I just completed this on an 1991 300SE. I tried everything to get the collar to release from the tumbler but no luck. My key was in the correct position but no method proved positive. I ended up unscrewing and unbolting the metal duct enough to force the column down far enough to get to the pin and depress it to allow the ignition to pop out. I took it out through the dash cluster hole since the metal duct was in the way. I had to cut the collar off with a grinder the get the tumbler out. I noticed a piece of metal at the bottom that may have jammed the pawl to release the collar using the "wire tool". I am driving it with a screw driver until I get a tumbler a new keys at the dealership. I did ask for an estimate on replacing the tumbler 150.00 if they could get it out using a "tool" on 400.00 plus if they had to remove the ignition. I'm glad I stuck with it.

All I need now is front and rear glass, quoted 350.00 for new windshield and removal and install of rear glass from my parts car. I swapped the mid muffler and rear muffler off the same parts car. The front end is eating tires so I will have an alignment done to see if I have to replace the dreaded ball joints. My plan is to remove the steering stuff and the tie rods if need be. I replaced them on the parts car last year before the head gasket failed. I paid 300.00 for this one and I hope to get it drivable on a 1000.00 budget. I paid 200.00 for the other one and put 500.00 in it and got 13,000 mi before it "gave up the ghost.", plus it's giving back as a parts car.

I love these cars even though they can be a bit of work to keep on the road.