Ken, Just replaced mine this evening. I know the cylinder was at position 1 during removal last week because the wire tool went in fine and both tumbler and collar came right out. I don't know if position 1 was indicated on the collar while doing this because when it went back together the collar indicators are not aligned. It is however, in there the only way it would fit. I would check your position 1 by having the key in the run position, then CCW back one detent to where the radio stays on but ignition is off. This will be position 1 irregardless of what the marks on the collar say. I am of course assuming that you can actually turn the whole tumbler to the proper position and not just the front slot where the key fits. My front piece had broken off from the rest of the tumbler. As stated before, the tumbler and collar release together when proper shape/orientation (slash point) and diameter tool is inserted while the assembly is at position 1. I found putting it back took more time than removal.

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Hanno
'79 6.9 Sold (after 27 years)
'83 280SL, 5 spd.
'94 E320 Sdn. 5 spd conversion
'02 E320 Sdn.(on loan to mom!)
'87 300E (5 spd. conversion) Sold
'05 E500 Wagon