79 280SE

[Nab]

Nice work, my seat is a bit soft and the repair looks pretty straightforward.
Shame about the ignition barrel though...

 

[Michel]

That is seriously annoying.
I believe there’s a way of removing the barrel with the key inside. But it’s a serious dismantling job. I don’t recall how, but I remember half of the column had to come out
I feel for you mate.

 

[Patrick_R]

Couldn’t agree with Michel more.
Horrible job on any vehicle.
Hope it goes well

 

[c107]

well good news after a few hours of trying, i got the key to turn. i was able to move the car out of the way and get a tiny allen key into the slot. couldn't get the collar to move, but I have ordered a special tool to do so;

Stuck W116 ignition barrel - part 1 « Classic Jalopy

Dealing with a stuck w116 ignition barrel - on my 1979 280SE. I was finally after hours able to get it to turn to position 1. Part 1.

www.classicjalopy.com

 

[Patrick_R]

Generally this happens due to the soft key material wearing faster than the harder pins inside the ignition barrel.
So unless you have a better, or a key that isn’t worn, both key & barrel may need replacing.

 

[Michel]

well good news after a few hours of trying, i got the key to turn. i was able to move the car out of the way and get a tiny allen key into the slot. couldn't get the collar to move, but I have ordered a special tool to do so;

Stuck W116 ignition barrel - part 1 « Classic Jalopy

Dealing with a stuck w116 ignition barrel - on my 1979 280SE. I was finally after hours able to get it to turn to position 1. Part 1.

www.classicjalopy.com

Oh great stuff....
Congratulations.

 

[c107]

After making a breakthrough getting the key to turn, I still can't get that collar off.
the special tool I ordered was out of stock, so I got a refund but no tool. I'm trying a different vendor, but meanwhile also trying to get that collar off. I've done this on a W123 and W126 and this bit wasn't hard at all. Given this W116 is a 79, it has the 3rd type of tumbler, like a 123 or 126 car.

I've tried various tools to try and grip it, removing the cluster to see if there is more access from the top (not really) or the lower trim, to see if there is access from the bottom (even less).

I've tested how far I can get the tiny screwdriver in the hole on my spare tumbler, and i'm getting it in enough to unlock the tab. So not sure why its so tight here.

 

[c107]

Even with the special tool, the collar won’t budge. May end up removing the whole steering lock. Not looking forward to that as I hear it’s a big job. At least the lock is released.

 

[Patrick_R]

Good luck