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2015 SL400 (M276 Turbo), 2014 C350 Sport (M276 NA), 2004 SL500 (M113), 2004 Audi TT225 (BEA)
What do you mean by "moan"? Does it turn over at all (sorry if this has been covered already)? As Tim mentioned, if the starter fails, you may not hear anything at all. If it clicks, but doesn't start, that could also be a bad starter, though normally that indicates a low battery. People say to hit the starter with a hammer because when they are starting to fail, hitting it hard gets it to engage with the flywheel. But that only works a few times.
WRT the seatbelt error (B0050-13), there is a common problem with the C-Class seat belt buckle having a wire that breaks and you must replace the entire latch.
"moves about 2 inches in either direction". So without the key in you can move the steering wheel left and right and it does not lock? Is it only moving those 2 inches because the car is not running and no power steering, meaning it would probably turn more if the car were rolling? If so then the ESL is broken, and its an issue.
Is there a ticking sound coming from the steering wheel when you try to start it?
The steering wheel is not locking in place, and I can move it about two inches with or without the key turned. I am not sure if it is supposed to fully lock or not since I just got the car. Additionally, I am not hearing any clicking sounds.
"I really appreciate your help! I'm determined to tackle this issue head-on tomorrow, no matter what. I have a sneaking suspicion that some old codes are still causing problems, even though I cleared them. Before I head off to bed tonight, I wanted to share the codes that were scanned just before I cleared them. Thanks again for your help!"
2015 SL400 (M276 Turbo), 2014 C350 Sport (M276 NA), 2004 SL500 (M113), 2004 Audi TT225 (BEA)
Holy cow! Are there any codes you don't have?
Did those codes show up after you cleared everything? How did that car run at all to get you home?
Are there really 200,000 miles on the car? Not to make you feel worse, but you now know to scan any used car before buying. The BlueDriver is good for that.
Im looking at code B2254, when I search around im coming up with electronic steering lock malfunction. Symptoms of a faulty ESL is the steering wheel doesn't lock and the car wont start. Someone recently posted a question about the ESL so its stuck in my head.
In my Operators Manual page 78 Starter Switch Positions section it says "The steering is locked when the Smartkey is removed from the starter switch". Above it it mentions if the key is left in the "O" position for an extended period it can no longer be turned in the starter switch and the steering is locked. Try that, see if the steering locks.
I attempted to bypass the starter using a paper clip, but it did not work. Although I am having some difficulty understanding the message you sent me, I will read it again with someone who may have a better understanding. Thank you to everyone who provided such great tips. I have decided to change the starter tomorrow after I wake up.