I have a 1989 260E with the well know ignition key problem. I have read everything I could find on the subject and I agree with Treiberg that directions are very confusing.
Anyways, I could NOT get the key to turn to position 1; however, I was able to force the front of the lock to turn freely with a screwdriver, thus being able to slide the wire tool in all the way in the top hole. In the lower hole unfortunately the wire tool broke off inside the hole so now I am out of ideas.
I can feel the wire pushing on the spring in the top hole, but the lock is NOT poping out.
Can anybody help, please???

First, nice page, I've read a lot here and found a few hints and tricks BUT nevertheless I have exactly the same problem that Makkie has (hopefully HAD):

I had also to force the top part of the cylinder into position one, tool goes down and puts both springs down (no breaking though) but nothing happens, also not with prying (correct word?) the collar from the back.
I am really speechless, since I work on that so long now, the new keycylinder is already here for a week... and if I would not be a such patient person, i would have used a sledgehammer already.

Its funny, its my first Daimler in the US, in Germany I had several too, and yet its the first time I've heard of this problem. A little hint would be very much appriciated.

To mention might be, the tool has the exact measurements...20mm, 60degree angle. Ja, the transmission is in parking position but ja as well, the steering wheel is locked, IF that may have something to do with my problem here.
Ja it might be that I broke the second part of the key-cylinder (if there is one) when I forced it into position one with a big screwdriver but nonetheless then I could most likely not get the tool in if that would be the issue.

And since it could be a no go in this way, what other options do I have to remove the cylinder, since this is, like Mark wrote in this forum somewhere, "mega-godizalla-steel" and drilling is most likely not an option!
I envy the guys who wrote here it took them 5minutes...LOL...it took me so far almost 4weeks and no progress at all and therefore I am writing here now and ask. Thanks in advance!

Julian, with the key in No. 1 position the steering wheel would be unlocked so forcing the lock cylinder with a screwdriver was a poor idea. I suspect at this point you will need to remove the entire lock assembly from the steering column. Do a Search and you will find the dirty details on removing the entire lock assembly ... lots of cutting/grinding from what I remember ... not a fun job.

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Fred Hoelzle

Oh je, thanks Ferdman, that happens if you let your GF drive your car and she gets the key not moved anymore. (I don't know why til today since everything worked fine before.) And then calls a locksmith who broke obviously a bit too much and not just the outer plate of the keylock and then simply disappears. (Probably after he saw what damage he did)

Naja, I am gonna try that out and have to buy at first the diagram for the removal, because supposedly (after a bit research) its very very difficult. A great challenge though! (the positive in the negative)

Und die Moral von der Geschichte: Don't give your Benz to your Girlfriend, you will never know how long it takes til you can drive it again...!

I just went through this issue not long ago. What I remember was that no. 1 you need to have ignition switch in position 1, the next important thing is that you need the right size of wire tool. It can't be too big in dia. or too small in dia. The skinny clothes hangers, that were painted white is what I used. They are very close to the 2mm you need. Next, you need to file them to close to the 60 degree angle. I made a u shaped tool first. I constantly failed removing it. Then I made two wires, and that is when it popped out for me. Also, it helped to change which holes I inserted the wires in first. It wasn't a quick job by any means, but you can get it out if you keep at it. You can feel the wire tools embed the tumbler when you have it lined up just right. Don't give up! Oh! and pop the black ring off it, if you haven't so it's easier to see.

I have done 3 of these now.... I have to admit that two single wires seem to work better and faster.

I also shaved the white paint off....

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1989 300ce 129k
( facelifted front,updated tail lights, lowered suspension,bilstein sports, lorinser front spoiler, MOMO steering wheel, remus exhaust,stainless steel brake lines). (Gone)

1997 s320 154k (what a ride). Sold with 179k miles. Replaced with Hyundai Equus

1994 e320 Cabriolet 108k



1972 280se 4.5 153k Owned for 12 yrs, sorry I sold it


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Rebe, ja I did all that, build also several U tools with exact 2mm and also could feel that I push the springs down, but I could not remove/move the collar at all.
I will give this way one more chance and make me two single ones, but I guess already the outcome will be the same.

I think Ferdman is right, since that locksmith forced not just the upper plate of the keycylinder into position 1, (probably had that never to do before, but no excuse for him) and since I can turn the first part of the keycylinder with a little screwdriver about 2cm in all the way around. And like I said I am trying this now for weeks...ok not permanently but all together at least 20hours whilst it can be supposedly a 5minute job if you have the exact tool....

Nevertheless I will give it one last try with two single parts down the and then start getting the heavy tools out and remove first the collar (which will be difficult enough) to see what is going on there...

Its really tricky if you haven't done it before. Unfortunately it sounds like the locksmith may have damaged the tumbler so its ability to be removed is questionable. Taking out the steering lock mechanism is not a fun job, I had to do it on a w126 (which is pretty much the same IIRC), took about 8 hours of cursing and grinding.

http://www.peachparts.com/shopforum/showpost.php?p=2238655&postcount=21 if it helps

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TC
Current stable:
- 2004 Mazda RALLYWANKEL
- 2007 Saturn sky redline
- 2004 Explorer...under surgery.

Past: 135i, GTI, 300E, 300SD, 300SD, Stealth

ugh.

i wish you the best of luck.... i think it used to be called position 2..... either way..... you have to get the steering column unlocked.

__________________
1989 300ce 129k
( facelifted front,updated tail lights, lowered suspension,bilstein sports, lorinser front spoiler, MOMO steering wheel, remus exhaust,stainless steel brake lines). (Gone)

1997 s320 154k (what a ride). Sold with 179k miles. Replaced with Hyundai Equus

1994 e320 Cabriolet 108k



1972 280se 4.5 153k Owned for 12 yrs, sorry I sold it


[/SIGPIC]

Die grinder with cut-off wheel is in your future. Just had to do this on newly acquired 88 300TE. Have title, purchased keys (owner had lost). Didn't check the cylinder for signs of abuse first. Slot turned but beyond that cylinder didn't, nor did the key go in. The OP had been heavy handed with whatever tool he thought would work. I had to cut the arm that contains the steering lock, then cut off the cylinder and collar so that I could work the ignition. I tried to do the collar alone, but since it doesn't rotate only one cut could be made. Afterthought is that a large screwdriver with a wrench on it may be able to twist enough split the collar. All done from below, in the rain. I never, ever want to do that again. It took me over an hour to be able to move my own car. Anyone need a working lock and key set for a TE less the ignition? (its probably going to be parted once I get the seatbelts out (old ones became Mercedes dog chew toys).

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Hanno
'79 6.9 Sold (after 27 years)
'83 280SL, 5 spd.
'94 E320 Sdn. 5 spd conversion
'02 E320 Sdn.(on loan to mom!)
'87 300E (5 spd. conversion) Sold
'05 E500 Wagon

You don't need to cut the whole locking mechanism out if you have a completely seized up lock tumbler.

See this thread I made a few weeks ago.
You can do this job in an hour.

http://forums.mercedesclub.org.uk/showthread.php?t=76312

That's certainly more elegant than what I did. If I ever need to do this again that's the way to go. Smaller tools and using them in an upright position has great appeal

__________________
Hanno
'79 6.9 Sold (after 27 years)
'83 280SL, 5 spd.
'94 E320 Sdn. 5 spd conversion
'02 E320 Sdn.(on loan to mom!)
'87 300E (5 spd. conversion) Sold
'05 E500 Wagon

Thanks Ivan, and of course also all the other guys here for the tips, I will try this way (the two single toolparts didn't work, as expected) since it looks way smoother than only using brute force and hope for the best.
I am not so familiar with heavy tools, Economist..., you know the ones who need three people to change a light bulb , but its certainly a challenge which I want to take on.

And when I am done, without totaling the car hopefully, I will post how long it took me in work hours....thanks again!

Finally had some time and got onto it:

First of THANKS to Ivanerrol! Took me almost 3hours though, I had in the end to "dremel" out the whole upper part of the cover so I could get the whole cylinder out. I wasnt so lucky with the coathanger or how should we call it....

BUT now the problem, I can't get the new cylinder in AND if I turn (with a screwdriver) the ignition off the accessory position, nothing happens, the lights in the dashboard remain on! The only thing that works is that I can unlock and lock the steering wheel lock. At least something... :-)

Followed everything exactly like Ivan described in his threat, just the not mentioned part wont work (put the cylinder in!). I hope its just something little but I am prepared for the worst....and yes I try to put the cylinder in on the required position.

I did not find ONE hint after now searching the net for at least 2hours. So back to the benzworld...and look like a total idiot. Thanks for the help in advance....

Hello, I'm trying to do this to my 91 300E but I can't get my key to turn to position "1" it's lock I even tried using a large slim screwdriver but nothing...
Is there a way to drill it out?