When I turn the engine off and open the door to get out I get an annoying beeping as if I had left the headlights on. I make sure that the headlights are not on but still get this beep. This turns off when I shut the door. Similarly when I open the door to get in this beep comes on. It turns off after I start the engine.

This is driving me nuts. Can someone help decipher what the cause can be?

I own a 1997 C280

 

Make sure u havent got any blown bulbs plates bulbs etc also try taking the battery connection on and off

 

it sounds like your key cylinder may need replacement.

 

Thanks for your replies. A couple other points for reference:
* The beeping happens about 60-70 % of the time. The other 30-40% of the time the car behave normally.

* In reply to on one of the possible causes,my right indicator behave erratically- sometimes it flashes rapidly and sometimes normally. I have checked the rear bulb -which appears to be fine. Could not figure out how to get to the front indicator bulb. Dont know if this problem is related to the beeping in any way

-gs

 

the turn signal bulb has nothing to do with the beeping when you turn the car off and step out. your key cylinder is "sticking" when you remove the key. thats why it doesnt happen all the time. i am positive this is your problem.
as far as the front turn signal goes, you have to reach it by opening the hood and remove the signal with a little push tab. the reason your turn signal sometimes flashes rapidly is because the contact points are corroded...remove the bulb and clean the contacts thoroughly... and that will take care of that issue.

 

Thanks, ahopeter. I will check the contacts.
Regarding the bad Key cylinder, is there something I can do without having to replace the cylinder. Any idea of approx cost of labor+parts?

 

I did as Ahopeter had suggested. Some gunk had built up on the contact between the wires and the indicator bulb. One problem solved. Thanks Ahopeter.

 

no problem...with the key cylinder just be more "exact" when you remove the key each time. after continually removing the key youll feel the spot that allows the key for a good removal, where the beeping will no longer happen.

you own a c class right?

you might also want to put a little wd-40 on the key and insert and gently move the key side to side without rotating the cylinder. remember ONLY A LITTLE lube, alot can cause damage.
let me know how it goes.

 

whoops, i just noticed you posted that you have a c...my bad.