Repair/replacing trunk key lock cylinder on a 1994 E500

[500AMM]

When I bought my Limited the trunk key lock was stuck, but the car has a proper working IR-locking so it hasn't been much of a problem. But it is a sale pending on the car now so I got a kick to fix it. I once picked the frozen trunk lock cylinder apart on my very first S124 and fixed it successfully, so I thought it should go fine this time as well, but the lock cylinder is different. The key doesn't insert more than halfway so the lock can't be turned, and after a closer study I can't find any way to get the lock cylinder out of the barrel. It has been soaked in WD40 for some days but no chance to get the key fully inserted. The lock doesn't appear to be damaged and it's no broken key left in the cylinder because I can insert a tiny screwdriver about the length of the key. I have now submerged the lock cylinder in Coca Cola over night in an attempt to dissolve the gunk inside. Any ideas here about getting the lock cylinder out of the barrel?

 

[500AMM]

Refreshing an old thread. This is not an How-To, but for posterity I add some pics at least showing the thumbler internals. I've sold the car after I started this thread and the new owner had to find a replacement key lock and carry along an additional key on his key chain. Not that big problem since the Limited has a functional IR-lock system, but I would like to fix this for him at some point.

I managed to pick the trunk lock thumbler completely apart, it was stuffed with gunk & old, waxed lube preventing the sleeves inside from moving freely. I cleaned it and did several dry tests and all worked fine, the key ran smooth both ways and the thumbler turned fine as it should. But when I was going to take the thumbler apart again one last time to add some lube on the sleeves, something hooked up inside and it was impossible to get apart, couldn't turn it either. I don't know the correct name on the part sitting in pocket #1 but it appears that this one won't release and come out.
(BTW, pocket #6 was empty, had no sleeves fitted)







Just saw the sales thread from member @bclifton and he may be the right man to contact:

FOR SALE - Multiple door locks for sale; also rekey service | Parts for Sale

Hi folks, This is a "while supplies last" situation. I have the following: two sets of keyed locks for 1990+ W124 with alarm system (option code 551) one set of keyed locks for 1990+ W124 (no alarm) I'd like to sell each pair (one left lock and one right lock) for $250. Here's how it...

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