ignition

Hello,
 
I have a 1991 300e 3.0.  I was wondering what position the key needs to be in to remove the tumbler.  My ignition is locked up, and i tried shaking the steering wheel.  It's definitely locked.  So today I got some lube, and put some pins in the ignition area, and am trying to remove it, but i couldn't seem to get it out.  I am assuming there are 4 positions of the key, the first being off, the last being on.  I can get the pins down the holes right beside where the key goes in, but am not sure which position the key should be in to remove it.  If there is anybody who has experienced this problem any info would be much appreciated. 
also, how do you search this forum.  i searched other forums, and they said the key should be in the first position, but i don't know which one that is. 
 
Thanks in advance.

I have a '92 300e, and I have the exact same problem.  Kind of tough to remove the lock cylinder when they tell you in the Haynes manual to turn the key to the "I" position, which from their photo appears to be the horizontal position, when the cylinder is locked up!  If anybody has any ideas on how to deal with this, please let us know.  My car is blocking half of my garage until I can either get the ignition unlocked, or I jack it up and put in on caster trays to move it.

Did you make the wire tool?
This may help,push comes to shove you drill it out if all else fails.
ohlord
http://www.mercedesshop.com/shopforum/showthread.php?p=1065596
http://www.mercedesshop.com/shopforum/showthread.php?p=1815247

ok,  so here are some pics of the car and of the ignition. 
i still can't remove it.  i have felt the clips holding it in detent.  and still nothing.  is there a chance that the thing is just locked in there? 
i tried wiggling and jiggling the key, and the collar and the paper clips, and pulling on the key, and rotating the collar, and pulling the key while rotating the collar, and there is no sign of anything unscrewing or coming out. 
i did all the searches, and got some great insight.  but it's just not working out for me,  any other suggestions.
 
thanks
 
[IMG]http://i288.photobucket.com/albums/ll194/H-mans_300e/DSC00105.jpg[/IMG]
 
[IMG]http://i288.photobucket.com/albums/ll194/H-mans_300e/DSC00112.jpg[/IMG]
 
this is  as far as i have gotten with the ignition
 
[IMG]http://i288.photobucket.com/albums/ll194/H-mans_300e/DSC00125.jpg[/IMG]
 
[IMG]http://i288.photobucket.com/albums/ll194/H-mans_300e/DSC00126.jpg[/IMG]
 
[IMG]http://i288.photobucket.com/albums/ll194/H-mans_300e/DSC00127.jpg[/IMG]
 
sorry bout the picture quality.
 

<img src="http://i288.photobucket.com/albums/ll194/H-mans_300e/DSC00126-1.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket">
<img src="http://i288.photobucket.com/albums/ll194/H-mans_300e/DSC00127-1.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket">

Ohlord, no, I have not made the tool yet as I have not been able to get the key turned to the "I" position.  After reading through the links you sent me (thank you!), I decided I will muster enough patience to try to get the key to the "I" position again (some folks were able to get there after 30-45 minutes).  If I get it there, you can bet I will make the tool and try to get the tumbler out.
Else, it's a tow to the Benz dealer and then I'm at the mercy of whatever they feel they have to charge.

I have the factory tool for $3.50 delivered if in the states.
ohlord

Thanks.  If I can get the key to that horizontal position and therefore can use such a tool, I'll let you know.

Is your battery charged?Do you have a brake interlock like on the later models that you need to step on the brake to turn the key.
ohlord

Fully charged battery.  No brake interlock that I am aware of.  I won't have time to mess with it again until Sunday, but I'll report back if I have any luck.

Belated update.  Unfortunately, final solution was a tow to the local dealership, and a $750 bill to drill out the old ignition and put in a new one.