[W126 Coupe] Ignition key problems (best way to start engine without ?)

[dr.r.becker at gmx.net]

Friend of mine has encountered a problem with his 500 SE W126 1988 
and asked for advice. Here's what happened and what I advised so far 
(and what the MB dealer gave as a quote). Any further ideas and 
suggestions would be helpful, as always ;-)

The ignition lock got sticky and it was not possible to start the 
engine or disengage the steering lock and get it into position 1 
(which is of course the necessary step to remove the tumbler in the 
normal way).

As the car was parked at a drop-off lane at a railway station, he had 
to call the breakdown service of the AA (the equivalent of the AAA in 
the UK). They tried to unseize the lock tumbler with WD40 and 
rattling, knocking etc. All the usual tricks. As the tumbler would 
have to be replaced anyway, they had a go whatever. No luck. The even 
broke off the last remaining key and part of it was stuck. They could 
later take the piece out of the lock with on the of the usual tricks 
(small drop of superglue on the key remainder, VERY carefully!)

Car had to be towed away to the next dealership.

On my advice, he ordered straight away a new key and a new ignition 
tumbler which takes a couple of days to arrive from Germany.

Dealer quoted later GBP 700 + VAT (17.5%), around US-$1,500 in total, 
for removal of the sterring lock plus tumbler and to replace the 
whole assembly.

When the new key arrived, my friend tried it and he got it into 
position one! Only to then take it out again on the assumption that 
he could repeat that trick. What a stupid mistake! It turns out that 
since then no-one could turn it to 1 again!

I told him, that there are now only two options:

a) he gets the key somehow again to position 1 so that the lock pin 
can be released with a wire put into the small hole as per the normal 
procedure to r&r the tumbler. A matter of maybe 10 minutes.

or 

b) to do the labour intensive and violent workaround by drilling out 
the small locking pin that secures the steering lock assembly to the 
column (relatively easy on a 126 with a Dremel and a diamond bit), 
drop the column a bit, then wriggle the complete lock assembly out 
from under the dash, cut out the ignition switch with a Dremel 
cutting  disc off. Needs a new tumbler, a second hand steering lock 
and maybe a new switch depending how careful the cutting was done. 3-
5 hours work for an experienced DIY person on a 126.

I understand why he wants to go by a) if at all possible ...

Now the car is positioned at an outside car park and cannot be 
renoved easily due to the steering locked. Temperatures are around 
freezing temperatures during the night and a bit higher during the 
day. He wants to heat the car's interior up and dry out the interior 
with the heating and a/c, but he wants to somehow start the engine 
for that (no electricity around, and no generator can be started 
there).

He asked me if there is a safe way to start the engine bypassing the 
ignition lock. 

I suppose there is, but my experience on the newer models (yes, I 
consider the 126 to be that) is limited. What are the implications 
for fuel injection, ignition modules, airbag, etc. ?

Is there a way to start the engine without messing up the ignition 
circuit or anything else? 

If any listers can shed light on this question, I would appreciate. 
Otherwise I am inclined to advise against the starting and go to 
option no. 2 and drill out the lock assembly. Or is there even 
another avenue to contemplate?

Richard Becker
London