Dnasty

I got in my car today and the key will not turn to start the car or even unlock the doors. Ive tried replacing the batteries and jumping the car but no luck. Is this an issue of getting a new key? I noticed the top part does have some wear where the red laser thing is. When i insert the key with the door open it says remove key so it is acknowledging a key.

Plutoe

OK---tell us the complete story----"Is this an issue of getting a new key? are you really telling us you have a new key?? If that is the case -------Please don't tell us you bought the key from bla bla.

Dnasty

This is the full story i dunno what u want me to add. I parked it in a parking garage and when i went to leave key would not turn. AAA tried to jump it did not work. Key won't turn nor will it unlock the car i have to use the blade key to lock it and had to get it towed. I have a mechanic willing to check it out soon but I want to see if this is literally a small issue i can solve. I have not yet purchased a new key but everyone seems to think that's the case.

Plutoe

You are correct, it is not a simple problem. The key wont turn because the cars drive authorization system no longer recognizes the key like it did hours before----why is that??---- it could be a bad key or it could be a bad ignition switch. Your indy if he has good diagnostic equipment will quickly find the problem----and do not purchase anything untill the diagnostics are complete-----and then do not make the same mistake as many others and purchase a key from bozo bobs----call a dealer and at least understand the process and what you get from a dealer---then make sure you get the same from bozo bobs!!

Dnasty

My indy is an authorized benz mechanic I dunno if he can program a key but i'm on my way over there now. I just hope this doesn't end up costing some insane price.

RichM

I don't know who bla bla or bozo bob is, but if you need a new key the dealer is where you need to go. If I remember correctly, you are in the LA area so you will have plenty of dealers to call and compare prices. All will require one visit to substantiate ownership of the car. MB will code the key according to your VIN and send it back to the dealer. If the dealer is close enough, a trip to pick it up is all that is needed. If not they will send it to you. The key will be ready to go. No further coding is necessary.

Dnasty

One thing I've noticed is the red light doesn't light up when I push the buttons. I changed the batteries and when I slide the holder out and put it back in the lights work for about 5 minutes then nothing. I can keep sliding it out and back in and I get the same.

RichM

The batteries only operate the RF and IR functions, (locking, unlocking, windows etc.) not the ignition module. In other words, a good key without the batteries will start the car.

Dnasty

Yea the issue was the key got a new one for around 240 at the dealership. Some of these dealers are ridiculous one told me I had to tow my car there so they can verify the vin then pay 300 plus a 90 dollar key activation fee I thought they were kidding at first.

dg111166

Hey guys. I just bought a 1998 E320 on Christmas eve with 177k on it. Got it for a pretty good price I believe. I went out today to go to work and the ignition will not turn. I initially thought it was due to the fact that the key battery died yesterday but after changing the batteries today I found it still does not work. The folks I bought it from mentioned they had some problems from time to time but they said when they hit the door look it would work. I also had luck with this approach the first couple of time but no luck this morning. Any thought?<?xml:namespace prefix = o ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:office" /><o:p></o:p>

frobi

I was told by a dealer that it would cost $380.00 including tax for a new key.
I had one done in Edison, NJ for $237.00 including tax. Got it in 2 days and was ready to go. Dealers are not all honest.

renault12ts

If you had read the posts above then you would know that it has nothing to do with batteries, since you can start the car without batteries in the key...if the key is good...you have a bad key.

RichardM98

If you carefully read the posts above you'll see it has been explained that the batteries in the key DO NOT have anything to do with starting the car.

One fairly common problem is the battery is low and/or failing. There is a minimum voltage (~ 12.0v) for starting. It's not like your grandfather's Buick, it won't turn over even though you have lights.

fixbenz

if you only have 1 key for a 1998 das and its the original key that came with the car new, you NEED to have a 2nd key.... I have the original 1998 key for my car and I still use it since it still works... but I ALWAYS have a 2nd key handy...

ive seen cases like yours all the time.. only 1 key and the car wont start even with jumping it off etc etc.... you need a key and it HAS to be ordered from the dealer, proof of ownership, ID etc.. don't buy keys from ebay...