Mark2590 and all.

I apologize for stirring this up yet again.

After getting completely bug-eyed reading all the information floating around out there I have several questions.

Background:

Have a 1990 300SE with broken key in the ignition.
Front half of the tumbler is broken and separated from the inner part of the tumbler.
(Unfortunately the steering lock is engaged. Luckily the steering is centered if the car needs to be towed out of the garage.)

Have a VIN matched tumbler, new keys and new black anti theft cover ring.
Can easily get a new steering lock assembly.
Have the cover ring removal wire with the tapered points.

Black plastic dash cover surrounding the black anti theft ring is removed.
The under dash cover is removed.

For the operation to remove the entire steering lock assembly I have all the correct size torx and allen bits, tools, etc. to remove the air bag, steering wheel and instrument cluster. Dremel tool and bits to grind off the locking pin on the steering lock assembly...

Questions:
1. I was very encouraged to read (Mark2590's) it is possible to remove the black ring even if the cylinder is broken with only the outer half turning.

Were some folks able to do this with 1990 W126 300SE?

I can turn it to line up the slots for the 2 and 7 o clock positions.
On our cylinder, the black press tab is only on the 2 o clock position as shown on the new cylinder.
The inside part of the cylinder is stuck in position zero with a broken key.
The steering lock is engaged.

2. If I go the route of removing the entire steering lock assembly with the steering lock engaged, I am confused about the ignition switch assembly.
After 'grinding' away or cutting off the three screw heads (?) to release the switch from the steering lock assembly, is the switch not damaged so it can be connected to a new steering lock assembly?
I am confused about the details of how the switch is connected and 'locked' onto the assembly.

If necessary I am prepared to replace the steering lock assembly along with the lock cylinder and black cover ring.

If I can manage to remove the black ring that would be ideal.
But not sure if it will be better to go ahead and replace the steering lock assembly and lock cylinder as a whole unit.