Does anyone know the procedure to replace the tumbler in a W108/67 250S ignition switch? I have the assembly out of the car. I can't tell how the shiny cover comes off. It's stuck in position 1 and the key won't go in more than 3/4 of the way. I see a little radial hole in the slot that would only be visible in position 1.

The wrecking yard wants $120 for a replacement ignition assembly and I can't get to a locksmith until tomorrow. Hopefully the locksmith is old enough to know that model designators used to start with numbers. What's the good word on this?

Thanks,
Sixto
95 S420
87 300SDL

If it's stuck, you will have to take it apart like the newer ones -- remove the entire assembly and grind the hardened pin off the back.

If you can move it at all, get a new key, you may get lucky (the old 220 won't won't work with the old key, only the new one). If you CAN get it to move with wriggling about, etc, you want to pull the cover up while the key is in position 1, then turn key back and remove to remove the cover, then back to 1 again and push a jewels screwdriver down the hole to unlatch the tumbler.

If you don't mind sacrificing the key and it's stuck in position 1, you can lift the cover off and cut the plastic head off, then grind the key down to allow you to pull the steel cover off, then insert the screwdriver or wire and unlatch the tumbler.

Peter

__________________
1972 220D ?? miles
1988 300E 200,012
1987 300D Turbo killed 9/25/07, 275,000 miles
1985 Volvo 740 GLE Turobodiesel 218,000
1972 280 SE 4.5 165, 000 - It runs!