had very similar abuse from the PO of my CE. This happens because the key lock is frozen or the PO doesn't know the proper disassembly.

I had to replace the steering column because the mounts were broken. Not complex but time consuming.

The wires go from the lock assembly to the buzzer, the cable is the shifter lock.

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'94 E320 Cabriolet, 110k, black, stock, SOLD
'88 300TE, 229k, dark grey, SOLD
'90 300CE, 212k, white, new paint, SOLD
'91 300E, 209k, white, rebuilt head SOLD
'74 914-6, grey, 2.7L 325hp twin turbo Audi conversion