w204 Ignition issue...

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Desmondo

New Member
Joined
Oct 18, 2021
Messages
21
Location
BRIGHTON
Car
c200
Hi Guys,

So went to start the car on Sat eve and it wouldn't start ('59 C250 CDI) , it's like the key isn't being recognised. Steering lock doesn't dis-engage and none of the usual light on the dash come on when I turn the key. AA spent an hour or so trying, but couldn't get it started.

I've contacted a few garages and discussed but they are pointing me to main MB dealership at the moment.

Is this a common issue? Is it a main dealer only fix or does anyone on here know of an independent specialist near Brighton that might be able to help?
 
Failure of the steering lock motor is a known issue; can you hear it when you turn the key?
 
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Yeah, tried both keys and no joy - everything else works fine. Steering lock just won't budge so nothing is working past that point. The videos posted by Tonygw are spot on, but nothing I can fix myself so will have to take it in. I can a least try to get the steering lock off based on these to drive it somewhere.

So I'm back to - can anyone recommend a MB specialist close to Brighton or do I have to go to a main dealer?
 
Desmondo said:
Yeah, tried both keys and no joy - everything else works fine. Steering lock just won't budge so nothing is working past that point. The videos posted by Tonygw are spot on, but nothing I can fix myself so will have to take it in. I can a least try to get the steering lock off based on these to drive it somewhere.

So I'm back to - can anyone recommend a MB specialist close to Brighton or do I have to go to a main dealer?
Click to expand...

Try giving the underside of the lock a whack and see if it releases.

Your problem is the motor has burnt out inside the EIS.....common failure on the W204.

If you go to the dealer, it will cost you a fortune.

You need a specialist for this. Try these guys....when I had my W204 EIS motor replaced they came to my house and did the job....

www.carkeyssolutions.co.uk

Mercedes Car Key Replacement And Repair | Car Keys Solutions

Alfa Romeo key replacement emergency service for Greater London and the surrounding areas. Trusted service and competitive price, 7 days/week.
www.carkeyssolutions.co.uk www.carkeyssolutions.co.uk

Or these guys.....

www.replacementmercedeskeys.co.uk

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

Replacement key for your Mercedes. Lost, Spare or broken Mercedes keys we do them all! Call now - Car Key Specialists | Lost MERCEDES Keys and key Fob Experts - Quote: 07563014634 01217722808 - Nationwide service
www.replacementmercedeskeys.co.uk www.replacementmercedeskeys.co.uk

I've used them both in the past and both came to my home and did the work.
 
Last edited:
It's a real shame that MB chose a cr@ppy Scalextric car motor for this fairly vital part ☹️
 
Car Key Solutions say they can get it done in couple of hours, just need to get the car there...

Still seems a lot of money for said scaletrix motor, but I'm guessing a lot less that MB dealer.
 
OK, so I thought I'd give it a quick try this evening before I got it shipped off in the morning and it started! Popped the key in and the steering lock dis-engaged straight away, car started.

How would that happen if the steering lock motor had burnt out?

I tried it a few times and the steering lock dis-engaging didn't exactly sound healthy I guess, but then I've never really paid much attention to how it sounded before.

All a bit confusing now.

So is it in its way out or could it be something else?
 
Desmondo said:
OK, so I thought I'd give it a quick try this evening before I got it shipped off in the morning and it started! Popped the key in and the steering lock dis-engaged straight away, car started.

How would that happen if the steering lock motor had burnt out?

I tried it a few times and the steering lock dis-engaging didn't exactly sound healthy I guess, but then I've never really paid much attention to how it sounded before.

All a bit confusing now.

So is it in its way out or could it be something else?
Click to expand...

The problem is usually intermittant when the motor is on its way out and moves on to total failure. When that happens things can become very expemsive to resolve as the steering becomes locked.
 
Found a local merc specialist who can do it next week for what seems a reasonable cost.

But I've also been in touch with an autolocksmith who said they can put an emulator on for a lot less - is that worth considering or something I should steer clear of? How would that sit with the insurance and MOT?
 
I would get it sorted properly and wouldn't mess around with any kind of emulator. Then it should be reliable in the future.

What sort of cost have you been quoted just out of interest?
Cheers
 
Desmondo said:
But I've also been in touch with an autolocksmith who said they can put an emulator on for a lot less - is that worth considering or something I should steer clear of? How would that sit with the insurance and MOT?
Click to expand...

Frankly that's what I would do. What's the point of a steering lock in a modern car that leaving aside inept keyless go systems, can't be started without the key. The emulator replicates the signal from the steering lock to allow the engine to start so that you are never at risk of a lock failure immobilising the car. I'm fine with a steering lock that works reliably but MB have engineered this one on the cheap to ensure that at some point in the cars life you will end up stranded and facing ridiculous costs that aren't viable for a 12 or 13 year old car.
 
Didn't know an emulator existed, every day is a school day.

Key company recommended in London quotes £750 for new ESL, £550 for recon and could do it in about 2 hours whatever state it was in but I'd have to get it to them.

Local Merc specialist said £450 +VAT is it's free and running, £650 + VAT if it's jammed (but not until late next week and would also depend on part arriving).

Local autolocksmith said £300 for the emulator that he could do tomorrow in situ.

tbh, it's not a new car and I'm not likely to have to for more than about 2 years, and I'd rather just get it fixed quickly I think.
 
When mine went, the entire lock was not required.

The company opened the unit and replaced the motor.

Here is the link to my one when it was repaird...

W204 Steering lock mechanical fault diagnosed | Engine

£22 for the motor and can be got for less. New ESL/ELV Motor Steering Lock Wheel Motor for Mercedes-Benz W204 W207 W212 | eBay
forums.mbclub.co.uk forums.mbclub.co.uk
 
Last edited:
Ok - S204 C220 CDi stuck in local Morrisons. Key turns in lock - some clicking but steering lock won’t release and no lights on dash.

AA arrive - try all sorts of methods to free the steering lock - nothing doing. Car ends up on trailer and is taken to my local garage.

Sods Law - mechanic on holiday this weekend so, try the garage next door who sort my MOT’s. They diagnosed the dreaded EIS but can’t do the work in view of the key recoding, etc. Have to go to Mercedes.

Nearest dealer is c. 8 miles away - the garage looking at the car also provide recovery services and agreed to transport the car to MB - cost £132.

Am anticipating a £1,000+ bill as the EIS module is c. £400, recoding £177 plus diagnostics, labour & VAT

Will keep you posted.
 
Finbar said:
Ok - S204 C220 CDi stuck in local Morrisons. Key turns in lock - some clicking but steering lock won’t release and no lights on dash.

AA arrive - try all sorts of methods to free the steering lock - nothing doing. Car ends up on trailer and is taken to my local garage.

Sods Law - mechanic on holiday this weekend so, try the garage next door who sort my MOT’s. They diagnosed the dreaded EIS but can’t do the work in view of the key recoding, etc. Have to go to Mercedes.

Nearest dealer is c. 8 miles away - the garage looking at the car also provide recovery services and agreed to transport the car to MB - cost £132.

Am anticipating a £1,000+ bill as the EIS module is c. £400, recoding £177 plus diagnostics, labour & VAT

Will keep you posted.
Click to expand...

Latest - parts on back order so no-one in the UK has them and awaiting an update from Germany. Car has been with MB since 19th April and was just advised it could be another 10-15 days (if not longer)

Watch this space!
 
All now sorted with the damage at £802.44 - much better than expected but, a 'health check' revealed:
  • Off side front ball joint has play
  • Off side rear coil spring corroded
  • Both front brake pipes corroded (MOT favourite!)
  • Near side front drop link rubbers perished
  • Rear subframe corroded but no holes
Service due in July so will look to wrap up the first 4 items - the rear subframe is a real concern (based on other posts on the same subject)
 
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