
90 420sel (Black with Tan Interior) Best car ever!!!!!!!

ferdman thanks for the info, I have a question though, I turned the key to the no 1 position and all I could see was one little hole on the top side aren't they supposed to be two?

__________________
**A few Hondas etc... etc... Not Worth Mentioning**
83 Euro W126 380 sel Money Pit (Sold)
91 W124 300e 2.6. (Sold) 3.0 Motor is Much better!!
93 BMW E34 Touring Wagon (Sold) Sweet Car!!
91 300e (Just 200k with Ease.)Best car ever ???(Sold)
90 420sel (Black with Tan Interior) Best car ever!!!!!!!

Theurig, on the 124 cars there are 2 notches on the face plate of the ignition cylinder at 10 o'clock and 4 o'clock when the key is removed. With the key in position #1 the notches rotate to 2 o'clock and 8 o'clock and align with the slots that accept the release wire.

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Fred Hoelzle

Hi,

My key wont turn. I can't start my car. I need to order a new tumbler looks like. When you guys say position #1, is this the position where dash lights and radio comes on? My key turns a bit but not far enough to power accessories. Mine is like 1 o'clock.

What helps the wiggle? graphite?

I'll try some more to get it turned but if I can't , any procedure on the long job?

Thanks,

(gasping) fish

fish4stripers, your Owner's Manual shows the different key positions. In Position 1 (at the 1 o'clock/7 o'clock angle) the steering wheel is unlocked, but no dash lights are lit. With the key in Position 1 the slots for the release wire are at 12 o'clock and 6 o'clock ... at least on our 1991 300CE.

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Fred Hoelzle

Hi Ferdman,

Had to have car towed from school last nite at my sons award ceremony, at least he had a good nite!

I'll run by the garage at lunch for a jiggle and see if I get the slots to line up with 12 and 6. Garage owner is gonna order tumbler for me, he might get a better price than me off the street.

Appreciate your help.

I'll let you guys know if I need the dynamite approach.

Thanks, Fish

Well , wiggled at lunch to no avail. My manual says position #1 powers accessories so I'm not getting key that far.

Gonna try to wd 40 flush and wiggle some more tomorrow if not will look to pull the whole steering lock out and drill ,grind the post out or as Gilly said, open up clamp enough to slip by. Saw a bunch of posts on that.

To get to that stage, is it necessary to pull steering wheel and instrument cluster or just knee panel below?

Appreciate the help

Thanks, Fish