Hi gang just to start off I have spent the entire day trying to get the ign. switch out of our 190E 2.6 this thing is from hell. Every one of the text I read is tumbler oriented, one told the true story it might behoove those to tell just what the story is! The collar on our 190 is possesed, it truely is from Hell. I made my tool first from coat hanger ,then from two two milimeter allens did the angle cut thing yet after nine hours of frustration that pesky black collar has never moved other than to wiggle and jiggle and I am convinced laughed at least once per hour. If I can not influence this thing to break lose what is my next move? thanks for any info and the sympathetic laughing from those who have succeed in the conquest of this black collar from Hell.

It is not tightened down "hard". The correct tool makes it easier in my opinion. You do have the key turned to the correct position?

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Jim

Jim I have the tumbler drilled out and the gutting of the system allows me to start the car with a screwdriver. But I can not for the life of me get the release of that outer protective collar.

Honestly on my 300E I thought that coathangers would suffice but they were too thick (on my w126 the coathanger worked okay). The only thing that I found worked was either welding wire or a paperclip unbent and made into the tool shape (the big U). Everything else failed to actually seat into the holes on the sides of the collar/tumbler and would not release it. I'd recommend trying thinner wire like paperclips or something. Been there, done that...not fun until you get it out and realize its only a 5 minute job with the right tool

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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

I am sure that the job truely is not as difficult as it has been for me, my tools have traversed the length of the collar body yet no release. I am sure that the frustration factor has set in, so back to it this am.

As stated - try using a small paper clip.

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Jim

I just finished retrying with some 1 1/2 mm welding rod, still no pop. I am going to continue with cutting away the old tumbler. I just have exhausted my pin in the hole thing. I only hope I do not hert the inner system that holds the tumbler in place. I suppose that I can get the collar if needed.

I'm wondering if you are turning it to the correct "spot" before you try it. You said you are turning it with a screwdriver? Maybe try installing the paper clip and turn it while you press on the clip to see if it "latches" in at the correct spot?

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Jim

I have removed the tumbler by drilling and the use of my dremel, I used a cut off wheel and took the outer most portion of the collar, then with some prying, tugging, and a few choice words (glad its not sunday), I got that portion out. All without ever getting that #$#@ black so and so off. I can see the prongs that are suppose to move in or out? but the drill got to them so, I still have not gotten the collar off. Now to make maters even more frustrating, I can't put the outer ring back till I do get it off and replace it. The new tumbler is in but no outer ring she will just have to make due till I can continue,after I get the new collar. I wonder though If I will have to replace more than that because I messed up the release pins????

Finally got that sucker off what a job, reason for all the trouble was the drilling I messed up the release collar. But it is fixed now and I hope I never have to do that one again!

Just n time,

I have read a few of your posts here. Allow me the liberty to inject some wisdom into your life...... Wisdom gained from 20+ years of working on my very own MB.

First, I saw where you did not take to heart some advice given to you by MB Doc, a certified master technician. NEVER disagree with the advice given by an individual who has been trained by MB and makes his living working on these autos. He has forgotten more than we will ever know! Remember, he is making an educated diagnosis by means of an online discussion, very hard to do without having the vehicle in front of him.

Second, do you have the manuals or service CD for your vehicle? You aren't working on a Ford or Chevy and a Mercedes requires knowing some basics, often found in the manual. BUY THE MANUALS! Read them, and follow what it tells you, it is your friend.

Finally, have the wisdom to know when to say "I don't know". Very seldom will you b able to "throw parts" at a problem and get it fixed. Reading these forums/posts will get you into trouble if you don't know your basics. Your previous runnability problems are pretty basic when considering how old your car is and what your symptoms are. You have to know how to diagnose before you can repair. Hooking up a fuel pressure gauge is a good start, knowing WHERE to hook it up is priceless.
Good luck.

Let me first say that I thank you for your "interjection of wisdom" I have bought the CD that covers from 300sd to the 560 but it was a few years ago and after the purchase of our newest computer it will not operate, and no I am not going to buy more so that the same thing happens. The books will be a better purchase. NOT EVER have I doubted DOCS words, I may have asked for clarification because of my lack of experience with the Mercedes, from personal experience I tend to ask questions, there are no dumb ones, unless you fail to search for the answer that will cover your situation. Basics are what? the basic of mechanics are the same from one internal combustion engine to the next, it is how the manufacturer arrives at the end goal that makes them different. OH yes one more thing I did not know that this forum was for prose only, for sure there are more question than those who have the answers. In my own defense I have answered questions and posted results to troublesome situations after a solution has come to light.