700horses

(The car is a 2007 Benz e350)

My key and fob are not working, it won't lock/unlock the doors, nor is it recognized by the ignition, so I cannot start the car.

I just replaced the batteries in the fob.

What else can I do??

Anyone???

theunderlord

is the car dead?

700horses

No the car is definitely not dead, all of the lights work, I can even turn the stereo on.

I cannot even crank the ignition, its as if I were inserting a key from a different Benz... it goes in the hole, but does not make the little noise and unlock the ignition so I can turn the key.

theunderlord

Ouch. Tow it to a dealer? D you have more that one key?

700horses

All of the technicians I spoke with said the first thing they would do is try a different key, so before I tow it I want to try that.

I ordered a new key from the dealer yesterday, hopefully it will arrive tomorrow.

TMAllison

The first thing the tech should do is confirm you have a battery with 13V.......just because some lights light up does not mean there is sufficient voltage to crank the starter.....

09W211

I heard about this problem from the dealer prior to purchasing my 2009 E350. The finance girl said it has been a problem for MB's with keys like ours.

Here's what I've been told. If the car isn't recognizing either key then that unit has to be replaced and it's north of a $1500 to replace that unit.

Hopefully this isn't the problem with your W211. Good luck!

700horses

Thanks for chiming in.

What do you mean by "unit"?

Which "unit" would I need to replace? The EIS?

09W211

I wish I could be of more help to you sir, but unfortunately, I don't know what that "unit" is called. IIRC, I think the finance girl that it had something to do with the NAVI unit as well. Again, I could be entirely wrong.

700horses

Hmm thanks, I guess time will tell when the new key arrives.

Also, TMAllison thanks for chiming in as well, I didn't notice your reply earlier (checking this with my phone). What you said makes complete sense, but would that apply in this situation? The starter doesn't seem like it has a chance to be engaged at all since the ignition doesn't turn at all, the key is not recognized; Could a flat battery be causing this too?

BavarianPride

You could try this procedure I read somewhere in the past, :

1
Insert the key into the ignition.

2
Press and hold the "LOCK" button on the key fob.


Remove the key from the ignition. Keep the "LOCK" button held down while removing it.

4
Press and release the "UNLOCK" button five times.

5
Release the "LOCK" button. The fob should be reset.
T.

700horses

Thanks a lot for the advice BavarianPride, I tried that and sadly it didn't work. I did notice a crack on the rubber part of the unlock button of the fob. It looks like it was worn away from being pressed a million times; Perhaps moisture got in there and short circuited the circuit board?

I'm still waiting for a new key... It should have been here already, but due to hurricane Sandy, apparently all the shipments from the east coast are delayed!

mrcooley

If the key doesn't work - tow it to the nearest dealer.

A couple possibilities - bad shifter or bad EIS. Most likely the EIS. Good luck. The SDS at the dealer will narrow it down.

700horses

So the new key came in today, I didn't have to sync it, program it or anything... Everything worked out the box just like it should!!

Thanks for all the advice everyone!

mrcooley

Just remember - if you lose that key you will be in the same spot. Make sure to order another.

700horses

Yes great reminder! I actually already ordered a second key!