I have the same issue on my '85, actually.

The key tumbler is connected to a rod that in turn is threaded through the linkage that actuates the door lock mechanism. If the key turns freely, chances are that rod is broken off. From what I can see of how it's made, there is no way to replace it.

When I tried to switch the tumbler into a good handle assembly with the rod still in place, I ended up breaking it (it was corroded and even after soaking in various loosening agents for days prior to working on it, the rod broke off when I tried to work on it).

Can anyone explain in clear terms how to remove the tumbler from an outside door handle?

I asked this once before and was told "Just look at it, it's easy." Eh. Not for me, so much.

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Mac
2002 e320 4matic estate│1985 300d│1980 300td
Previous: 1979 & 1982 & 1983 300sd │ 1982 240d

“Let's take a drive into the middle of nowhere with a packet of Marlboro lights and talk about our lives.” ― Joseph Heller, Catch-22