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My 1999 E320 has a sloopy ignition switch and sometimes it takes a few tries to get it to start. Sometimes it binds up and I have to remove the fob entirely and re-try to get it to start. When I bought the car it only came with one fob. I hear they are kinda pricey like everything else on this car. I love this car. I just hate the thought of making repairs. Is it a major job replacing the ignition assembly? Is it possible the village idiot (me) can do the work without burning the car down? I'm an old man, be kind.
Motor Electronics, steering lock, key fob, and ignition switch (aka EIS) are all coded to the vehicle's VIN. All must match to work.
A key fob can run you several hundred dollars (IIRC, I paid ~$300 for a key fob for the '99 E55 and $398 for a key fob for the '05 E55.)
You can clean the nose of the key fob as there is an infrared transmitter in it that "hand shakes" with the ignition switch.
Be sure you have ensured that BOTH the key FOB batteries are healthy.... AS WELL AS the car battery beneath the seat. If the car battery is low the ignition/security system will be erratic. Car battery should be over 12.3vdc... definitely shouldn't be below 12
Originally Posted by Plutoe
low voltage will also prevent the key from turning----whats yours and dont be suckered into buying a preprogrammed key as the only place you should be is at a MB dealers parts counter and have all your ownership documentation as keys are "theft revelent" parts
