The W123 300D has a steering lock which locks when the steering wheel is moved a bit after
the ignition key is removed.
Yes you can remove the key and conscoiusly
avoid touching the steering wheel
enough to cause it to lock. By doing this the
the ignition key is easy to remove and
reinsert to turn on again, when you have
an ongoing "tumbler/steering lock "
problem.
The steering lock is NORMAL as is the
method of unlocking it so that the key can be turned.
Just move the steering wheel to one side
until the key turns (as per owner's manual).
You can try jiggling back and forth (but
not too aggressively-you don'y want to
exacerbate anything potentially negative).

Peter and I are both correct. Benzmac
in the past recommended BOTH tumbler and
steering lock to be replaced. Cheap insurance.
It costs alot more if the key can't be turned
and you have to drill into a tumbler
to remove the steering lock.
Every mechanic's statistics can be different.
I eventually followed Benzmac's advice and that
was the way to go. For me.
Do yourself a favor and search the topic.

A mechanic once told me that if you insert the ket with a slight downward tilt and try to keep that tilt as you
turn the ignition, it may unstick the tumbler.
Well it worked for me in my time of grief, may have been
coincidence but I share a tip F.Y.I.

If you are dealing with just normal steering lock behavior
then learn how it works, then determine whether you have a
sticky tumbler and or steering lock. If it takes forever
get the key to move, then take action on something!
Good Luck

p.s. eganwork I asked Benzmac bfore if the steering lock
could be mechanically defeated (tweaked). He said it can not.

__________________
1979 300D 220 K miles
1995 C280 109 K miles
1992 Cadillac Eldorado Touring Coupe 57K miles SOLD
********************
1979 240D 140Kmiles (bought for parents) *SOLD.
SAN FRANCISCO/(*San Diego)
1989 300SE 148 K miles *SOLD