uvavi8r

The problem is...it won't start...battery voltage is good, remote door locks work, seats work, radio & SAT work (but you have to turn them on), when the key is turned, it does nothing. As well, there are none of the pre-ignition idicator lights on the dash lighting up and the steering wheel will not unlock. No indication that anything was going wrong, pulled it into the gargage on Sunday afternoon, it has been there ever since.

I have checked the fuses (6, 7, 19, 27) and they are good. I don't know what to check next, and from what I have read, this is a $$$$$ fix. The car is out of warrany (56K miles)...

Does anyone have any ideas or recommendations?

Thanks

Domm

I believe you understand that this is most likely the EIS. I don't think there are any alternatives to the issue other than having it replaced by the dealership. Sorry to hear about this.

frogs9497

I may be wrong, but my sense is that the EIS issue has affected several 204 owners who find themselves outside of warranty. I'm guessing the issue is not one that has reached recall scale, but it bothers me that MB expects owners to fork over $$$$ for the repair. I understand MB cannot provide a perpetual warranty for all issues, but they need to address this one.

uvavi8r

UPDATE>

Had the MB towed to the dealer, bad news...it is the EIS...if there is some silver lining to this cloud, I would have to say the overall experience with the service department.

I had the car towed to Mercedes Benz of Tampa, not only was the tow complimentary, they gave me a loaner (2013 C250). I have had my MB serviced there since I moved here 2 years ago, and I have to say...as difficult a pill as this was to swallow, they made most of it pleasant.

The estimate out the door was $852.52, haven't gotten the car back, so this might change, but so far I am pleased.

I would like to thank any and all customer service types that might frequent this forum...there is a reason you go back to some places...even though it might cost a bit more now and then...

Skip707

Just experienced a similar issue in my 2008 C350. Battery is fine, but was told a new EIS needs to be ordered for $1,200 - will take 3 days to arrive and install.

acr2001

You should ask them if they'd mind trying to get MBUSA to goodwill a portion of the expense. They've been known to do that on out of warranty cars from time to time when the failure is something so common and unreasonable.

W204white2010

This is the first 2010 that I've seen on this board reporting the EIS/ESL issue. My warranty is up in 5k miles. Please keep us updated on how this goes!

c350nubie

My 2008 C350 is at 46k miles now. I am worry one day this EIS issue will fall on me. Any way I can prevent this? I will be going on a 2day road trip and I do not want to get stuck in the middle of no where.

Glyn M Ruck

Just make sure they diagnose whether this is ESL or EIS. No need to replace both.

W204white2010

It's nice that you got free towing. My dealer's SA told me towing is only free for customers that spent a certain amount with in a certain amount of time.