How do you remove the ignition cylinder on a w123?

[RossCormack]

I have been researching into this and even see there is a video of it on Youtube, making it look easy. However, I cannot get the cylinder to pop out. I have tried various sizes of allun keys and pins etc. They say it should be a 1.25mm wire. Does it have to be exactly this width?

I am in trouble here because I am in Ibiza at the moment and I don't speak Spanish. The cylinder needs to come out because the key is sticking. It took me 45 minutes of wiggling it about today to get it to the number 1 position. So it is in the street now with the key in the ignition. Also, the key will not turn to position 2 now, although it did when I got it to turn at first. It does also turn back the way but I don't want to take it out. Any advice would be great from someone who has maybe had this problem.

 

[stwat]

I can't give any more info on your particular car but this thread should help somewhat .

http://www.mbclub.co.uk/forums/howto/92194-how-replace-w124-ignition-cylinder-barrel.html

 

[jaymanek]

you may need to use large grips on the black outer sleeve to budge it... I have always had to for sure..

 

[RossCormack]

I find that the cylinder does not pop out at all. I've found a pin that is the correct size and I feel it going all the way but nothing happens. I've filed the end to a wedge shape and wiggled it about for ages. Also, the key is now stuck at position 1 and so is stuck in the lock. Maybe this will need to be drilled out?

 

[RossCormack]

This is the video that makes it look easy:
YouTube - Mercedes 300D Ignition Tumbler Removal

I guess the popping out of the cylinder is not that evident. Maybe I should just put in my pin and try to turn the black part with grips.

 

[cliveyboy8]

Ross, I have recently replaced mine on a 1985 W123.

Bear in mind first that if the barrel is original it's been in there for 25 or so years. And no, the barrel doesn't just pop out like in the YouTube.

I used one of those miniture screwdrivers, a very small one, to insert in the small hole once the key is at position one.

You then unscrew the black surround which on mine was very stiff.

I got a new barrel off ebay for £23. Don't know how much MB chage.

Hope this helps.

 

[RossCormack]

Thanks guys, I got it off. There was no pop out at all but I stuck the pin right in and unscrewed the surround with grips. There is a sort of a spring in the back to push it out but it is not strong enought to make it pop out on mine. Gonna start it with pliers tommorow then wait for the new cylinder getting DHL to here (ebay, £23).