190E ignition lock barrel removal

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chrisd87

Member
Joined
May 29, 2013
Messages
36
Car
190e 2.6 / W123 230 / W123 230E
Hi everybody,

I'm having some trouble removing the ignition lock barrel on my 190E. The current one is on the way out - the key has to be jiggled around to get the lock to turn, and I've read that this can quickly lead to the lock getting jammed or the key stuck. Therefore I've bought a new (aftermarket) barrel, which I'm trying to fit.

My problem is that although I've followed all the instructions in the Haynes manual (i.e. remove trim ring, turn key to position 1, insert home-made tool into slots and pull), it won't pull out. It's clearly unlatching to an extent, as if you then remove the tool and push on the barrel, it 'clicks' back into place, but it won't come out. I've tried gripping the key with pliers and pulling, as well as trying to turn the black shroud at the same time as pulling, but nothing seems to work.

Has anyone got any suggestions, before I either take it to a Merc specialist, or try and drill the barrel out?

Many thanks,
Chris.
 
That lock in the video certainly looks very similar, and the procedure he used is exactly what I've been trying to do. I'll try making a tool out of thicker wire (I've been using a 2mm arc welding rod with the flux scraped off) and see if I have any more luck.
 
Chris, if yours is similar to the one in my W123 do it as follows:

Put key in and turn to position one.
Insert wire into holes and push in as far as it will go. (don't know if you have one or two holes in the face of the barrel. I had only one)
Unscrew the black surround. This is what holds the barrel in and can only be unscrewed when the wire(s) are inserted correctly. You might need to use some grips on it if it is stiff but be careful as it is plastic coated metal.

There should be more videos on you tube - would be worth doing a search.
 

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