Lock cylinder removal

[sdphantom29]

Hi, I'm currently trying to replace the ignition lock cylinder in my 300TD wagon and I cannot seem to get the black collar around the cylinder to screw loose. I've stuck a straightened paper clip into the pin hole after turning the key to the first position (which takes a good 10 mins of fanagling now) and the black collar refuses to budge. I even tried to get vice grips around it and it wouldn't move. Are there any alternative ways of doing this or is there something I'm missing? Thanks.

[Maxbumpo]

You need a piece of wire that is exactly 2mm in diameter. A paperclip won't do it.

[KenEvans]

If your lock set up is the same as mine (and make sure it is) then you'll want to see this:

http://www.mercedesshop.com/shopforum/showthread.php?p=1640662#post1640662

[hondaman7]

A paper clip worked fine for me.

Once you get the paper clip (or wire) all the way in the notch and fully depressed, you'll have to thread the black piece you're mentioning off. You'll have to remove the chrome trim piece carefully to get enough grip on it. It took me a couple hours of staring at it to finally figure out that the whole black collar is threaded on just like a nut. I believe it is a standard thread direction. Just keep unscrewing and eventually the whole thing will fall apart. When reassembling, you can't tighten too much or else the grooves and all the other channels and internal parts won't lineup properly. I thought I should get it as tight as possible with my hand but finally backed it off a little to remove the paper clip and get everything locked properly into place. Hopefully this helps.

Adam