Battery/ignition issue?

[pachanga 231]

Went to the car in the morning, flat wouldn't start some lights on the dash left went to work.
Later in the evening wouldn't unlock via the fob, had to get in via the key in drivers door. Completely flat no lights/etc nothing.
RAC came out long story short eventually started it but he pulled the key out of ignition while the car was started!!! Also the steering wouldn't lock when car off when you move it slightly. Then the key wouldn't turn in the barrel only gets to first position.
RAC guy saying something wrong with the ignition/switch/lock/barrel. Any experience of members on here??

Battery & alternator only 2 years old.

TIA

 

[grober]

Mercedes EIS Repair / EZS Module ESL + KEY | SINSPEED
There are two units involved the Mercedes EIS (Electronic Ignition Switch) system and the ESL (Electronic Steering Lock) system. I guess it could be a fault with either. Both can be removed individually the ESL provided its unlocked? but since coding may be involved its a job for a specialist.
Here's a how to on a related W203 model
Mercedes-Benz W203 Ignition Switch Replacement - (2001-2007) C230, C280, C350, C240, C320 | Pelican Parts DIY Maintenance Article

While this looks complicated its because its a security device and if it was easy to replace your car would be easy to steal

 

[design guru]

Although some places can repair its usually a case of a new EIS which is a Mercedes Dealer only option. £500 approx. Mine has been diagnosed as faulty but I personally have not had any issues with the key or the barrel when starting the car, but yours sounds like its at the stage where you need to repair/replace.

 

[pachanga 231]

Well the steering won't lock when turned, so could it be both faulty?
EIS and steering lock!

 

[grober]

Not necessarily just means the EIS can't "talk" to the ESL and vice versa. Could be a fault in either.

 

[KeithJG]

Probably nothing to do with what is wrong with the op`s motor but you don`t know these things until it happen`s.

One day i could not turn or pull out my ignition key and tried and tried but was scared to use force then noticed that the gear stick was in R and not Park .....as soon as i selected Park the key came out easy as pie.

 

[David404]

If you're in the area try this lot. very knowledgeable they do keys and EIS issues.

Mercedes key specialists- Need new Mercedes keys? Replacementmercedeskeys.co.uk

 

[pachanga 231]

If you're in the area try this lot. very knowledgeable they do keys and EIS issues.

Mercedes key specialists- Need new Mercedes keys? Replacementmercedeskeys.co.uk

Not in the area but yes very helpful indeed, already spoken to them. Seems like due to the xmas period i won't be able to get any repairs done in time!
Ideally i need to find someone who i can drive it down to and have repaired same day.