jtoma878

Fellas-

Here's the story. Out of nowhere, key won't turn. I have searched the forums high and low before posting here but here are the symptoms:

Put key in, can hear the steering wheel lock disengage (can turn wheel). However, key will not turn. Battery in vehicle is fully charged, and I am not sure if it matters but the IF in the key fob itself is working (did check w camera phone). Brake light switch replaced as well.

I do not have a spare key to test with.

As for my options, so far I figure I can order a new key to the tune of $150-$200 and hope that's it. If it's not, I'm assuming it's the EIS which would be strange being that it is recognizing the key (steering wheel unlocking) which is $500 for the part, $150 to have them reset the system (plus a tow to dealership).

I know the key, ECU, EIS, and steering wheel lock are all VIN coded. Knowing this, my real question is: If I were to buy a matching (VIN coded) key, ECU, EIS, and steering wheel lock from a vehicle that was being parted out, can I simply install the 3 and be good to go (plug & play)? I can get all of the parts for $200-$300 and if it works it beats the hell out of trying to replace one by one plus I can do the work myself. Also, is a ECU from a M320 or E320 be interchangeable?

Oh, the vehicle is a W208 (CLK 320) but it seems there is some more gear heads in the W210 forum.

All thoughts are appreciated....

Joe

Plutoe

I agree with you that the chance of a key is low because the ECU recognized the key and unlocked the steering wheel----------why you can't move the key to start----I believe is the result of the ECU is being told the car is not in P or N----You may have a bad gear selector switch-----have you tried to move the gear selector back and forth.

In any event this is all speculation---the drive authorization system is very envolved---if it were me I would find an indy with DAS Xentry and run a quick test at the car's location.