R230 SL not starting in low temps

[AMadGit]

My 2007 has now decided that it doesn't like starting sometimes.
But return to the car later in the day and it will probably start immediately!

On each occasion it has been quite cold and it will be the first start of the day. Not dead - all electrics whir and all that, but no turnover.

Had two AA visits:
First time the chap fiddled about with the key and it started on the 3rd go.

Second visit, virtually the same, perhaps a bit more key fiddling.
Said that it was some kind of ignition issue high up in the chain, possibly key related. Suggested I keep the second key with me until I get it sorted.

Yesterday morning would not start. I tried both keys and much key fiddling.
A few hours later - fired up no probs on the original key.

Only discernible difference is the car is now dry and the temperature is a few degrees warmer. Not convinced at all of any key issue.

Does this ring any bells - I'm a Merc newbie ?

 

[markdt10]

Hi AMadGit
This sounds very like a problem I had recently on my 2007 SL350, with only 43,000, which I also raised on this forum. It is very likely the Electronic Ignition Switch. It sometimes works, sometimes doesn't.
I went through new battery, new relay switch somewhere within system, new front SAM..... each one seemed to fix it until a few days later..... same again ....! and the instance of not starting got worse, slowly, with time.
A forum member told me early on that it would be the EIS, but I tried the cheaper fixes first, as recommended and discussed with my (very honest and good) garage.
New EIS = approx £6/700 and job done.
My way, various attempts = approx £1500 and a couple of months til sorted!

Please take other advice from other SL experts, but that's my story !

Good Luck - keep us informed
Mark

 

[AMadGit]

Thanks Mark. After doing a lot of research in the last couple of days I think you could be right about the IES but I'm on another (far cheaper) line of investigation just for now;

Yesterday afternoon it was a bit warmer and I decided to see if it would start. It wouldn't. So that killed my theory about temperature.

I faffed around with the key a bit and it eventually started. It must have thought I was the AA man.
So I decided to clean the key lenses and the ignition lens with a slightly damp cloth and left it at that.

This morning it was covered in frost and I thought I'd give it a go, and it started first time!

I'll post on how things progress - I'm sure everyone is on tenterhooks.

 

[markdt10]

Hi AMadGit
Hope it works !
The time by time solution for me was to try to start - If nothing, exit and lock car, unlock, get in and try again ( a "re-boot"). Often, this worked first time, but as time went by it would need "re-booting" two three or 4 times before I could get a successful start - I wish you better luck than I had ......
Mark

 

[AMadGit]

Well it performed perfectly yesterday with a cold start and plenty of stops and starts during the day - faultless and I was feeling well pleased with myself.

Went to start it this morning - old problem back and no amount of fiddling could get it going.

So I've decided to stop messing about and get it sorted.

Is it only MB Dealers who can deal with EIS or can a specialist do it?
I assume MB keep it all in-house for security reasons?

 

[Codger49]

Could be worth contacting these people : ReplacementMercedesKeys - Mercedes keys programmed and repaired! - Mercedes key - EIS Repairs in Birmingham. They are often mentioned here for replacement keys, but they also offer an EIS repair and test service.

 

[AMadGit]

Thanks for the suggestion; would have tried them but Brum is a bit inconvenient.
Booked into local MB dealer for diags next week.

 

[markdt10]

Hi AMadGit
Indies can do the EIS, but Merc ask them for your for passport details and V5 for security before handing over any parts !

 

[AMadGit]

I've decided to take it to an indie instead on the strength of that.

Not too impressed with the dealer's response when I asked what happens if the thing doesn't start on the day it's due to visit them.
Call the AA and get a relay to the dealer was the response.
Well thanks!


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[AMadGit]

Right, well I've left it a while to see if it was ok, but it's fixed!

It's down to me and my propensity to kill things with kindness.

By giving the car a 'good' wash using a pressure washer, the intakes near the 'V8 Kompressor' badge managed to allow water up into a tray containing, amongst other things, the starter relay.

By drying the area out and swapping out the relay, the problem was cleared.

I'd like to thank Ian at Star Motors Reading for using his experience to track down the problem after the diagnostics showed nothing.

I dread to think what wallet carnage may have ensued at an MB dealer and am at least glad my instinct to go indie payed off this time.

Thanks all your input.


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