126 Ignition Cylinder (Tumbler) replacement question
 

Hello folks,
here is my question I have read a few posts about replacing the ignition tumbler, I would just like to confirm something that pertains to the 126.

1. So I should turn the key to the No 1 positon

2. The tiny hole close to about 1or 2 o'clock if my memory serves me right is where I should put the the end of of the coat hanger at 70 degrees.

3. The tumbler should pop right out or what??

I believe the 124 model has 2 holes to put the coat hanger into I have only seen one small one on my car when the key is at no 1.

Could someone please confirm this for me.

If you have only one hole use a pin push in and then unscrew the black tumbler cover at the same time until tumbler come out.

one more question
 

thanks for your response!! I'd like to ask though where is the screw on the black cover ?? one more dumb question, a push pin is the little pins with the sometimes coloured tips that are sometimes used to pin stuff on noticeboards etc right?? I just want to make sure before I use the wrong thing and encounter problems like someone who I read used a push pin.

The black ring cover the tumbler after you push a pin (something like a paper clip)in to the hole (ignition must in No 1 postion) unscrew the black ring cover. by turning it counterclockwise.

thanks MB stars
 

thanks Mb stars really appreciate you and all other benz tech sharing your expertise with us.

thanks again. I am ordering the part this weekend.

A 1.5mm hex key (allen wrench) works well for inserting into the hole, and is rigid enough to work well. There is a steering lock removal tool (about $20) that is made to facilitate the unscrewing of the cover with no scratching--and makes the job much easier than trying to use large needle nosed pliers to get a grip on the cover. One of those rarely used tools that is great to have once every two or three years.

Theurig, the release wire size for the 124 cars is 2mm diameter. When bent into a U-shape I'd estimate that each side of the U is 2 1/2" long so I doubt that a push pin will work. On the 124 cars the black barrel slips over the cylinder lock and comes out as a unit when the 2 release points are pushed simultaneously ... no need to unscrew the barrel. Apparently the 126 design and the 124 design differ.

not as simple
 

Well I got the part today and immediately attempted to change it. I put a paper clip into the hole when the key was in No 1, and tried to turn the cover counter clockwise by hand but it would not budge. So I just logged on and read the updated post. So I do need to a pair of pliers to turn the cover. I looked at the new part to try and comprehend the way the cylinder goes in. I pushed the pin and and it registered fine on the new part , so I believe I am using the right tool. So I guess I should use pair of pliers then right??

I used long needle nosed pliers. They will scratch the housing, but they work. I ended up buying the removal tool, taking the housing back out and painting it.

done
 

I didn't have the right tools to do it. So I took it to my tech and he did for me. The old tumbler came out in 2 pieces!! and the key got stuck for a few moments before I went to his shop. Basically if your key is misbehaving somewhat, those are warning signs that it bout time you change or pay some Big $$$ once it gets stuck.