E-Class (W124) 1984-1995: E 260, E 300, E 320, E 420, E 500 (Includes CE, T, TD models)

Is this problem normal?

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Old Aug 8, 2010 | 12:52 PM
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lockff3's Avatar
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300 E
Is this problem normal?

I just bought my very first car and it is a 1986 300 E and it has had quite a few problems that I have slowly been working on. My problem right now is that all the electronics in the car still work when the car is off. I am not sure if this is just something that the car does or if it is a wiring problem. The previous owners definitely messed with the wiring so I believe it is a strong possibility. Basically even with the car off and the key out, the radio can be turned off and on, the windows all work, and my SRS light stays on. My battery died a while back after I replaced the starter and I thought it might be because the electronics stay on. If anyone had any insight it would be much appreciated.
Thanks
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Old Aug 8, 2010 | 04:53 PM
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From: NoVa
2004 S55 (SOLD, miss it every day), 2009 GL550
tough choice for a first car.

it's definitely not normal for the SRS light to stay on
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Old Aug 9, 2010 | 10:02 PM
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300 E
I figured the SRS light just meant I had to get the airbag checked. But what worries me is that most cars don't allow the windows and radio to work with the car off, is this a normal Mercedes thing or is my car broken? And now I just tried to start the car and it wouldn't. I'm recharging the battery now and I hope that fixes the problem. But if this keeps happening should I take out the radio?
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Old Aug 10, 2010 | 07:15 AM
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From: REHOBOTH BEACH DE
88-300CE TWIN TURBO, 99-C43, 05-G55K, 71-280SL, 94-E320 CAB, 08 CLK63 BLACK SERIES
Broken it is !!!!

Start with the ignition switch.
Possibly it was replaced and was wired incorrectly.

The items that remain energized in your car should not work with the ignition switch in the off position.

Ed A.
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Old Aug 27, 2010 | 01:15 PM
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300 E
Thank you RBYCC, I will look into that.
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Old Aug 30, 2010 | 04:16 AM
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From: Salem, OR
08 Lexus GS350 AWD. 08 Lexus RX350 AWD - wife's. 94 MBZ E320 - still have it.
The radio is normal. On MBZ it will work even when the key is not in ignition. The seats should move with ignition key out when the driver door is open. Window only should work with Ignition on.
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Old Sep 5, 2010 | 08:56 PM
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From: Norway
W124 230E 1990
Have a look at the wiring in the tail lights.. If they have been messed with this is a thing that could make the ignition stay on.

I myself found this out the hard way when trying to connect wires in my own tail lights, to make double tail parklights. The result I got was a constant ignition, even when the key was out..

I guess a short cirquit in this area could cause the same effect..
Atleast it is worth to check it up. Try to unplug both tail lights for starters..
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