yea, does anyone know if this was fixed in newer models?

Benz has suffered the odd EIS failure for years on many models. IMO they have steadily become more reliable. Early 2000's cars gave the most trouble.

That happened to me last month. And my SAM has be replced 2 times. But no other major problem.

dont know. maybe one of the more knowledgeable persons on this particular forum can answer that. i hope they have, if not, im not sure i will purchase an MB again, it cost me $3000 to repair here in the Bahamas.

Does anyone happen to have specific part number that goes bad on these cars? I hear some people refer it as a steering lock. Others refer to it as EIS. What does EIS mean?

In my 2013 W204 I hear an electronic noise (sort of like an electronic pump priming) behind the instrument cluster area the second I put my key into the ignition (before I even turn the key). Is that noise an indication that the part working is normal? Or is that the power tilt/telescope unit? I actually disabled the entry/exit function as I don't like the steering wheel moving as I enter and exit the car.

Interested to research the actual part that is consistently failing to determine if part number for 08/09 models is the same as later models. MB better have changed it!!

Hey all - I seem to be having the same problem. Last friday I went into my car and the damn thing just wouldn't start. I called for an emergency boost and the technician basically confirmed that the battery was fine. Had to leave my car at work over the weekend because it was too late to get it towed.
On friday I got home and put a quick note on the MB Canada facebook page and a MB facebook administrator replied and asked that I send them an e-mail directly and they would try to resolve. I sent the e-mail but have not heard back. I guess that it being the weekend it makes sense that I have not received a reply.
I will let everybody know the details of the outcome. However, I need you to go to the face book page and make a quick comment or "like" my comment. That way the issue isn't forgotten and they try to resolve quickly.
I hope it works out well for me and for the rest of you that are having the same problem.

click this link https://www.facebook.com/MercedesBen...t=feed_comment

Bad Electronic Steering Lock
 

My 2008 with <60,000 miles had trouble starting recently and eventually would no longer start at all. Ended up having to tow it to the dealer who diagnosed an Electronic Sterring Lock failure, fixable for a nice $1,000. Even though every mechanical part of the car is working fine I can't use it due to an inferior electronic component meant to prevent theft. Not overly impressed with being stranded due to this reason. Hopefully they don't find anything else wrong in the next few days that they have my car.

:shakehead

It would be interesting to know whether there was a certain batch or EIS manufacturer involved in these EIS failures ?.

Are all EIS the same type/part number regardless of engine in the C Class ?

C350 2008 ignition steering lock replacement
 

Ditto all of the above entries. My car wouldn't start a few days ago, yet lights and radio were working. Car was towed to Mercedes. Today found out that the ignition steering lock needs to be replaced. Thankfully, we have extended warranty. Can't figure out why there has not been a recall about this issue as appears to be a problem with the C series.

We have the same issue with a 2008 300c . it is at the dealer as we speak. Is MB working with their owners with this common problem ?

My 2008 has done this once before... will it be the first of many times? The mechanic who came out to help me sat in the passenger seat while I started it, shook the steering quite aggressively and it started

Electronic Steering lock fault - C300 4MATIC 2009
 

I" m new to this forum, I have the same problem with C300 4 MATIC -2009. With just 47000 miles, purchased fairly used in USA in October, 2012 and shipped to Lagos Nigeria in December, 2012. I have barely used the car just for about 30 days before it developed this problem. I'm disappointed by MB. Is MB really the best product auto?.

Jonathan Jaja
Nigeria.

EIS
 

EIS : Means Electronic Ignition System

Yes! I have 2009 and just happened to me yesterday! Towed to dealer and told I need new steering lock. Price tag: $1300!! No warranty at 77k miles.

Hello! I just read your post and I'm experiencing the same problem! Was just told by dealer that it will cost $1300 to replace steering lock! You seem to have found a successful resolution with Mercedes Benz directly. Would you mind sharing your contact and process? It would be most appreciated!!

Not in the 2009!!

No Crank/No Start/ESL and ICM do not respond to key input
Topic number LI80.57-P-051521

Version 1

Design group 80.57 Drive authorization systems (DAS)

Date 06-01-2011

Validity All 204, 207 model vehicles
Reason for change
Complaint
1. No crank / no start / intermittent no crank
2. Communication via SDS to Electronic Ignition Switch N73 (EIS/EZS), and or short test may or may not be possible at time of fault
3. Below scenario:
^ When accessing the occupants compartment, the message center in the ICM will illuminate (note: eventually the message center will time out and shut down, and will not illuminate until the CAN is activated via the interior lock/unlock switch).
^ The key will turn in EIS N73.
^ The ESL N26/5 does not activate/respond (or the steering wheel remains unlocked at all times).
^ The warning icons in the ICM will not illuminate.
Cause
Internal issue with in Electronic Steering Lock N26/5 (part number A 204 545 57 32)
Remedy
First perform a complete guided test of the drive authorization system, and transmitter key via the "Tests" menu in the EZS control unit.
Fault codes A25408 and A25464 in the Electronic Ignition Lock N73 (EIS/EZS) direct you to replace the Electronic Steering Lock N26/5.
NOTE:
If no fault codes are stored, do not replace any parts!
Check the part number on the Electronic Steering Lock N26/5. If the part number is A204 545 57 32, please replace with part number A 204 545 81 32 using WIS instructions AR46.10-P-0910CW.
If the part number of the Electronic Steering Lock is A 204 545 81 32, please contact Dealer Technical Support; we would like to have the part shipped to us for further analysis.
Note:
It is possible to corrupt the Electronic Ignition Switch N73 if it is replaced prior to replacement of the suspect ESL. Also, insure that the CAN does not time out before the programming of the ESL with the workshop key is completed.




GOOD LUCK.

Campaign No. 2008020003, March 2008
TO: ALL MERCEDES-BENZ CENTERS
SUBJECT:
MODEL 204, MODEL YEAR 2008
REPLACE ELECTRONIC IGNITION SWITCH
Daimler AG has determined that the EIS may malfunction preventing the electric steering lock and the central locking from functioning. Dealers will replace the EIS on the affected vehicles during the next workshop visit.
Prior to performing this Service Campaign:
^ Please check VMI to determine if the vehicle is involved in the Campaign and if it has been previously repaired.
^ Please review the entire Service Campaign bulletin and follow the procedure steps exactly as described.
Please note that Recall and Service Campaigns do not expire and may also be performed on a vehicle with a vehicle status indicator.
Approximately 10 vehicles are affected.
Procedure
Note: Prior to starting the procedure ensure to:
^ Use DAS 02/08 with all associated patches or higher.
^ Follow the steps exactly as described in DAS.
^ Connect battery charger.
1. Connect Star Diagnosis to the vehicle.
2. Transfer the settings of the EIS control module to Star Diagnosis by navigating through the following screen menus: Main Groups/Control Units/Body/EZS - Electronic ignition switch/Initial Startup (follow on-screen instructions).
3. Replace EIS, refer to WIS: AR46.10-P-0810CW.
4. Continue with Initial Startup (follow on-screen instructions).

2008 W204 EIS Failure
 

February 2013 Rear light wiring harness failure, overheat and self destructs due to ground connector tightness. One taillight stays on bright is the first clue.

April 3, 2013, EIS failure, three hours waiting, three tow trucks, lost vehicle at dealership, two failed to return phone calls, no loaner vehicles available, parts coming next week story. Stuck in Lodi again!

Newbie Owners:
1. Don't drop your key, they break easily.

2. Carry a spare key because the small makeshift key in your FOB doesn't start the car.

3. Always park your Mercedes so the tow truck car get to it! When the EIS module breaks, the steering is locked

4. Practice learning where the transmission shift lever release is, the tow truck driver may have limited memory capacity.

5.Learn where your tow attachment points are. How to access them without damaging the paint. Make sure to always carry the attachment point tool. It should be in your trunk, inside the white gloves on your spare tire, or you will be sorry.

Delta Valley Towing was my third response, and taught me the above.
How can such a great car be such a PITA.
Thank you for this site!

c300 2008 Defective Steering Lock
 

I own a 2008 C300 which has 51000 miles on it and two weeks ago, I had driven to an appointment, parked, and came back to the car 20 minutes later only to find out the car would not start. The key functioned, lights and power came on, but absolutely nothing happened when turning the key. AAA came and did try to jump it but determined it was not a battery issue. I had it towed into MB Beverly Hills... and service diagnosed it with a defective steering lock. I have since googled this issue and found that it is extremely common with this model and I am dissappointed that Mercedes has not stepped up and addressed it with a recall. $700 later, my car is now running. This is just UNACCEPTABLE and not what I would expect from Mercedes. Anyone have success in getting reimbursed for their repairs. Let me know.

I called mbusa and expressed everything you said! They treated my case as a warranty and ended up costing me $350. My original quote from dealer was $1300! The squeaky wheel gets the oil, so please call mbusa. You will be given a case manager. Good luck!

Thanks for posting.

My 2008 C300 will intermittently not want to start.

What I've done is removed the key fob, then reinsert it. You can hear something that sounds like a sliding part move when it works right and when it doesn't work, you don't hear the sliding noise. Can't help but wonder if this is something that I could take apart but then again, I'd rather not tear it up.

In any event, it sounds like it's on it's way out and I'll be calling mbusa when it finally gives up the ghost.

Thanks! I just called MB USA and they said they will start a case and call me back with resolution in 24hrs. To be continued....

http://www.eeprom.lg.ua/index.php?file=w204

http://www.eeprom.lg.ua/gallery/2013...hp/w204/120313

skype - prom1975

Just send us the EIS with one working key and we will resend it with a working steering lock
no programming needed just install the new steering and start the car

http://www.eeprom.lg.ua/gallery/2013...hp/w204/120313

skype - prom1975