Odd behavior when starting 2009 C300
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: Dec 2015
Posts: 11
Likes: 0
2009 C300 Sport
Odd behavior when starting 2009 C300
Hello all!
I have an odd issue with my MB 2009 C300 (approx 80k miles) where sometimes it doesn't want to start. I had it towed previously to a mechanic but it cranked right away for them. (towed on a friday - they cranked it Monday AM). Unfortunately, they weren't able to tell me what was wrong.
I'm going to probably have to tow to a MB dealership when I have some time but was curious if anyone had seen this issue before or was familiar with it? I posted a video attachment if anyone would like to take a look.
I replaced the battery recently (less than 6 months ago, just had oil change and check up, maintenance up-to-date, purchased from my mother and the car had zero issues with her (of course).
Video below if anyone is curious. Thanks all, this forum is great.
I have an odd issue with my MB 2009 C300 (approx 80k miles) where sometimes it doesn't want to start. I had it towed previously to a mechanic but it cranked right away for them. (towed on a friday - they cranked it Monday AM). Unfortunately, they weren't able to tell me what was wrong.
I'm going to probably have to tow to a MB dealership when I have some time but was curious if anyone had seen this issue before or was familiar with it? I posted a video attachment if anyone would like to take a look.
I replaced the battery recently (less than 6 months ago, just had oil change and check up, maintenance up-to-date, purchased from my mother and the car had zero issues with her (of course).
Video below if anyone is curious. Thanks all, this forum is great.
Super Member
Joined: Nov 2016
Posts: 680
Likes: 152
2008 C350 Sport 4Matic Swap
Its your ignition lock going out, I dont hear the steering wheel unlock in the video as you insert the key so its almost guaranty your ESL ( Ignition lock) is going out, they can work on and off before then completely fail.
https://www.ebay.ca/itm/MERCEDES-W20....c100005.m1851
^Here is an example of an "emulator" aka Ignition lock delete so this never fails again and its actually cheaper then fixing it.
Get thius done ASAP while it;s still able to unlock at times because once it fails in the locked position, you will be looking at twice the repair bill because it makes it much, much hard to replace once it fails in a locked position.
https://www.ebay.ca/itm/MERCEDES-W20....c100005.m1851
^Here is an example of an "emulator" aka Ignition lock delete so this never fails again and its actually cheaper then fixing it.
Get thius done ASAP while it;s still able to unlock at times because once it fails in the locked position, you will be looking at twice the repair bill because it makes it much, much hard to replace once it fails in a locked position.
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: Dec 2015
Posts: 11
Likes: 0
2009 C300 Sport
I hope this isn't the last time before it does fail then. It has only locked up once before. Would I be able to "unlock" it or is it totally unable to be able driven to a mechanic? Did I get lucky before that it did "unlock"?
Should I buy this part right now or would a mechanic have something like this or be able to acquire this cheaper for me? Is this something I can do myself? I'm not the most car savvy but anything can be done via youtube and some perseverance.
In my reading, I heard a lot about the keys. You don't think this could be a symptom of a bad key or a key going bad either do you? I guess it working fine for 99% of the time negates that though. Just thinking out loud.
Thanks a lot too by the way. Very helpful.
Should I buy this part right now or would a mechanic have something like this or be able to acquire this cheaper for me? Is this something I can do myself? I'm not the most car savvy but anything can be done via youtube and some perseverance.
In my reading, I heard a lot about the keys. You don't think this could be a symptom of a bad key or a key going bad either do you? I guess it working fine for 99% of the time negates that though. Just thinking out loud.
Thanks a lot too by the way. Very helpful.
Last edited by Cpfarinas; Apr 4, 2018 at 12:24 AM.
Senior Member
Joined: Jul 2017
Posts: 337
Likes: 45
From: Seattle
2016 C300 4MATIC
Replace it immediately (or go the emulator route). It WILL leave you stranded and stuck with a tow bill and repair bill. If it fails in the locked position the cost will double.
Make the repair while the timeline is on your terms, not when you're stuck in a parking lot at an inopportune time.
Make the repair while the timeline is on your terms, not when you're stuck in a parking lot at an inopportune time.
Super Member
Joined: Nov 2016
Posts: 680
Likes: 152
2008 C350 Sport 4Matic Swap
I hope this isn't the last time before it does fail then. It has only locked up once before. Would I be able to "unlock" it or is it totally unable to be able driven to a mechanic? Did I get lucky before that it did "unlock"?
Should I buy this part right now or would a mechanic have something like this or be able to acquire this cheaper for me? Is this something I can do myself? I'm not the most car savvy but anything can be done via youtube and some perseverance.
In my reading, I heard a lot about the keys. You don't think this could be a symptom of a bad key or a key going bad either do you? I guess it working fine for 99% of the time negates that though. Just thinking out loud.
Thanks a lot too by the way. Very helpful.
Should I buy this part right now or would a mechanic have something like this or be able to acquire this cheaper for me? Is this something I can do myself? I'm not the most car savvy but anything can be done via youtube and some perseverance.
In my reading, I heard a lot about the keys. You don't think this could be a symptom of a bad key or a key going bad either do you? I guess it working fine for 99% of the time negates that though. Just thinking out loud.
Thanks a lot too by the way. Very helpful.
^Watch this video and you will have a better Idea. You need to find someone that can program these ESL's or Emulators. There's a few sellers on ebay( Example above), look around an see if any of them are local, if not you need to ship you ignition switch/Key and ESL module. Once they receive all 3 they can program the emulator or new ESL (Highly recommend the emulator and remove this garbage that mercedes failed the design) and they will ship it back to you pretty fast.
I was lucky and one of the ebay sellers was 30min away from me so I didnt have to worry about shipping and the chance of them losing the parts(worst case scenario). I would start by going around locally to any Indy Mercedes Specialist and talk to them about this emulator, most of them deal with the quite often so they should know someone that programs them. Dont wait too long because once it locks and stays locked, you cars is stuck and you can even turn the wheel.
I got really lucky years ago when I first go the car, I had it up on jack stands for a week( replacing transfer case bearings) and I left the steering wheel unlock and removed the battery. Once I plugged the battery back in, the ESL took a dump but lucky for me it was unlocked. Kinda glad because I got the car cheap because of the faulty transfer case bearing and the ESL also failed at the same time so I got the 2 most major and common repairs done at the same time, 140k later and its been dead reliable with only wear and tear items.
Good luck.
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: Dec 2015
Posts: 11
Likes: 0
2009 C300 Sport
I think unfortunately it may be in the locked position for good now. Thankfully, it is at my apartment and I live a mile from a MB dealership. I'm just totally discouraged. This is just a ridiculous issue to have. The thought of this occurring again is just too much. Having mercedes benz money to purchase and repair these cars are not an issue...it's the fact that these issues exist and nothing is done about them. The entire takata airbag issue also shows how MB drops the ball. Honda goes door-to-door to replace airbags. I've been told her over a year that "parts aren't ready". Amazing what I've learned about MB this past week.
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: Dec 2015
Posts: 11
Likes: 0
2009 C300 Sport
(I wish the edits would go under a comment so it doesn't look like I'm repeating myself)
Yeah. I think I may be in a bad spot as is it locked and doesn't look like it will be budging. I should have went to MB firstly but my first mechanic was incompetent and didn't know what happened. This is such a well-known flaw it's amazing they didn't know. Thankfully, I have free tows.
The fact we have to disable a part of our vehicles due to faulty parts and build quality is just too much for me. I don't think I will purchase another Benz after this. Is this only with older Benz or with C300s only? Everyone I've seen with this issue has been a C300?
I live in a metro area (Atlanta) so hopefully I can find someone or fix this outside of MB hopefully. I am just amazed at all I am finding out this past week. Thanks again for the help man. You have no idea how much you've helped me today.
Yeah. I think I may be in a bad spot as is it locked and doesn't look like it will be budging. I should have went to MB firstly but my first mechanic was incompetent and didn't know what happened. This is such a well-known flaw it's amazing they didn't know. Thankfully, I have free tows.
The fact we have to disable a part of our vehicles due to faulty parts and build quality is just too much for me. I don't think I will purchase another Benz after this. Is this only with older Benz or with C300s only? Everyone I've seen with this issue has been a C300?
I live in a metro area (Atlanta) so hopefully I can find someone or fix this outside of MB hopefully. I am just amazed at all I am finding out this past week. Thanks again for the help man. You have no idea how much you've helped me today.
Last edited by Cpfarinas; Apr 4, 2018 at 01:21 PM.
Trending Topics
Super Member
Joined: Nov 2016
Posts: 680
Likes: 152
2008 C350 Sport 4Matic Swap
Yeah. I think I may be in a bad spot as is it locked and doesn't look like it will be budging. I should have went to MB firstly but my first mechanic was incompetent and didn't know what happened. This is such a well-known flaw it's amazing they didn't know. Thankfully, I have free tows.
The fact we have to disable a part of our vehicles due to faulty parts and build quality is just too much for me. I don't think I will purchase another Benz after this. Is this only with older Benz or with C300s only? Everyone I've seen with this issue has been a C300?
I live in a metro area (Atlanta) so hopefully I can find someone or fix this outside of MB hopefully. I am just amazed at all I am finding out this past week. Thanks again for the help man. You have no idea how much you've helped me today.
The fact we have to disable a part of our vehicles due to faulty parts and build quality is just too much for me. I don't think I will purchase another Benz after this. Is this only with older Benz or with C300s only? Everyone I've seen with this issue has been a C300?
I live in a metro area (Atlanta) so hopefully I can find someone or fix this outside of MB hopefully. I am just amazed at all I am finding out this past week. Thanks again for the help man. You have no idea how much you've helped me today.
Remove the foot well cover so you can access the ESL module and try giving it gentle taps( Like a failing starter, sometime when you hit it, it will start one last time), once its unlocked, disconnect the battery and procced from there, towing it or removing the ESL/Ignition module, this will save you a hell of a lot in labour because if its locks, he will need to drop the whole steering column and drill/grind the bold holding the ESL.
Last edited by W204Motorsports; Apr 4, 2018 at 01:34 PM.
MB World Stories
The Best of Mercedes & AMG
6 Mercedes Models That Did NOT Age Well (But Are Somehow Still Cool)
Verdad Gallardo
Manual Mercedes? 6 Times Sindelfingen Let Drivers Have All The Fun
Verdad Gallardo
Mercedes SLR McLaren 722 S Is Extremely Rare Example Modified by McLaren
Verdad Gallardo
8 Classic Boxy Mercedes Designs That Have Aged Like Fine Wine
Verdad Gallardo
Flawlessly Restored Mercedes 190E Evo II Heads to Auction
Verdad Gallardo
Electric Mercedes C-Class Unveiled: 11 Things You Need to Know
Verdad Gallardo
Mercedes EQS Gets A Major Update: Everything You Need to Know
Verdad Gallardo
5 Underrated Mercedes-Benz Models That Don't Get the Love They Deserve
Verdad Gallardo
Mercedes 300D Has Pushed Well Past 1 Million Miles and It Ain't Stopping
Verdad Gallardo
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: Dec 2015
Posts: 11
Likes: 0
2009 C300 Sport
The part may be $350, and thankfully I have a free tow service, but the service costs? What if it happens again? The emulator is a fix that makes sure this doesn't happen again that isn't even a fix from MB...it's just amazing. If I choose to through MB, this fix will be more than what the car is worth lol.
I disagree that I should have known better. No, I should not have "known" better that there are glaring and massive design flaws. That's ridiculous. Having to buy a warranty because the car design is flawed is not acceptable either. The way they handle the Takata issue compared to Honda and Toyota shows how those companies operate and treat their customers compared to Benz. This has totally soured me on Mercedes for life.
Thanks again for all the advice man. I'm not sure how I'm going to proceed. I probably need to cool off for a day before I go to the MB dealership lol. I guess I am going to try the foot well cover and hopefully get it cranked today.
I disagree that I should have known better. No, I should not have "known" better that there are glaring and massive design flaws. That's ridiculous. Having to buy a warranty because the car design is flawed is not acceptable either. The way they handle the Takata issue compared to Honda and Toyota shows how those companies operate and treat their customers compared to Benz. This has totally soured me on Mercedes for life.
Thanks again for all the advice man. I'm not sure how I'm going to proceed. I probably need to cool off for a day before I go to the MB dealership lol. I guess I am going to try the foot well cover and hopefully get it cranked today.
Super Member
Joined: Nov 2016
Posts: 680
Likes: 152
2008 C350 Sport 4Matic Swap
The part may be $350, and thankfully I have a free tow service, but the service costs? What if it happens again? The emulator is a fix that makes sure this doesn't happen again that isn't even a fix from MB...it's just amazing. If I choose to through MB, this fix will be more than what the car is worth lol.
I disagree that I should have known better. No, I should not have "known" better that there are glaring and massive design flaws. That's ridiculous. Having to buy a warranty because the car design is flawed is not acceptable either. The way they handle the Takata issue compared to Honda and Toyota shows how those companies operate and treat their customers compared to Benz. This has totally soured me on Mercedes for life.
Thanks again for all the advice man. I'm not sure how I'm going to proceed. I probably need to cool off for a day before I go to the MB dealership lol. I guess I am going to try the foot well cover and hopefully get it cranked today.
I disagree that I should have known better. No, I should not have "known" better that there are glaring and massive design flaws. That's ridiculous. Having to buy a warranty because the car design is flawed is not acceptable either. The way they handle the Takata issue compared to Honda and Toyota shows how those companies operate and treat their customers compared to Benz. This has totally soured me on Mercedes for life.
Thanks again for all the advice man. I'm not sure how I'm going to proceed. I probably need to cool off for a day before I go to the MB dealership lol. I guess I am going to try the foot well cover and hopefully get it cranked today.
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: Dec 2015
Posts: 11
Likes: 0
2009 C300 Sport
Ouch. That is the thing. The cost isn't a big deal to me it's the fact that it doesn't actually fix the issue ha.
This is going to be such an arduous task of having to find a mechanic in Atlanta and order these parts and get this done. Man, what a complete let down MB has been...
This is going to be such an arduous task of having to find a mechanic in Atlanta and order these parts and get this done. Man, what a complete let down MB has been...
Super Member
Joined: Nov 2016
Posts: 680
Likes: 152
2008 C350 Sport 4Matic Swap
Ouch. That is the thing. The cost isn't a big deal to me it's the fact that it doesn't actually fix the issue ha.
This is going to be such an arduous task of having to find a mechanic in Atlanta and order these parts and get this done. Man, what a complete let down MB has been...
This is going to be such an arduous task of having to find a mechanic in Atlanta and order these parts and get this done. Man, what a complete let down MB has been...
This guy is in Georgia. Might be lucky like me when I had this issue and the programmer was only a 30min drive.
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: Dec 2015
Posts: 11
Likes: 0
2009 C300 Sport
Man, you are an amazing person you know that? I wish you lived in GA too. I would buy you a keg for your help.
He is actually right next to me! I just emailed him. I hope he can do the sync and replace it too! That'd be amazing.
He is actually right next to me! I just emailed him. I hope he can do the sync and replace it too! That'd be amazing.
Super Member
Joined: Nov 2016
Posts: 680
Likes: 152
2008 C350 Sport 4Matic Swap
Haha nice man, glad I could help, I know this sucks and when I had the issue no one would help and took me a while before I found the issue and fixed.
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: Dec 2015
Posts: 11
Likes: 0
2009 C300 Sport
Yeah, I work in IT so I know my way around forums and stuff but anytime you google anything with "not starting" or "not turning over" etc. It comes with thousands of unrelated posts. It was so difficult to find an answer that is why I turned here. I knew someone would know.
It looks like Pressertech will get me the part and there is an Ed's MB Medics next door that will install for $300. I used their names so if this thread ever pops up again people can find the name of the companies. I'm going to edit my youtube video also to help others.
Thanks again man. Incredibly knowledgeable and helpful.
It looks like Pressertech will get me the part and there is an Ed's MB Medics next door that will install for $300. I used their names so if this thread ever pops up again people can find the name of the companies. I'm going to edit my youtube video also to help others.
Thanks again man. Incredibly knowledgeable and helpful.
