'02 C230 smart key issue
Thread Starter
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 1,008
Likes: 8
From: Nashville, TN
SLK55 AMG - Renntech Supercharged
'02 C230 smart key issue
I'm thinking about buying a C230, but the engine won't turnover. The current owner stated that the smart key needs to recoded to the ignition. Has anyone dealt with this recently? I did some searching and this appeared to be an expensive undertaking years ago.
From some other searches, I've seen the entire EIS system can be had for around $600 used. Is the EIS setup a worst case scenario?
For instance, this used setup includes the ECU, Ignition, EIS, ESL 2 KeysS.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/01-MERCEDES-BENZ-W203-C320-ECU-ENGINE-COMPUTER-IGNITION-KEY-EIS-ESL-2-KEYS-/261372458455?pt=Motors_Car_Truck_Parts_Accessories&hash=item3cdb0335d7&vxp=mtr
From some other searches, I've seen the entire EIS system can be had for around $600 used. Is the EIS setup a worst case scenario?
For instance, this used setup includes the ECU, Ignition, EIS, ESL 2 KeysS.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/01-MERCEDES-BENZ-W203-C320-ECU-ENGINE-COMPUTER-IGNITION-KEY-EIS-ESL-2-KEYS-/261372458455?pt=Motors_Car_Truck_Parts_Accessories&hash=item3cdb0335d7&vxp=mtr
Last edited by Grip Grip; Jan 24, 2014 at 03:42 PM.
Junior Member
Joined: Jan 2014
Posts: 27
Likes: 0
2002 C230 SC
I wouldn't buy it without a test drive if I were you.
Without starting the car you have no idea what else maybe wrong with it, from a bad transmission to a blown head gasket.
There are just too many things that can be wrong with one of these cars, trust me I have an '02 C230. Unless the seller is willing to let it go at scrap price, tell him to fix the ignition, so you can drive the car, before you make an offer.
Without starting the car you have no idea what else maybe wrong with it, from a bad transmission to a blown head gasket.
There are just too many things that can be wrong with one of these cars, trust me I have an '02 C230. Unless the seller is willing to let it go at scrap price, tell him to fix the ignition, so you can drive the car, before you make an offer.
Thread Starter
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 1,008
Likes: 8
From: Nashville, TN
SLK55 AMG - Renntech Supercharged
I wouldn't buy it without a test drive if I were you.
Without starting the car you have no idea what else maybe wrong with it, from a bad transmission to a blown head gasket.
There are just too many things that can be wrong with one of these cars, trust me I have an '02 C230. Unless the seller is willing to let it go at scrap price, tell him to fix the ignition, so you can drive the car, before you make an offer.
Without starting the car you have no idea what else maybe wrong with it, from a bad transmission to a blown head gasket.
There are just too many things that can be wrong with one of these cars, trust me I have an '02 C230. Unless the seller is willing to let it go at scrap price, tell him to fix the ignition, so you can drive the car, before you make an offer.
If you don't mind, take a look and let me know what you think. I'm thinking of offering 2K based on what I've read. Here's the ad: http://nashville.craigslist.org/cto/4288092433.html
Last edited by Grip Grip; Jan 24, 2014 at 05:13 PM.
Junior Member
Joined: Jan 2014
Posts: 27
Likes: 0
2002 C230 SC
Bad transmission, you'd be taking his word for it that a conductor plate would fix it.
As it sits, I would not pay more than $500 for it, you got to figure a complete rebuild on the trans and replacing the ignition system, without knowing if there is anything else wrong with the car.
I think it costs $2500-$3000 to rebuild the trans, and $1300 to replace the ignition.
An '02 C230 running and driving can be had for $4000-$5000.
As it sits, I would not pay more than $500 for it, you got to figure a complete rebuild on the trans and replacing the ignition system, without knowing if there is anything else wrong with the car.
I think it costs $2500-$3000 to rebuild the trans, and $1300 to replace the ignition.
An '02 C230 running and driving can be had for $4000-$5000.
Thread Starter
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 1,008
Likes: 8
From: Nashville, TN
SLK55 AMG - Renntech Supercharged
Bad transmission, you'd be taking his word for it that a conductor plate would fix it.
As it sits, I would not pay more than $500 for it, you got to figure a complete rebuild on the trans and replacing the ignition system, without knowing if there is anything else wrong with the car.
I think it costs $2500-$3000 to rebuild the trans, and $1300 to replace the ignition.
An '02 C230 running and driving can be had for $4000-$5000.
As it sits, I would not pay more than $500 for it, you got to figure a complete rebuild on the trans and replacing the ignition system, without knowing if there is anything else wrong with the car.
I think it costs $2500-$3000 to rebuild the trans, and $1300 to replace the ignition.
An '02 C230 running and driving can be had for $4000-$5000.
He's definitely asking way too much considering the gamble. Thanks for the feedback.
Junior Member
Joined: Jan 2014
Posts: 27
Likes: 0
2002 C230 SC
It costs $300 just to have a new key coded to the ignition, as far as I know only the dealership can do it.
That does include the cost of the key.
Super Member
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 947
Likes: 0
From: Las Vegas, NV
I drive a Toyota Hybrid...
i sold my perfectly good like new 2002 C230 one owner (me) with Bilstein PSS9 coilover with a set of chinese tires with 90k miles on the clock for $5k 2 years ago.
but then the new owner didn't like it, so he sell it after a year and got a CLK instead
but then the new owner didn't like it, so he sell it after a year and got a CLK instead
