W220 Key / ignition switch problem

[franey]

I have a 2003 S320 Cdi.
Last week the remote door open function started to play up, my key has always opened / locked and released the boot at a good distance, sometimes up to 200 yards.
The key would then only open the car from a distance of around 2 yards.
I then found that the ignition switch would then have difficulty in 'accepting' my key.
Methinks time for new batteries. So, straight to MB for new batteries to be fitted for £5.
Upon returning to the car in the dealer car park, the remote funtion worked a bit better but upon trying the key in the switch housing it would not turn.
The parts adviser kindly had a look and could turn the key if he pressed the 'door open' button on the remote fob at the same time as trying to turn it.
So, something is not right somewhere, a new key I was told is £220 / £240 to buy!!
Any suggestions please?

 

[BlackC55]

try the spare first.

 

[franey]

.......alas no spare!!

 

[Diesel Benz]

.......alas no spare!!

You do not seem to be alone. Someone could set up a poll on how many drive their car with a single key and the result could be 50%...

You should take into account that the key batteries are not needed to start the car, you can take the batteries out and it still starts if the key is good.

The most likely reason for the key not turning in the ignition slot is the power coil having lost contact to the printed circuit board, pressing a key may make it gain contact temporarily. It is usually easy to fix this, you could check the switches at the same time.

The issue with doors not opening from distance sounds like a separate issue, more like the RF receiver at the car side failing and the key operating with IR from the door. You can easily test this with the spare key (that I assume you would be buying anyway soon).