Ok, my steering lock is permanently locked, so I took off the underdash panels, found the ignition housing, turned the key to position 1, released the clips, and seperated the ignition housing from the lock housing. I see a bolt running through the lock housing, I am not sure if that is how it is attached--the cheezy Motor manual is vague on this; I removed the self-locking nut but the bolt will only move approx 1/4 inch upwards and then stops..Does anyone here have the factory manual or info on how to withdraw the lock housing from the steering column?? I got the lock housing new for 90.00-- the stealer wanted 300!-- and I would rather not have to pay them 300-400 bucks for a labor job that I can do myself!...
Thanks for any help in this matter...

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once the part is locked it can only be removed by destroying it, i have had to use an air hammer in the past to do that, the reason you have to destroy it is the part you need to push in to release is located on the lock end, i have included some pictures and work instructions. you may have been better off paying someone who has done that in the past., i have circled the part on the #4 picture let us know how it turns out.

Thanks for the info...I own a shop with about 50k in tools, I have air chisels etc, but I don't know if I want to be hitting a steering column that has airbags in it with an air hammer LOL...How exactly did you destroy the ones you removed, just the outer casing?
I will probably just take the old proverbial bath on this one, and drop it off to Mercedes....

what i did was take a die grinder and made a cut on the side of the lock that is accesable, after that i broke pretty easy, you can disconnect the airbags if that makes you feel better,

i have to do this same thing , would you be able to send me the pictures ? I do not see them up here. if you could . email is herby53@sbcglobal.net

What happens is if you remove the IGNITION SWITCH from the steering wheel lock, and the key is not in postition 2, it will throw the steel lock bar and lock the wheel lock into the steering column. This locks the wheel permanently, plus pushes out the ignition switch so you cannot get another switch into the lock. I think I tried starting the car one time without the lock, but it knows if it's present. It threw a code and refused to turn on the fuel pump so that was that. It's got to be together.

You'll need to go get a steering wheel lock from the dealer, they sell them by the dozens. You'll need to show your ID, need the car's VIN etc for security purposes. If your ignition switch plastics are broken, you run the risk of triggering the lock again - even before you put it back into the column. However, you can always get out of this (with both units in your hand) with a little fiddle play. I did it while watching TV. In short, if the lock is installed in the steering wheel column, DO NOT separate the ignition switch from the lock - or it'll permanently lock again.

If those plastic tabs are broken, you are going to have to brace the ignition switch into the lock somehow. I used (don't laugh) 2 plastic tie-locks, fairly large diameter in a cross pattern. Then I wrapped it with silicon tape which stretches and pulls a great deal - it's the sort of tape used to wrap screwdriver/hammer handles. Glue was pointless.

Once they're together, and you're sure they won't come back apart to re-trigger the lock, then remount it to the column. Be careful not to split them again while re-assembling the dash.

As far as removing the wheel lock from the steering shaft - use a "saws-all" or a reciprocating saw. I have a large DeWalt, put a metal blade in it, and cut it right between the column and the lock. It took a while, that's VERY hard aluminum. Same stuff they use on their engine blocks. Like you said, be careful not to saw the column, but there's enough room to avoid hitting it. When done, I reached in with a pair of needle noses and pull the rest out.

Good luck


[above] Cutting through using the saws-all


[above] Just another view, cutting using the recip saw

I sent you a pm,I also have a new steering lock that i will not use.

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1982 300sd (totalled) 1992 300se