Help needed to turn ignition on 420SEL 1991
 

First ever problem with my 1991 W126 420SEL this morning could not turn the key to position one! feels like the steering lock is on but tried for an hour to no avail, can any one help please?

How many miles on your car? What is the condition of your key like? I have seen from other people who have a very heavy key chain have these kinds of problems, because they weigh the key down and cause abnormal wear on the ignition.

If it's stuck refer to this thread CLICK ME and purchace a new cylinder.

ignition barrell W126
 

Thanks guy's, first problem and with your help I will have it sorted tomorrow, so glad I joined up today. :)

key not turnning
 

In answer to your fist question the car has done 209,000 miles now andyes..... come to think of it Idid have a fairly hefty new key ring bought for xmas!! :P

The demon you want to watch out for is replacing the ignition barrel when the wear has gone so far that the key can't be turned. R&R on the barrel is a piece of cake, as long as the key can be turned. If the key can't be turned then it's quite difficult and involves drilling it out and resharpening your drill bits.