As far as the hand brake is concerned, it's very concealed with no external moving parts other than the foot pedal.
But, the release cable runs near the ignition switch and below the IFZ module, I really can't think of any way it could be causing your problem.

Dear Ozzy,

Here’s a million dollar question for all MB Vehicles owners as of 1995!

Is it possible to replace the fitted interior rear view mirror (with the red & green lens) and bypass any infrared keys or features to operate your car?

What I mean is I want to lock, unlock and start the car the classic way, going to the doorknob and insert your key. Like most Japanese cars are…

I don’t even care if people ask why I am doing this!

I am in a deadly trance/ phobia of looking at the red & green lights flashing!

Can’t sleep, eat and work……

Unfortunately theres no way of emulating coded data, especially DAS, as the code is rolling generated, so every time you start your car, stored code is sent via CAN to release engine control and then code is written over.
Do you still have the old engine control unit???

Yes I still have it. But it was and still mis firing when i use it

Anything we could do with it?

This is what I would do, connect a battery charger to batt and turn onto lowest charge position, this will ensure battery doesn't go flat.
Turn the key to position two (all lights come on in cluster), and then turn back off and remove key. Do this 20 times, how many times did you get the dreaded alternating green and red flash??. If "0" you may have to try another 20 times, but first, hop out of car, close the door and lock/unlock car.
Make sure you note down exactly each turn of the key and what the result was.
Once you have done this, post back the results and I will tell you what to do next.

What does a battery charger looks like?

Someone told me that a particular vacuum may be faulty (the vacuum plays a part in the ignition of the car). This makes sense to you?

If you don't have one, borrow, steal or buy one, about $30.00 from any auto store.
Preferably an automatic one.
Makes no sense at all, I think you are getting a little side tracked at the moment. we already know why it won't start (HFM locked out) you need to figure out if it's the HFM or it's the IFZ thats causing the problem.
carry out the test I've posted and let me know the results.

Before I start doing the above, 20/ (x 2) times, will it cause any harm to my car?

Yes it will, on about the 20th turn; it will catch on fire and burn to the ground. JUST JOKING!!
I would never post any advice that could be harmful to the car or its owner.
I don't want you to actually crank the car, just turn the key to on position.
Take your time and note down each turn of the key and the result.

ok then I shall do it tomorrow.

So to say,
1) if the alternate lights do not come out after the 20th try, i must keep trying then?

2)for each attempt, i need to get out of the car, lock it and unlock and retry again; so therefore 20 times of locking and unlocking and turning to position 2?

I'm fairly certain you won't have to do it another 20 times.
No, don't lock/unlock between each attempt, only do this if you get to 20 with no flashing lights.
From 1 to 20 just remove key from ignition, before each attempt.
Waiting a few seconds in between each attempt.

Note down like this;
1) normal
2) normal
3) normal
4) normal
5) lights flashing
6) lights flashing
7) normal
and so on.

Thanks for your post Ozz,

I can only do this test only on 1st March 2005 as my car is still being investigated in the workshop.

I will let you know the output on evening 1st March 2005. By the way, my time is GMT +8HRS.

I hope you have some conclusion based on my upcoming results.

Hey Ozz,

Many apologies for the delayed feedback to you. I hope your observations on my car still stands. I’ve conducted the “tests” you advised and here are the results:

1. Nothing
2. Nothing
3. Nothing
4. Nothing
5. Nothing
6. Nothing
7. Nothing
8. Nothing
9. Nothing
10. Nothing
11. Nothing
12. Nothing
13. Nothing
14. Nothing
15. Nothing
16. Nothing
17. Nothing
18. Nothing
19. Nothing
20. Nothing

Went out, lock and unlock via infrared remote control.

21. Nothing
22. Nothing
23. Nothing
24. Nothing
25. Nothing
26. Nothing
27. Nothing
28. Nothing
29. Nothing
30. Nothing
31. Nothing
32. Nothing
33. Nothing
34. Nothing
35. Nothing
36. Nothing
37. Nothing
38. Nothing
39. Nothing
40. Nothing
41. Nothing

So where do I go from here?

Wow, this is a long thread. My 98 c280 had a similar problem. Drove me nuts. It didn't throw any codes and few people recommeded changing the crankshaft sensor. It only after happened after a very short drive. It solved the problem.

Good luck

__________________
Shoebox

Wow, this is a long thread. My 98 c280 had a similar problem. Drove me nuts. It didn't throw any codes and few people recommeded changing the crankshaft sensor. It only after happened after a very short drive. It solved the problem.

Good luck

__________________
Shoebox