W126 S Class Mercedes Benz sticky ignition key and how to change the steering lock

Bad news when the ignition key on your W126 Benz will not turn. Do not lubricate the mechanism under any circumstances. Here is how to install a new ignition lock.

[@wernerdanler2742]

I used to take those tumblers in and out of cars alot years ago. Mostly American cars. What's funny is Kents video popped up about taking these locks out of a MB.

[@straybenzes]

:)

[@charlestimmis273]

Hi: can you please tell me how to pry off that small plastic panel around the tumbler (min 6:18) in your video. I try to remove it but do not want to break it or the wood around it.. The tumbler came out but not all the way because of the small panel around it...

[@straybenzes]

Carefully pry it off using trim removal tool. I usually put tape on the areas where you want to use the tool preventing scuffing of that area. Good luck!

[@ImpalamansGarage]

This is my next project. My key is reaching this point so the my cylinder needs to be replaced.

[@straybenzes]

Hurry and do it while you can. Pray that your tumblers will let you turn the key for a last time. Good luck!

[@yagzoksum1214]

Thank you

[@straybenzes]

You're welcome

[@romanjaspe4172]

What happens to me is that I can turn key but the ignition switch doesn't work also I hear a sound inside the ignition switch as it doesn't engage I mean the mechanisms. By the other hand I've been trying to remove the ignition switch as the procedure tells and when I push the pin...the pin is stick...I'm thinking to drill that pin... because I put the key at the position 1...then press the pin to pull out the ignition switch...and the pin is stick...what do you recommend?

[@straybenzes]

You will need to try getting the wire/ pin back out of the tumbler assembly. I believe you have have pushed that in in the incorrect spot. The correct spot is in the o'clock position of the key - not the number 1 position of the ignition lock. I am hoping you will be able to get the pin out and then slowly move the key in and out of the o'clock position while gently pushing the pin in. Only that will help you retract the locking mechanism so that you can unscrew the big black nut. You need to remove the lock before you can address the switch issue. Good luck.

[@romanjaspe4172]

thanks so much i'll try. Regards

[@straybenzes]

@@romanjaspe4172 Fingers crossed for you

[@69oakfan]

HELP!!... So I'm using those curved "monkey hooks" Used to hang pictures. it goes in really well.... Once I get the pin inside the hole what am I supposed to be doing?.. I'm pushing in wiggling but nothing seems to be happening the metal rod is going in I venture to say half an inch to 3/4 of an inch any help would be greatly appreciated... It's a 1987 420 SEL it has the single hole on the cylinder

[@straybenzes]

Once you have inserted the pin you now should be able to turn the black outer ring counter clockwise. All the pin does is retract the anti theft locking mechanism that would otherwise prevent you from loosening the outer retaining ring. Good luck.

[@69oakfan]

@@straybenzes You're awsome thanks for the reply... Much appreciated... When I insert the pin into the hole will there be some sort of pop or some sort of Release that would indicate I did it right? .... Oh yeah one more thing I have a 1987 420SEL .... I also have a "parts car" a 1991 560 sel... Will the Ignition tumbler from the 560 fit on my 420?

[@straybenzes]

@@69oakfan No, the pin goes in really easy. If the outer black metal ring does not turn you have not pushed the pin in deep enough or you have not rotated the key into the just right position. Turning the ring should be possible by hand - do not use force.

[@7425park]

How do you remove the plastic cover (covers tumbler)?

[@straybenzes]

Hi there: If you are talking about the plastic cover that is part of the dash then that "just" gets pulled out. The older and sun baked the car, the greater the chance that some of the plastic parts holding that in place may break, but there is no other way to get to the tumbler assembly. The best of luck and I am hoping that you are still able to turn your key to be able to insert the steel pin.

[@jimmielittle4414]

@@straybenzes Thanks for the info. I too was wondering about the safe removal of the plastic "escutcheon" and if you know the guage of your release-tool-rod thickness?

[@straybenzes]

@@jimmielittle4414 The thickness is roughly 1mm. In an emergency go to your kitchen and look for the pins that help pin your turkey's skin together. Yes, that will work. Good luck.

[@jimmielittle4414]

@@straybenzes Thanks! I'm now struggling to find the spring with the 1mm tool. What fun!

[@straybenzes]

@@jimmielittle4414 Good luck!

[@lauriediandrea715]

You can’t see what your talking about

[@straybenzes]

I am sorry. That was a video from the earlier days. Once the opportunity arises I will do another - better - video. Thanks

[@marscarz]

fair, but you're not really showing a lot more than your thumb for much of the video, thanks anyway.

[@straybenzes]

:)