I just replaced the tumbler on my 91 300TE. Mine was very worn but I was able to have the key in position 1, the tumbler popped right out, and the new one turned right in. Lucky me.

I read some threads before doing the job, so here is some info stuckon1st was asking about that might help somebody else in the future.

The release wires go in to the holes at 2 and 7 o’clock about 45mm or 1 ¾ inches.

They must go in at the same time, which is why the tool is made in a U shape.

The 60 degree bevels on the wire ends do face in towards the tumbler.

The 2 o’clock hole presses a spring which keeps the tumbler aligned, but does really hold it in. The metal collar holds it in.

The metal collar has a ridge on it’s lower inside which clips it in place. It does not turn nor can it be unscrewed. The wire at both 2 and 7 o’clock press into detents in the switch/lock assembly which release the collar- BOTH wires have to press those slots at the same time to release the collar!

If the tumbler is completely immobile, it cannot be drilled out like USA cars. That outer lip on the metal collar is about 4-5 mm (about 1/8”) that securely holds that tumbler in- that’s the anti theft design.

In the worse case scenario, I would use a dremo moto tool with carbide wheels and small drill bits to remove as much of the metal collar outer lip as it surrounds the tumbler face, again about 5mm or 1/8”. With that lip gone, the tumbler could be yanked out with the slide hammer. Then there would be access to the two detents in the switch/lock assembly that when pressed would release the rest of the metal collar.

Hope this helps somebody later.