Well if you are only replacing the tumbler and key, as Craig said,turn the key to position #1. straighten out a Paper Clip and insert it into the hole to the left of the key.

Then unscrew the black colarto remove the tumbler.

If the timbler doesn`t totally fix the problem, and it is still a little ketchy turning the key, the the whole Steering Lock Assembly needs to be replaced. $168.300 from All Parts Express.

I just did this job about 2 months ago.

The Dash does not have to be removed.

Remove the instrument cluster. NOTE: DO NOT START ENGINE, oil will be pumped out of the oil supply line for the oil gauge.

turn key to position #1.
reach into the back side of the lock assy. to unplug the electrical plug.

Now insert the Paper Clip into tumbler, unscrew black colar, and remove.

from under the dash there is a clamp on the lock assy where it fits into the steering column.
Loosen the 10mm bolt. might have to remove the bolt, I forget. don`t have to remove the clamp.

between the clamp and the steering column is a little button that is spring loaded that fits into a hole. that has to be depressed to slide the lock assy out. It is a little hard to see it from under the dash, but it is there.

I have a set from Harbor Freight that are about 3 inch long. one is a ice pick, one has a L bend to it, one a little squigly end, and the one that will depress this button is bent like a hook and very sharp.

place the tip on the springy button and pull down, turn the assembly with your other hand to keep the button depressed in the tube. then slide the assy away from the steering column and out. It is a tight fit.

there is also a wire plug on the assy. it is the key buzzer.

then installation is a piece of cake from there.

slide in the new assy., fasten the clamp, plug in the ignition from the rear. plug in the buzzer plug. Install the tumbler, tighten the black collar.

DO NOT StART ENGINE YET

screw the collar until tight, then back off until it clicks, and remove key and Paper Clip. collar does not have to be supper tight.

install the instrument cluster, and oil line etc....

turning the key will be as smooth as silk.


The Part is expensive, but having the car towed into the dealer or other shop and having it drilled out, plus the mark up for the part. don`t even want to go there.

these assemblys don`t last for ever. after 353990 miles and 24 yrs, they do get tired. now Iam good for another 20yrs.

Charlie

__________________
there were three HP ratings on the OM616...

1) Not much power
2) Even less power
3) Not nearly enough power!! 240D w/auto

Anyone that thinks a 240D is slow drives too fast.

80 240D Naturally Exasperated, 4-Spd 388k DD 150mph spedo 3:58 Diff

We are advised to NOT judge ALL Muslims by the actions of a few lunatics, but we are encouraged to judge ALL gun owners by the actions of a few lunatics. Funny how that works

Here is the lock assy, the springy button can be seen on the shaft at the top.

Charlie

Attached Thumbnails

 

__________________
there were three HP ratings on the OM616...

1) Not much power
2) Even less power
3) Not nearly enough power!! 240D w/auto

Anyone that thinks a 240D is slow drives too fast.

80 240D Naturally Exasperated, 4-Spd 388k DD 150mph spedo 3:58 Diff

We are advised to NOT judge ALL Muslims by the actions of a few lunatics, but we are encouraged to judge ALL gun owners by the actions of a few lunatics. Funny how that works

Charlie,
Great write up, thanks.
Andrew

__________________
1981 240D 143k 4 spd manual -SOLD

2004 VW Jetta TDI 5 speed 300k -still driven daily

I keep mine lubed with trans fluid on the key.Been working good now for 30 months.

__________________
1999 w140, quit voting to old, and to old to fight, a god damned veteran, deutschland deutschland uber alles uber alles in der welt

If it's acting up, replace it.

Lubing the tumbler with trans fluid will not fix the problem if it is the lock assembly.

sometimes at the Pick N Pulls I have seen the key in the cars. If so you are golden, and can remove the lock assembly.

Toss the key and tumbler and use the one for your car and the VIN # will match.

I have one I pulled out of a 80TD, that is smooth. some where between 80 and my 85 MB changed the ignition plug on the rear of the assy.
80 the electrical pins stick out. 85 they are recessed.

Don`t cheapen out, Do It Now. Band aids are cheap, it`s the operation that will kill you.


Charlie

__________________
there were three HP ratings on the OM616...

1) Not much power
2) Even less power
3) Not nearly enough power!! 240D w/auto

Anyone that thinks a 240D is slow drives too fast.

80 240D Naturally Exasperated, 4-Spd 388k DD 150mph spedo 3:58 Diff

We are advised to NOT judge ALL Muslims by the actions of a few lunatics, but we are encouraged to judge ALL gun owners by the actions of a few lunatics. Funny how that works