Help required -bizarre issue with keys W210

[HolyMoly]

Newbie here hoping that someone may be able to help.

I have a 1999 e320 that I have had for just over a year - absolutely love the car (ex McLaren Mercedes F1 staff car, if what I have been told is true) and have had a relatively trouble-free time so far.....

Yesterday, however, something bizarre happened that has baffled me. I have 2 keys, one original black plastic that had never worked since I had the car and a new replacement that the previous owner bought from MB due to the original not working. For no apparent reason, the new replacement key stopped working so I was locked out of the car - used the physical key to get in, but nothing happened even when inserted in to the ignition, so had to walk back home. Came back to the car and thought I would bring the old broken key too, and to my amazement, the old key opened and locked the car with no problem, but still nothing happens when inserted in to the ignition. Prior to this, the old key's red led-thing didn't even flash, but it now works as if it's bran new???

I now have my e320 stuck as it won't recognise either key when inserted in to the ignition - is this a problem that anyone has encountered before?

Many thanks

 

[DSM10000]

On later cars the electronic ignition lock could fail.

Are you 100 %sure that the battery is in good condition?

 

[bob6600]

Either as above or the coil inside the key has failed. Opening and closing the doors is completely independent to starting the car.

 

[renault12ts]

The car starting function and the car opening functions are seperate...so, not a surprise the old key would open the doors.

 

[HolyMoly]

Thanks for the replies. Checked the battery - seems OK with a 12.3v reading.

Still baffled as to why the old key has started working and the new one stopped? If it is a key issue, what are my options?

Thanks

 

[DSM10000]

Thanks for the replies. Checked the battery - seems OK with a 12.3v reading.

Still baffled as to why the old key has started working and the new one stopped? If it is a key issue, what are my options?

Thanks

New key or new Electronic Ignition Lock.

As said , the key serves two completely separate functions

To remotely lock and unlock the car.

Secondly, to deactivate the immobiliser.

Ideally you need the car diagnosed with Star. Can you get it towed to a Mercedes Independent with Star?

 

[HolyMoly]

Thanks for the reply.

Just had a Merc specialist come out with his Star but was unable to read due to the car running an older system. He's coming back in the morning to check fuses, check the ignition and then the keys.

 

[HolyMoly]

Many thanks for all the help - it was a key issue as most had said. Having had no luck with anyone local, I rang up Matt at ReplacementMercedesKeys - Mercedes EIS Repair Specialists and he diagnosed it over the phone, stating that w210 EISs very rarely go wrong and, in his opinion, was certain it was the key. He was right - impeccable service from Matt and my w210 lives to see another day!

Again, thanks for all the help.