GO to the top of this page to RESOURCES and click on it to DYI ARTICLES and find the article on 201 ignition repair in Chasis near the bottom of the list

Guys I cant express how greatful I am for all your helpful information... I am goign to order the parts and wish me luck.

Well I tried this weekend to use the tool and remove the Ignition Lock shield, but It just would not work.. I could not get the Ignition Lock shield to the release... :(

But I have an idea. I was thinking of using a Dremel tool to cut the Ignition Lock shield. There by letting me have access to the tumbler. Once removing the shield I should be able to remove the tumbler and install the new unit. What do you guys think?

Maybe my problem is the tool I made to unlock the shield... I dont know.

it's the tool and patience...

the tool ends have to be cut at an angle so they can release the lock....

i have done mine out of a plain white coathanger... scraped off the paint.

the shield comes out with the tumbler

OK I will try it again with a hanger... Getting the dimensions and specs of the tool seem to be critical too... If I can not get the key to turn to position 1 completely or to the right, will this not work? In other words will this not release the tumbler?

Update... well been at it since 6PM finally just gave up and ended up cutting the Ignition Lock shield. the Tumbler assembly came out after hours of cutting at it...At this point the car is drivable again, I can start the car with a screw driver, I know, Its ghetto but it gets the job done till the parts get here on Tuesday! I made a mess, but when it is all said and done, and I put everything back together. I will be proud of having saved my self so much money. I will have installed a new tumbler and shield assembly.. I hope I never brake a key off in this type of car again.. It is just a pain in the you know what! :mad:

Hopefully everything will go smooth when the parts are here and ready to be installed. I want to thank everyone that helped.. with all of your info I would not have had the guts to do it my self if not for your advise. :)

my w 126, i did 2 of them, one using a zip grinder, did cut a hole on the dash padding, 2nd time use a zaw saw, which is much more refined able to left the dash alone.
I did saw /cut the pod goes into the steering lock dead bolt. 2nd time i cut distal to the clamp so a new pod & tumbler can be slide on again.
If i can find the small bearing which can easily be pushed in when the dead bolt is slided off position.
U can drill the small ball then slide the pod out.

merc are worse to break in anyways.

Got it done..got home and UPS had diliverd my new parts. I been out in the rain working on the Benz.I am wet tired, and dirty. Only small problem is that I now have a key for the doors and a key for the ignition.. small price to pay... The job cost me about $100 in parts and tools, but Mercedes Benz wanted $1000.00. I told them they could F them selves...LOL thanks to everyone for your help.

Yep ran into this issue myself....Cutting the shield was FUN to say the least.

I had a thread a while back on it. Glad you managed to cut it out. I know I killed the dremel I had, bought a new one, and went through a ton of blades before getting it off.

YOur right the hardest part was cutting the sheild off. I picked up a Cheap Dremel tool "like" unit and some cutting wheels..(I ended up using 3 of them) ...from harbor freight... I am just glad the whole mess is over with. :D

i have same problem with yours..
but i didn't cut the black collar off..
just force to move to pos#1..
and the 2 little holes are lineup.
still not easy to remove the tumbler, but it came up..
i hope this will never happen again to all MB lovers..

I am glad you got your issue fixed too Baon... Those germans really know how to make a car! But I am sure glad I donot have to mess with this again!