I just swapped out the lock on my '87 W124 300DT. The lock does not turn to remove. You turn the key to the "accessory" position (#2), insert the "tool" in both holes as far as it will go, and then pull on the key. Out will come the key and the lock with the steel bezel (an anti-theft device) around it.

The wire needs to be stiff and about 2mm in diameter with bevels cut or ground on each end -- I suppose you've seen the pictures. If the lock won't come out then the wire isn't beveled correctly or it isn't in far enough to release the catches. You can feel the catches give when the wire goes in and then the lock comes out easily with no turning.

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"Buster" in the '95

Our all-Diesel family
1996 E300D (W210) . .338,000 miles Wife's car
2005 E320 CDI . . 113,000 miles My car
Santa Rosa population 176,762 (2022)
Total. . . . . . . . . . . . 627,762
"Oh lord won't you buy me a Mercedes Benz."
-- Janis Joplin, October 1, 1970