Ignition/Key Problem
Thread Starter
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 1,731
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From: Southern California
2001 E 320
Ignition/Key Problem
So I have a 01 E 320 and lately i have had problems with starting the car. I'll put the key into the ignition and usually should hear a click and the steering wheel will unlock and you can start the car. I'll put they key in and no click and it wount let you turn they key into the next position. You have to play with the key and hopefully sooner than later itll accept the key and start. It has the same problem with either of the normal key or the spare one. I had this problem like six months ago and it stopped doing it so I figured the problem corrected itself but it looks like its back for good this time.
Member
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 245
Likes: 11
From: Los Angeles
1997 E420
No direct experience myself with this, but since nobody else has responded, perhaps try some of these posts. Looks like there are a lot for problems with key not turning.
Key won't turn
Key won't turn
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 4,278
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From: San Jose area
'19 E63S sedan
So I have a 01 E 320 and lately i have had problems with starting the car. I'll put the key into the ignition and usually should hear a click and the steering wheel will unlock and you can start the car. I'll put they key in and no click and it wount let you turn they key into the next position. You have to play with the key and hopefully sooner than later itll accept the key and start. It has the same problem with either of the normal key or the spare one. I had this problem like six months ago and it stopped doing it so I figured the problem corrected itself but it looks like its back for good this time.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 1,464
Likes: 9
From: SoCal OC
S, GL, Escalade ESV, my shoes
So I have a 01 E 320 and lately i have had problems with starting the car. I'll put the key into the ignition and usually should hear a click and the steering wheel will unlock and you can start the car. I'll put they key in and no click and it wount let you turn they key into the next position. You have to play with the key and hopefully sooner than later itll accept the key and start. It has the same problem with either of the normal key or the spare one. I had this problem like six months ago and it stopped doing it so I figured the problem corrected itself but it looks like its back for good this time.
MB-Tech in Monterey Park replaced mine three months ago for around $540, I think. That's part + labor included. They charged me wholesale price for parts.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Apr 2007
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300E a couple 1994 w124wagon E320 Wagon/,1971MGB Track/Rally, MG Midget Autocross ,2000 E320 wagon.
Have
you tried to polish the ir lens on the key?one drop of plastic polish or dvd repair polish and buff it with a clean polish cloth.
try that before going to have it diagnosed for a bad EIS
http://w210.pietrzyk.net/electrical_infrarem.htm
ohlord
"GOT CODES?"
try that before going to have it diagnosed for a bad EIS
http://w210.pietrzyk.net/electrical_infrarem.htm
ohlord
"GOT CODES?"
Junior Member
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 29
Likes: 0
From: Mississippi
2002 E320 4matic & 2003 E320,
I have an EIS lockup problem myself. I searched and was able to get enough information on this forum to turn it over to the stealer for the repairs to be made. The service writer I spoke to seems like a good guy....professional too.... Anyway, the old keys wouldn't program to the new EIS, so, I am having to also purchase a new key at full retail price! Who ever heard of selling a new ignition switch to someone without a key! DANG! $1,500 thank you very much Jay M! I still think my daughter having a bunch of ***** hanging from the key ring did not help the longevity of the EIS with it being plastic. Thanks again everyone for good information on all the threads having to do with the key not turning in the ignition switch.
Jay m
Jay m
Last edited by jay m; Apr 22, 2013 at 04:52 PM.
