The dreaded ESL Failure got me!
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MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Nov 2012
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'10 C63
The dreaded ESL Failure got me!
Yesterday I went to go start my car at work. It unlocked fine, but when I put the key in the ignition, I heard a grinding sound instead of the normal "click." There was no "don't forget your key" type of message on the cluster. I turned the key and nothing happened. The battery in the car and both keys are new. I checked fuses and all are good. The steering wheel remains locked. I thought I had avoided the dreaded ESL failure, but I think it finally got me. A flatbed is on it's way to come pick the car up. My wallet and I are sad. February and me selling the car can't come fast enough 
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Apr 2016
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From: Milwaukee, WI
2010 C300 4MATIC........ 2011 C63 AMG.............. 2015 CLS400 4MATIC.....
Aw damn...08 or 09? Can't see on mobile.
There are some diys on the regular c class forum for fixing it, but it is hard.
Sucks to have it.
There are some diys on the regular c class forum for fixing it, but it is hard.
Sucks to have it.
Thread Starter
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Nov 2012
Posts: 2,768
Likes: 419
'10 C63
2010. They have to program the keys and the car again they said. Not a DIY kind of job IMO. I looked up the DIYs and some videos on youtube. I have taken on a decent amount of work before but the car was at work and I figured it needed some programming. Both deal breakers for me.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Apr 2016
Posts: 4,761
Likes: 566
From: Milwaukee, WI
2010 C300 4MATIC........ 2011 C63 AMG.............. 2015 CLS400 4MATIC.....
Ohhh man that scares me. I'm a 2010.
Mostly I see 08/09s have it so this freaks me out. Already had to get a new transmission, I don't need something like this.
What is the cost estimate to fix?
Mostly I see 08/09s have it so this freaks me out. Already had to get a new transmission, I don't need something like this.
What is the cost estimate to fix?
Eff ME! $1700?? But, that was a dealer? Indy has gotta be able to do better. I'm in an '09, hadn't yet heard about this issue...
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Apr 2016
Posts: 4,761
Likes: 566
From: Milwaukee, WI
2010 C300 4MATIC........ 2011 C63 AMG.............. 2015 CLS400 4MATIC.....
Tbh I hadn't really seen anyone with a c63 have it (even though obviously it would use same parts) so usually it's just saying they have the headbolts issue and never clicked out this.
No matter what you have to get towed. One thing you can do is buy an emulator and install it but I think that is hard-ish install too.
No matter what you have to get towed. One thing you can do is buy an emulator and install it but I think that is hard-ish install too.
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MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Nov 2012
Posts: 2,768
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'10 C63
I love Key West! I went there just about every 6 weeks for 2 weeks at a time for work back in 2015 and 2016.Yeah, the dealer says about $1300. They are my only option here in the Fresno area, and to be frank, the service department is not very good. They have had my car since about 2 pm yesterday (it's now 9 am), and they can't even give me an answer on if they can get me a loaner/rental car. Did I just drop a Mercedes or a Kia? I will also be pulling my dashcam footage in the parking lot when I pick the car up so make sure there was no abuse. We shall see....
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