Replacement Ignition tumbler

[sarasotasl]

I have a new ignition tumbler that I need to have installed. I'm looking for some directions as to the installation procedure.  Does anyone have any advice? 

[66andBlue]

For which car, 230SL or 280SL?
And do you mean the tumbler for the key or the rotating part in the lock assembly?
See: http://www.sl113.org/wiki/Electrical/IgnitionSwitch

[sarasotasl]

This is the tumbler for the ignition switch (key). I now have to move the key around and in sometimes to get it to turn. Thought I would replace now as to not get stuck somewhere!

I ordered it from Mercedes by my vin # so the key would still be the same as original.  What I'm looking for is how to gain access to the switch.

1971 280SL

Thanks

[66andBlue]

Welcome to a fun weekend!  
1. Disconnect the battery!
2. You need to remove the speedometer and instrument cluster and if you haven't done this before read this first: http://www.sl113.org/wiki/Electrical/DashboardInstruments#DashboardRemoval
Or:  http://www.sl113.org/forums/index.php?topic=6072.0
3. Remove the cover under the instrument panel in the foot well.
4. Check whether the 3 screws from the back of the switch (7) [see picture for numbering] are tight.  If not your problem could be the rotating switch not making good contacts.  Otherwise remove the screws with a short stubby screw driver and remove the switch with all the wiring and inspect it.  

It should not matter whether you have the 1st or 2nd version of the lock mechanism for this procedure. However, if the rotating switch (7) is OK and you need to remove the cylinder (5) you must know which one you have.  
If you cannot pull out the key in garage position "1" then you have the 2nd version.

All of this is described in the BBB on pages 46-8.

[Via Manci]

Sara, you should consider removing the Radio also.  Make sure the plastic and the metal parts of the switch are tight together.  You only want to do this once!

[ja17]

Hello,

If you are just replacing the lock tumblers, the process may be much simpler. Do not remove the entire ignition steering lock assembly from the car. Turn the ingniton key to the first position and the chrome inner bezel around the key can be moved outward until it hits the key. At this point  turn the key off and remove the key.  The inner chorme bezel can now be removed exposing a "C" clip which holds the key tumbler assembly in place. Remove the "C" clip and the tumbler assembly can be removed while the unit is still in the dash. You can now install the new tumbler assembly.   Hopefully the problem is not in the steering lock mechanism. If this is the case you will have to remove the entire unit and replace it.

[Anfinn]

The procedure that JA17 describes  is also  included in the manual (Ignition key removal) here: http://www.sl113.org/wiki/Interior/Locks