2011 C300 Towed to Dealer: Ignition Switch
Junior Member
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 69
Likes: 0
merecedes c200k 2009
Key
Here in Dominican Republic i have two friends with w204 kompressor with the same problem, also another friend with a w203 had the same problem
Also me and them (w204) have the burned tailights.
Also me and them (w204) have the burned tailights.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 3,986
Likes: 6
From: SEATTLE WASHINGTON USA
'08 C300 Lux Barolo Red Beige Leather P2 MM 18" wheels '84 944
MLs have the same EIS and are also failing.
Just last week in a conversation with my MB dealer service manager, he said he had just written up work orders on two EIS failures that very morning and one if them was an ML.
MBUSA is still in the "Hear no evil, see no evil" mode in re:This but I don't see how they can avoid a campaign to fix them all and pay for those previously replaced at customer expense.
Newbie
Joined: Jan 2013
Posts: 3
Likes: 0
2009 ML350
You are but wait, there's more.
MLs have the same EIS and are also failing.
Just last week in a conversation with my MB dealer service manager, he said he had just written up work orders on two EIS failures that very morning and one if them was an ML.
MBUSA is still in the "Hear no evil, see no evil" mode in re:This but I don't see how they can avoid a campaign to fix them all and pay for those previously replaced at customer expense.
MLs have the same EIS and are also failing.
Just last week in a conversation with my MB dealer service manager, he said he had just written up work orders on two EIS failures that very morning and one if them was an ML.
MBUSA is still in the "Hear no evil, see no evil" mode in re:This but I don't see how they can avoid a campaign to fix them all and pay for those previously replaced at customer expense.
Junior Member
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 29
Likes: 0
190e
W204 C180K 2008
This just happened to me today. Only dash lights on, the key turning in the ignition but no response whatsoever.
I got towed home as it happened after 5pm local time.
Rang the closest dealership to me and they cant look at the car till Monday.
I'm in Dublin and i'm sure this is gonna cost me a kidney and a nut.
This just happened to me today. Only dash lights on, the key turning in the ignition but no response whatsoever.
I got towed home as it happened after 5pm local time.
Rang the closest dealership to me and they cant look at the car till Monday.
I'm in Dublin and i'm sure this is gonna cost me a kidney and a nut.
Newbie
Joined: Dec 2013
Posts: 6
Likes: 0
1998 e430
My key is not starting car on occassion
I spent the day with a new girlfriend driving around . Got in the car to start it and the key wouldnt turn took it out giggled it turned not starting repeated car started. Next stop same thing. 3-5 times of taking it out turning it off and on then it starts. all lights nin the dash come on etc. Funny thing is this happened after i bought a key chain to to have my key and after market alarm remote on by themselves. because they were on a key chain of about 15 keys prior thought the weight might mess the ignition up weird o.O Any suggestions besides sell it which im thinking about doing lol 1998 e430 sport 175,000
Last edited by designbygiorgio; Jan 28, 2014 at 05:26 AM. Reason: adding
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Newbie
Joined: Mar 2014
Posts: 1
Likes: 0
2009 C300
2009 C300 EIS issue
This just happened to me last night!! Drove to work, no prob, leave from work, not so much!! I leave it locked at my gated work facility, get ready to have it towed the next morning, and bingo, it starts right up.....Really!! I have never had any problem with my car, ever, has 80,000 miles, it's been awesome. New battery last year, so I new that wasn't it, after reading this forum, I figured it out, and I'm a girl!! The exact same thing, dead, but the radio plays, some lights come on, but won't turn over at all. This forum has really helped, I even tried both my keys, no go!! I don't live in a city that has a MB Dealership, so I'm hoping I can call and see it this is something the Bentonville, AR dealership can fix, and if it will be covered. Fingers crossed!!
Member
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 154
Likes: 8
From: Los Angeles
2000 G500
In these no start instances- are you all seeing that the car recognizes the key, you can turn the key in the ignition, dash lights illuminate as normal- but the car won't crank?
I have this issue occasionally. Taking the key out and trying again always works (2-3 trys).
I have this issue occasionally. Taking the key out and trying again always works (2-3 trys).
Super Member
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 682
Likes: 4
W204
You have a few more weeks before it's dead....been there done that...
Member
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 154
Likes: 8
From: Los Angeles
2000 G500
Super Member
Joined: Oct 2012
Posts: 583
Likes: 24
2026 GLC300 4Matic (X254)
I really think the ignition is a safety matter. If there is even a slight chance the car might shut off while being driven, or if the car might leave you stranded because it won't start, I'd think that's a recall right there.
MB should contact GM and see how they are liking all the press about bad ignitions.
MB should contact GM and see how they are liking all the press about bad ignitions.
Newbie
Joined: Nov 2014
Posts: 3
Likes: 0
C300
ignition switch 2009 C300
I am having the same issues as the rest of you, with my "ignition switch" not working.
I have a 2009 Mercedes C300 with 60,000 miles.
This is a big problem, because multiple people are having the same issues with their ignition switch and Mercedes is not recognizing that there is a problem. This problem it's costing drivers thousands of dollars and creating additional problems with their vehicles.
I think it's time that we all work together to help Mercedes recognized that they are having an issue with their ignition switches and they need to take ownership of this problem.
Does any one know the steps to proceed with this request to Mercedes?
I have a 2009 Mercedes C300 with 60,000 miles.
This is a big problem, because multiple people are having the same issues with their ignition switch and Mercedes is not recognizing that there is a problem. This problem it's costing drivers thousands of dollars and creating additional problems with their vehicles.
I think it's time that we all work together to help Mercedes recognized that they are having an issue with their ignition switches and they need to take ownership of this problem.
Does any one know the steps to proceed with this request to Mercedes?
Member
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 197
Likes: 1
From: Australia
C220 CDI SLK 200
I am having the same issues as the rest of you, with my "ignition switch" not working.
I have a 2009 Mercedes C300 with 60,000 miles.
This is a big problem, because multiple people are having the same issues with their ignition switch and Mercedes is not recognizing that there is a problem. This problem it's costing drivers thousands of dollars and creating additional problems with their vehicles.
I think it's time that we all work together to help Mercedes recognized that they are having an issue with their ignition switches and they need to take ownership of this problem.
Does any one know the steps to proceed with this request to Mercedes?
I have a 2009 Mercedes C300 with 60,000 miles.
This is a big problem, because multiple people are having the same issues with their ignition switch and Mercedes is not recognizing that there is a problem. This problem it's costing drivers thousands of dollars and creating additional problems with their vehicles.
I think it's time that we all work together to help Mercedes recognized that they are having an issue with their ignition switches and they need to take ownership of this problem.
Does any one know the steps to proceed with this request to Mercedes?
The W204 was supposed to have taken care of these problems but time has shown they are just a big a clunker as their predecessors.
My next car is going to be a Toyota.
Junior Member
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 15
Likes: 0
From: Toronto, Canada
2015 C300; 2018 GLC300
File a complain with NHTSA. http://www.nhtsa.gov/
The same thing happened with the dim tail lights issue. Many of us complained to NHTSA and Mercedes finally announced a recall.
The same thing happened with the dim tail lights issue. Many of us complained to NHTSA and Mercedes finally announced a recall.
Newbie
Joined: Nov 2014
Posts: 3
Likes: 0
C300
Ignition key
Thank you. I will make a complained. I hope everyone does the same.
File a complain with NHTSA. http://www.nhtsa.gov/
The same thing happened with the dim tail lights issue. Many of us complained to NHTSA and Mercedes finally announced a recall.
The same thing happened with the dim tail lights issue. Many of us complained to NHTSA and Mercedes finally announced a recall.
Newbie
Joined: Nov 2014
Posts: 3
Likes: 0
C300
Ignition key
Everyone please make sure to let friends and family with the ignition switch problem know, that they need to file a report with Safercar.gov We need 1000 people and 100 signatures base in my research for Mercedes to give us our $$$$$ back and get the issue resolve. Do it fast if you want your money back and don't want to pay again for the same issue in the future.
Newbie
Joined: Jun 2015
Posts: 1
Likes: 0
2008 c300
2008 c300 won't start!!! tried jumpstarting with no success!
car: 2008 mb c300
the car is not starting. the key doesn't lock/unlock. no dashboard no lights no window function no seat function no radio. nothing.
tried jumpstarting with no suceess BUT when connected the headlights came on, the power seats works, with luck the dashboard might come on. everything else still dont work. when you put the key in you can here the steering column unlock. so im assuming its not the the EIS problem (which i had one replace about 1.5 years ago)
I just brought it to the dealership. It is going to diagnostic as I'm typing this. The SA think that the electrical board might be fried under the front driver side, because it is wet. But the car stop working before it got wet. And the only reason it was wet its because i couldn't close the window (somehow it opened a little crack during jumpstart but won't work after)
SA told me if it is the electrical board thats fried its going to cost me a fortune. But it doesn't make sense to me because it stopped working before it got wet. To be honest, the floor were in wetter conditions during a couple of blizzards this part winter and it was fine.
I really hope its not the electrical board and probably just a weak battery (since its time to change it (i haven't changed it since I got the car 7 years ago))
IF anyone know what it can possibly be would be great!!!!
the car is not starting. the key doesn't lock/unlock. no dashboard no lights no window function no seat function no radio. nothing.
tried jumpstarting with no suceess BUT when connected the headlights came on, the power seats works, with luck the dashboard might come on. everything else still dont work. when you put the key in you can here the steering column unlock. so im assuming its not the the EIS problem (which i had one replace about 1.5 years ago)
I just brought it to the dealership. It is going to diagnostic as I'm typing this. The SA think that the electrical board might be fried under the front driver side, because it is wet. But the car stop working before it got wet. And the only reason it was wet its because i couldn't close the window (somehow it opened a little crack during jumpstart but won't work after)
SA told me if it is the electrical board thats fried its going to cost me a fortune. But it doesn't make sense to me because it stopped working before it got wet. To be honest, the floor were in wetter conditions during a couple of blizzards this part winter and it was fine.
I really hope its not the electrical board and probably just a weak battery (since its time to change it (i haven't changed it since I got the car 7 years ago))
IF anyone know what it can possibly be would be great!!!!
Newbie
Joined: Jul 2015
Posts: 9
Likes: 0
2008 C300 luxury sport 4matic, C280 2000 sport
https://www-odi.nhtsa.dot.gov/Vehicl...nt/index.xhtml
If it is EIS and not under warranty, $1000 at least. Even if is under warranty please fill out a complaint, for those of us out of warranty, MB needs to pay for this, it's a faulty part.
If it is EIS and not under warranty, $1000 at least. Even if is under warranty please fill out a complaint, for those of us out of warranty, MB needs to pay for this, it's a faulty part.
Junior Member
Joined: Jul 2015
Posts: 21
Likes: 0
2008 C350
EIS -ELECTRONIC IGNITION SWITCH
I had same issue...had car towed to dealer they diagnosed it $125. cost to repair $1200-$1700....electronic ignition switch needs to be replaced ..CAN ONLY BE REPAIRED BY MERCEDES DEALER....
2008 C350 .....I called all around Georgia metro area.....found Mercedes Benz Techs.....hopefully they'll be able to get me running again
2008 C350 .....I called all around Georgia metro area.....found Mercedes Benz Techs.....hopefully they'll be able to get me running again
Hey all,
I wanted to put this post together for everyone because this seems to be a common issue with Mecedes-Benz. In short, I believe that the ignition switch
is bad.
Last night I went to the grocery store. My 2011 C300 started up fine and I drove to the store. I jump in the car to leave the store, insert & turn key, ........no response....no radio.....no idiot lights......nothing but the center of the speedo lighting up showing the display of time, temp, and mileage.
My first response was to go back into the store, purchase a new battery for my key and give that a try. No success....this made no difference.
My second response was to have my wife bring me my spare key. No success....this did not work either.
Hmmm.....What now?? ........I call Mercedes Roadside. Its 8:30 a night but they send out a tech for a jump start. (Clearly obvious to me that this would not work) However, I go to through the motions to follow their procedure.
Its a "no go" and tech states the car needs to be towed.
9:15PM - Flat Bed Tow truck shows up. Can't get car out of Park and he(nor I) want to drag the car onto the truck. 2nd truck comes with Dollies(Pretty Cool!!) Success, 10:30 PM I finally get to go home.
Mercedes-Benz is diagnosing at this time but they only have one of my keys and are requesting the other to fully diagnose the issue. I told them the problem is not with they keys. They don't have a loaner car available to me so I can't even go home to get the key. I got a ride with a co-worker this morning.
I will keep you posted on the progress. Anyone else have ignition switch problems??
I wanted to put this post together for everyone because this seems to be a common issue with Mecedes-Benz. In short, I believe that the ignition switch
is bad.
Last night I went to the grocery store. My 2011 C300 started up fine and I drove to the store. I jump in the car to leave the store, insert & turn key, ........no response....no radio.....no idiot lights......nothing but the center of the speedo lighting up showing the display of time, temp, and mileage.
My first response was to go back into the store, purchase a new battery for my key and give that a try. No success....this made no difference.
My second response was to have my wife bring me my spare key. No success....this did not work either.
Hmmm.....What now?? ........I call Mercedes Roadside. Its 8:30 a night but they send out a tech for a jump start. (Clearly obvious to me that this would not work) However, I go to through the motions to follow their procedure.
Its a "no go" and tech states the car needs to be towed.
9:15PM - Flat Bed Tow truck shows up. Can't get car out of Park and he(nor I) want to drag the car onto the truck. 2nd truck comes with Dollies(Pretty Cool!!) Success, 10:30 PM I finally get to go home.
Mercedes-Benz is diagnosing at this time but they only have one of my keys and are requesting the other to fully diagnose the issue. I told them the problem is not with they keys. They don't have a loaner car available to me so I can't even go home to get the key. I got a ride with a co-worker this morning.
I will keep you posted on the progress. Anyone else have ignition switch problems??
Newbie
Joined: Jul 2015
Posts: 9
Likes: 0
2008 C300 luxury sport 4matic, C280 2000 sport
My Mercedes guy, not a dealership, did it for $1100 parts run over$600 and must be bought from a dealership. The faulty motor is just about half the size of the pre 2008 model. If it is all locked up they have to pull the whole steering column....just really stupid for a $10 motor. Cutting corners just sucks.
Junior Member
Joined: Nov 2014
Posts: 68
Likes: 1
2011 C300 Sport Calcite White / Black Anthracite
My Mercedes guy, not a dealership, did it for $1100 parts run over$600 and must be bought from a dealership. The faulty motor is just about half the size of the pre 2008 model. If it is all locked up they have to pull the whole steering column....just really stupid for a $10 motor. Cutting corners just sucks.
Last edited by GMTB; Jul 30, 2015 at 08:12 PM.
Newbie
Joined: Jul 2015
Posts: 9
Likes: 0
2008 C300 luxury sport 4matic, C280 2000 sport
I don't know. Someone else posted a picture of the part broken open, pre and post 2008, but not the replacement part opened up. Less complicated replacing it before it "locks up" but the part alone is around $600. Fairly expensive gamble, but it's a hassle when it happens at a most in opportune time.
