ps2cho, picture 1 (showing a screwdriver removing piece 30) in slk230red's post is misleading. From my experience with 124 cars the entire trim piece (to the right of the steering wheel that surrounds the ignition lock cylinder/tumbler) needs to be removed. Then coax the key into Position 1 and use the release wire to remove the ignition lock cylinder. As mentioned a vibratory tool may allow you to insert the key and turn it to Position 1. I would take the time and effort to remove the ignition lock cylinder yourself because having a shop drill out the entire assembly will be quite expensive.

__________________
Fred Hoelzle