Jun 15, 2015, 02:47 PM
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2008 C300 won't start
Senior Member
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 473
Likes: 1
From: Long Island, New York
2019 GLA 250 - I am in purgatory right now...
Ugh,
I am not happy to find this thread. Looks like I am in the club. 102,000 miles in the clock - I now wish I leased....
Stopped into a store for a quick stop on the way home yesterday and came out to nothing. There are some faint clicking sounds when I insert the key, but only dash lights. No radio, no steering unlock and no start.
Interesting, some posts here state that the radio does work with this failure. I wonder if the radio not working is a symptom of a EIS failure or Steering lock failure.
Got towed to the dealer yesterday - told me I needed a new key, but I see that's not even an issue....
RP
PS It was not obvious to me at the moment but
EIS = Electronic Ignition Switch
ESL = Electronic Steering Lock
ECU = Electronic Control Unit
It appears all three have to work together and agree the key is correct for an Okay to start scenario. It appears to me this failure we are discussing can be either the EIS or the ESL. In either case the repair bill seems to be comparable for either or....
I am not happy to find this thread. Looks like I am in the club. 102,000 miles in the clock - I now wish I leased....
Stopped into a store for a quick stop on the way home yesterday and came out to nothing. There are some faint clicking sounds when I insert the key, but only dash lights. No radio, no steering unlock and no start.
Interesting, some posts here state that the radio does work with this failure. I wonder if the radio not working is a symptom of a EIS failure or Steering lock failure.
Got towed to the dealer yesterday - told me I needed a new key, but I see that's not even an issue....
RP
PS It was not obvious to me at the moment but
EIS = Electronic Ignition Switch
ESL = Electronic Steering Lock
ECU = Electronic Control Unit
It appears all three have to work together and agree the key is correct for an Okay to start scenario. It appears to me this failure we are discussing can be either the EIS or the ESL. In either case the repair bill seems to be comparable for either or....
Last edited by RickP330; Dec 8, 2013 at 10:48 AM.
Senior Member
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 473
Likes: 1
From: Long Island, New York
2019 GLA 250 - I am in purgatory right now...
I'm about ready to blow my top.
After three days I finally hear back from the dealer. They tell me the following:
New ignition key
New EIS
New (Mechanical) Control Module (Have no idea what this is)
And the programming key
$2,500.00
Are they serious?!?!
After three days I finally hear back from the dealer. They tell me the following:
New ignition key
New EIS
New (Mechanical) Control Module (Have no idea what this is)
And the programming key
$2,500.00
Are they serious?!?!
Senior Member
Joined: Feb 2012
Posts: 369
Likes: 7
From: IA
2018 C63s Coupe 2016 C450 DAILY
My only question is, if Mercedes has failed to acknowledge these defective parts when there is so many of the same incidences why isn't there a class action lawsuit involved yet?
Super Moderator
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 19,942
Likes: 192
From: Llandudno, Cape Town, South Africa
late 2009 CLK 350 Coupe Elegance, '65 Jaguar S Type wires
Because forums like this concentrate problems. Some people only post when they have an issue.
EIS failures are not that common.
EIS failures are not that common.
Senior Member
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 473
Likes: 1
From: Long Island, New York
2019 GLA 250 - I am in purgatory right now...
Okay,
Well I only need an ESL with the Key. The service manager said well while we were at it we figured we would just change the EIS as well (along with that comes another $300 key). Yeah, you don't want to break down a week from now and need an EIS. I told them, no thanks. Just fix my car and I'll worry about the next break down later...
Total cost $1200
RP
PS I am really disappointed with the dealer. I did not expect that from them. A single point electronic failure costs $1200 to fix and they double down on it????
PSS and thanks to all on this board and thread I was able to educate myself about this problem and save myself $1,300... Thank you - the next round is on me ;-)
Well I only need an ESL with the Key. The service manager said well while we were at it we figured we would just change the EIS as well (along with that comes another $300 key). Yeah, you don't want to break down a week from now and need an EIS. I told them, no thanks. Just fix my car and I'll worry about the next break down later...
Total cost $1200
RP
PS I am really disappointed with the dealer. I did not expect that from them. A single point electronic failure costs $1200 to fix and they double down on it????
PSS and thanks to all on this board and thread I was able to educate myself about this problem and save myself $1,300... Thank you - the next round is on me ;-)
Last edited by RickP330; Dec 12, 2013 at 08:40 AM.
Super Moderator
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 19,942
Likes: 192
From: Llandudno, Cape Town, South Africa
late 2009 CLK 350 Coupe Elegance, '65 Jaguar S Type wires
It makes me wonder how many EIS units have been replaced unnecessarily. While we do see the odd EIS failure in SA it is not what one would term a common failure.
Pleased it's sorted.
Pleased it's sorted.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 1,321
Likes: 0
C300 Sport/Palladium Silver on Black/P2
Is that more commonly found to fail, or not so much either?
You're right about the thread probably making the issues seem worse, but it does grab my attention. Oddly, I'd rather know than not, despite the worry, so I still appreciate all the posts!
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Super Moderator
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 19,942
Likes: 192
From: Llandudno, Cape Town, South Africa
late 2009 CLK 350 Coupe Elegance, '65 Jaguar S Type wires
Indeed ~ I'm pleased we have the data.
The ESL (electronic steering lock) is not a particularly common failure either.
The ESL (electronic steering lock) is not a particularly common failure either.
Senior Member
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 473
Likes: 1
From: Long Island, New York
2019 GLA 250 - I am in purgatory right now...
Just curious, They told me to replace the EIS and ESL I would need two keys, one for each. Is that true or can one key program both?
RP
RP
Senior Member
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 473
Likes: 1
From: Long Island, New York
2019 GLA 250 - I am in purgatory right now...
Okay - just an update.
I tipped my advisor well despite the confusion when he issued me the loaner. He gave me a 10% discount on parts and labor. Replaced the ESL and ordered one key. Gave me a $50 coupon and I paid $1100 out the door.
The car works fine, but the tow truck driver scratched my front and rear bumper. These cars do not tow well.
I am happy with the service, but If I didn't know better I would have spent over $2500 for nothing - I guess buyer beware applies no matter what the business. I wish it weren't so....
RP
I tipped my advisor well despite the confusion when he issued me the loaner. He gave me a 10% discount on parts and labor. Replaced the ESL and ordered one key. Gave me a $50 coupon and I paid $1100 out the door.
The car works fine, but the tow truck driver scratched my front and rear bumper. These cars do not tow well.
I am happy with the service, but If I didn't know better I would have spent over $2500 for nothing - I guess buyer beware applies no matter what the business. I wish it weren't so....
RP
Senior Member
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 473
Likes: 1
From: Long Island, New York
2019 GLA 250 - I am in purgatory right now...
RP
Newbie
Joined: Dec 2013
Posts: 4
Likes: 0
C300
I have a 2008 C300 with 77,000 miles. I drove the car home from work Friday parked it in my parking garage went out this morning and it wouldn't start. The key locks and unlocks the doors the lights come on and the dash lights up. You can insert and turn the key but the car will not start. The stering wheel is locked and the drive is locked in park. I tried jumping and it did nothing I dident think the battery was bad but went and had it checked anyways. The battery checked out ok. I check the fuses that are associated with the starter and they seem to be ok. I'm not sure what to do next and not excited about having it towed to the dealership. Any information would be helpfull.
Newbie
Joined: Dec 2013
Posts: 4
Likes: 0
C300
The car would not recognize the key, it would not start and the steering column would not unlock. Had to be towed to the dealer. They told me the ESL needs to be replaced at a cost of $1,100. I told them that I feel this is a known issue and they said they would have mbusa call me direct to discuss on Monday so we'll see how that goes. My car is a 2008 C350 with 40,000 mi on it and is 7 weeks out of warranty.
So I spoke with the MB dealer's Service Manager and he contacted MBUSA and we are each paying a third of the ESL replacement cost. My portion was around $300 and I was very happy with the resolution. They ordered the part on Monday and I was able to pick up my car the next day.
So I spoke with the MB dealer's Service Manager and he contacted MBUSA and we are each paying a third of the ESL replacement cost. My portion was around $300 and I was very happy with the resolution. They ordered the part on Monday and I was able to pick up my car the next day.
Glad your were able to have some of the cost offset; some of us aren't so lucky.
Newbie
Joined: Dec 2013
Posts: 4
Likes: 0
C300
Sounds like the problem that I am having. The electronic steering column is faulty and this is a common issue. Mercedes uses a cheaper part (not built to last) and therefore it is malfunctioning sooner than later which allows MB to extort exuberant amounts of $. ALso, it caused my horn and driver seat to stop working and (worked perfectly fine until the part malfunctioned)- now they want to charge me: $1,1100 for the elec steering column $550 for the horn and $250 for the seat! My warranty ran out a few months ago. good luck! I loved my MB, until NOW!!
Newbie
Joined: Dec 2013
Posts: 4
Likes: 0
C300
'09 C300 ESL FAILURE NEEDS to be Recalled
Yes, I just had this happen to my '09 C300 and as a result my horn and passenger seat stop working-- now they want to charge me $550 for the horn and $250 for the seat in addition to $1,100 for the failed ESL problem!! I am LIVID!!!
Senior Member
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 473
Likes: 1
From: Long Island, New York
2019 GLA 250 - I am in purgatory right now...
RP
Senior Member
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 473
Likes: 1
From: Long Island, New York
2019 GLA 250 - I am in purgatory right now...
Senior Member
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 473
Likes: 1
From: Long Island, New York
2019 GLA 250 - I am in purgatory right now...
That's interestesting. Your EIS was replaced? It was my ESL. If you are a member of one of the clubs aready does that exclude you from joining the other?
RP
RP
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 2,078
Likes: 4
From: NYC
2012 C300 4Matic
Okay,
Well I only need an ESL with the Key. The service manager said well while we were at it we figured we would just change the EIS as well (along with that comes another $300 key). Yeah, you don't want to break down a week from now and need an EIS. I told them, no thanks. Just fix my car and I'll worry about the next break down later...
Total cost $1200
RP
PS I am really disappointed with the dealer. I did not expect that from them. A single point electronic failure costs $1200 to fix and they double down on it????
PSS and thanks to all on this board and thread I was able to educate myself about this problem and save myself $1,300... Thank you - the next round is on me ;-)
Well I only need an ESL with the Key. The service manager said well while we were at it we figured we would just change the EIS as well (along with that comes another $300 key). Yeah, you don't want to break down a week from now and need an EIS. I told them, no thanks. Just fix my car and I'll worry about the next break down later...
Total cost $1200
RP
PS I am really disappointed with the dealer. I did not expect that from them. A single point electronic failure costs $1200 to fix and they double down on it????
PSS and thanks to all on this board and thread I was able to educate myself about this problem and save myself $1,300... Thank you - the next round is on me ;-)
Super Member
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 682
Likes: 4
W204
Newbie
Joined: Feb 2014
Posts: 3
Likes: 0
2008 c350
I have a 2008 c350 and have had the exact same issue where car will not start nothing helped bought a battery didn't work had it towed to Mercedes said it could be the key fob come to find out not the key ooo it's the ESI lol . Pissed cuz now they want us to pay for all of this including the key that wasn't the problem and the car just went over the warranty and want us to pay 1500 dollars to repair an issue I think needs recalled I don't think it's right that we should have to pay for a issue Mercedes Benz wont own up to knowing this is an on going problem I will never buy another Mercedes again they don't know how to treat there customers if they want good responses own up to your problem of all these peoples vehicles . I hope someone will do something about this im very furious about my situation. Nothing more embarrassing than to be stranded by a 50,000 dollar car that doesn't live up to its name
Last edited by emonicaw74; Feb 8, 2014 at 09:36 AM.
