SL/R230: Removing ignition switch
Thread Starter
Member
Joined: Jun 2014
Posts: 238
Likes: 16
From: Chandler, AZ
2003 SL500, 2016 ATS, 2016 CTS 2015 Volt
Removing ignition switch
I accidentally ruined my key fob and can't start the car. Rather than have it towed to the dealer so they can order a new FOB, I want to try one of the on-line programming services. They require a person to send in the EIS and they will program a new fob. My question is whether it is easier to remove the EIS from the bottom or remove the radio and get to it that way. I can't find any You Tubes on it. None of the dealers here will order a new FOB without having the car in their possession.
Junior Member
Joined: Oct 2017
Posts: 67
Likes: 2
2003 CL55AMG
I just ordered new key fab yesterday at the dealership. All they needed was Registration, ID, and current mileage. It should be here Tomorrow. $450 preprogrammed for W215 CL55amg. I had sign a paper saying that new key fab might not work on the car and its not refundable. Its good idea have 2 working key fabs all the time.
Thread Starter
Member
Joined: Jun 2014
Posts: 238
Likes: 16
From: Chandler, AZ
2003 SL500, 2016 ATS, 2016 CTS 2015 Volt
I just ordered new key fab yesterday at the dealership. All they needed was Registration, ID, and current mileage. It should be here Tomorrow. $450 preprogrammed for W215 CL55amg. I had sign a paper saying that new key fab might not work on the car and its not refundable. Its good idea have 2 working key fabs all the time.
Junior Member
Joined: Oct 2017
Posts: 67
Likes: 2
2003 CL55AMG
I was looking at these EIS repair and seems legit. I could have saved $150 or so.... I been told a special tool is made for fey fab module. one of the poster said he used a scissor to loosen up the ring at the key fab hole and also had to remove the panel under the steeling wheel. Let us know how it went with mail key fab shop.
Thread Starter
Member
Joined: Jun 2014
Posts: 238
Likes: 16
From: Chandler, AZ
2003 SL500, 2016 ATS, 2016 CTS 2015 Volt
I was looking at these EIS repair and seems legit. I could have saved $150 or so.... I been told a special tool is made for fey fab module. one of the poster said he used a scissor to loosen up the ring at the key fab hole and also had to remove the panel under the steeling wheel. Let us know how it went with mail key fab shop.
MBworld Guru
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 10,782
Likes: 1,011
NO LONGER ACTIVE
Don't got through service to order a key - go to the parts desk. Tell them you want an "additional" key. it will come pre-programmed to work out-of-the-box with remote locking and in the ignition switch, but it will neeed programming for KeylessGo.
Junior Member
Joined: Oct 2017
Posts: 67
Likes: 2
2003 CL55AMG
That's what I did, went to parts dept and told them I need additional key since one I had was acting up day before like unable to start some times or key was not moving into position 2 or 3. each dealer will have different pricing , one of the dealers wanted $650 for key fab for CL55amg over the phone...
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Thread Starter
Member
Joined: Jun 2014
Posts: 238
Likes: 16
From: Chandler, AZ
2003 SL500, 2016 ATS, 2016 CTS 2015 Volt
I tried all 3 dealers in this area and I always started with the parts departments. They immediately transferred me to service and all insist that I have the car towed there. Yes I know towing is free but I don't want to go that route for several reasons. I want to know if anyone here has removed the EIS and how it came out. Again I see no SL videos on line but it looks like there are 3 options after removing the retaining ring--through the cluster opening, through the radio opening or out the bottom past the knee air bag.
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Senior Member
Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 432
Likes: 96
From: Just north of Detroit,Michigan
2012 E350 4Matic P2
I tried all 3 dealers in this area and I always started with the parts departments. They immediately transferred me to service and all insist that I have the car towed there. Yes I know towing is free but I don't want to go that route for several reasons. I want to know if anyone here has removed the EIS and how it came out. Again I see no SL videos on line but it looks like there are 3 options after removing the retaining ring--through the cluster opening, through the radio opening or out the bottom past the knee air bag.
Please follow up with your success story!
Good luck,
Bob
MBworld Guru
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 10,782
Likes: 1,011
NO LONGER ACTIVE
I tried all 3 dealers in this area and I always started with the parts departments. They immediately transferred me to service and all insist that I have the car towed there. Yes I know towing is free but I don't want to go that route for several reasons. I want to know if anyone here has removed the EIS and how it came out. Again I see no SL videos on line but it looks like there are 3 options after removing the retaining ring--through the cluster opening, through the radio opening or out the bottom past the knee air bag.
As for removing the EIS, just follow the docs Bob posted. It's not terribly difficult.
Thread Starter
Member
Joined: Jun 2014
Posts: 238
Likes: 16
From: Chandler, AZ
2003 SL500, 2016 ATS, 2016 CTS 2015 Volt
Well, I got the EIS out. It will not come out the side nor the bottom unless you remove the lower dash (not the lower closeout). I took out the cluster held on by 3 screws and pulled the switch out the top--super easy! The connectors and the bowden cable were the toughest part. I sent it out and will report back when I re-install it. BTW I did find out the the dealer in Scottsdale will order the fob pre-programmed but requires roadside assistance to come out to make sure it works--go figure! Total cost was going to be $340 for the fob plus $80 for roadside assistance. It would have been cheaper to have the car towed for free. All in all I will spend $200 and some minor work. I guess there are too many snobs around here to drive the prices up and discourage do-it-your-selfers.
MBworld Guru
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 10,782
Likes: 1,011
NO LONGER ACTIVE
The price of the key isn't just because it's an MBZ. Most all cars now use very expensive electronic keys that are hundreds of dollars to replace. $340 sounds about right for a KeylessGo key.
Thread Starter
Member
Joined: Jun 2014
Posts: 238
Likes: 16
From: Chandler, AZ
2003 SL500, 2016 ATS, 2016 CTS 2015 Volt
I got my ignition switch back together with 2 new Fobs and emergency keys already cut. It took me 10 minutes to pop it back in through the cluster opening and bingo--it works just fine. Bottom line is it cost me $200 per fob and a week down time. The Fobs are the new style and appear to be genuine Mercedes parts
Last edited by next2pool; Jan 8, 2018 at 10:53 PM.
