ignition trim ring removal tool (w126)
 

did the search no mention of anyone using the round rubber coated metal tool (ST, el-paso) for removing the black metal trim ring covering the ignition key tumbler.

do I really need this tool to turn the ring? i do not want to mar it up when removing. is there a diy-made tool people are using?

thanks

Here is an old thread of mine suggesting a substitution. Scroll past the 123 information.
http://www.peachparts.com/shopforum/showthread.php?t=122959

no mention on how you used the bent pliers to remove ring cover.

Grab ignition ring and turn CCW to remove. You will get about 1/2 turn before repositioning. It takes a few minutes to remove.

I just took mine off yesterday. I have a 123 but I would imagine they're pretty much the same.

In my car it seemed the dash was resting on the black plastic-screw part that goes around the lock cylinder. Once I hit the spring in that little hole I had to lift up on the dash a little bit to get the plastic part to move. It was a little tedious as there was not much to grab onto (I lifted right above lock cylinder, where the instrument cluster would normally be) and the plastic was screwed in pretty tight. I didn't need a tool, though. I bet if you keep trying and are able to keep the frustration level down you will eventually get it without a special tool. I was starting to get frustrated because I could feel the spring push in but still couldn't move the plastic until I figured out to lift on the dash.

At one point I did try pliers with some paper taped around them so as not to mark the plastic. It didn't work and I did make a slight mark, but it's not too bad and I bet no one will ever notice if I put a little black paint on there. In any event I wouldn't recommend using pliers.

Good luck.

el-paso has the turning ring tool for $20 and the wire set for $12, may go that route, i am afraid of the plier-scratch method. a new trim ring is $40.

I may find a pipe or tube the correct diameter of the ring and glue some rubber to the inside of the tool.

I used a piece of piano wire (hobby store item called music wire) to push in the pin, turned the black ring off with my fingers.

No special tools required, replaced my igntion tumbler.