Hi all

I am trying to replace the still operating but degrading ignition lock tumbler on my 1988 300E. I have already procured a new lock cylinder and master key for my car from the dealer ($138, ouch, and I had to travel 40 miles to the nearest dealer to order in person with proof of vehicle ownership...no phone orders for this part).


The key turns easily to the number 1 position and I have a tool made from a stiff coat hanger to the specifications in the workshop manual including the beveled tips. Furthermore, I installed the current tumbler myself a few years ago when the original cylinder gave out and at that time I omitted installing the black metal anti-theft collar / cap over the ignition tumbler so I don't have that to deal with.

I thought this job would be a piece of cake. WRONG. I have been trying for three days and the tumbler will not budge. I have fiddled endlessly with the wire tool and I can feel it meet resistance where I think I should be encountering the black spring metal radial clip. The tool is inserted deeply. I've even pulled on the key with pliers with the tool inserted with no luck.

I even tested the tool in one of my other cars, a 89 300E. As soon as I put the tool all the way in and past the spring clip the tumbler (and the black anti theft cover) practically fell out they slid out so easily.

Is there any thing besides the black metal spring clip that the tool depresses holding the tumbler in if the black metal anti-theft cap is removed?


I've read literally dozens of posts on multiple forums dealing with this replacement. Most of the problems are for stuck keys, won't turn keys, cant get the anti-theft cover off. After these problems are resolved the invariable follow up is "then it came right out"

Does anyone have any suggestions? Is there any thing besides the black metal spring clip that the tool depresses holding the tumbler in if the black metal anti-theft cap is removed?

I am close to removing the entire ignition lock assembly and replacing with one from the u pull it yard or drilling the tumbler out on the bench.

Any suggestions would be much appreciated


thanks

Did you find my post about this subject ,an 83 300cd ? I had to drill the locking pin on the column out which then released the ignition assembly ,this becomes a paperweight at this point ,a new ignition assembly and new tumbler which comes with keys and I was back in business .It takes 30 minutes fighting the the pin during drilling ,a good set of drill bits are needed .Another detail was that as I inspected my new tumbler it was not aligned from the manufacturer to line up with the locking collar so the spin on locking collar is another fancy paper weight.

prossech, it's possible the coat hanger used to make the removal tool is too small a diameter. As I recall I used a piece of 12AWG copper to make the removal tool I used on our 1992 300CE ignition tumbler. It took some extensive fiddling, but the ignition tumbler came out ... some tumblers may have a closer tolerance fit than others. The angle and orientation of the beveled tips are critical. You may want to try some graphite, or WD40 in the holes before inserting the tool.

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Fred Hoelzle

Its a real bugger, but you cannot just use the blunt end of a cut coathanger. It needs to be cut at an angle so it "slides" under the metal spring tab that locks it. Basically just keep going at it. Don't "force it". It won't work. When it unlatches the spring it comes off easy as cake. So just keep adjusting the tip of the coathanger until it works. When it does, you'll know.

Here is what I wrote earlier last year once I got it:

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I had the same problem. I used two small drill bits to remove mine. push them in until you see the lock collars move in on each side. Use the largest bit that will fit on each side both at the same time.

I had the same problem after I foolishly placed my worn one back in. Several hours later of wiggling the key with the home made coat hanger tool pushed in I managed to get it free. Good job it was a Saturday afternoon I Spose. Good thing is atleast you've bought an oem replacement I tried a cheaper one which didn't sit right and wouldn't click back in first of all

I drove the 190 to CVS this past Sunday, and when I went to start the car the key wouldn't turn. I've owned this car since it was new and this was the first time this happened. I gave it a little wiggle and it turned so I drove it home and called my Indy parts guy on Monday. After reading all of the threads over the past years, I didn't want to take a chance on it not turning to position 1.

I ordered a replacement tumbler Monday afternoon and it came in on Wednesday along with a new key in it, a lot faster than I thought it would take. I removed the old tumbler this morning and installed the new one. Easy job as long as the key turns to position 1.

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1993 190E 2.3
2001 SLK230
1971 LS5 (454) Corvette Convertible