smaring

We bought this 1998 E320 wagon about a year ago. The owner only had the one key fob. After a few months, the remote capability of the door locks stopped working and we had to use the physical key that pulls out of the fob. Now, in the last few days, we're experiencing that there are times when the key fob won't even turn in the ignition. If we take it in and out enough times it will finally turn, but the problem seems to be getting worse.

Is this likely an issue with the key fob itself? or something worse, like the EIS?

I hate hate hate these key fobs with a passion. Is there a way to change out the whole ignition assembly for one that uses a normal physical key?

Thanks,
Steve

RichardM98

Most likely it's the key. A dealer can tell you for sure and order you a new key. Since the key talks to the car's computer any sort of retro fit of an older model won't start the car.