W210 - key not turning

[dobinn]

I have a 96 E280 with the flip out older style key. The door opens when pressing the button on the key. The key goes in to the ignition but will not turn. The batteries are recent. Any ideas / tips greatfully received! At the moment sems the only option is to tow it to a garage (it is stuck in P).

Edited by dobinn on Thursday 25th June 10:41

[chiefski26]

from experience it might be the key.

[Parrot of Doom]

Do you normally have to press the brake pedal to turn the key, or move the gearbox from park? Might be a faulty interlock, or a faulty steering lock.

[Gazzab]

There is a cable that runs from gear shifter to the key barrel that could be the cause?

[Classy6]

Could be a number of things. More than likely the Electronic ignition switch (EIS) but could also be a key/transponder fault, interlock switch as mentioned above.

Might be worth checking battery voltage to. Does the key unlock/lock the doors?

[dobinn]

Thanks for the replies.

The key does open the doors no problem. It is just the actual key turning.

I tried a local indy who was helpful but as new keys have to come from Mercedes I thought I would bite the bullet and put it in to them for look over. Also the AA wouldn't tow it to the indy so it all seemed to make sense. I am sure I may well regret it though when they ring me with the costs (GULP).

[Gazzab]

http://forums.mercedesclub.org.uk/index.php

try this site for all things merc....

Good luck with mercedes (gulp!).

[dobinn]

Heard back from Mercedes. The ignition barrel / steering lock need to be replaced as well as a new key blade. Total is £550. I had feared it would be worse....

[Classy6]

dobinn said:

Heard back from Mercedes. The ignition barrel / steering lock need to be replaced as well as a new key blade. Total is £550. I had feared it would be worse....

EIS are very common. Glad you got sorted though mate.

[Kinky]

Try this even better site for all things Merc: http://www.mbclub.co.uk/forums/

[tigerkoi]

I used to have exactly the same problem. A little bit of grease on the key and then a movement of quickly turning it right as I pulled it away from the barrel. Odd, but worked. Pull a couple of ml and turn. Pull a couple of ml and turn. Pull a couple of ml and turn.