2002 E320 - key will still operate door locks and windows. Usually I hear some mechanical unlocking noise as soon as the key is inserted in the ignition, after which it will turn, but now no noise and it won't turn. Tele-aid had the dealer call me on my cell (nice feature, never had to use it until now) - he thought the chip in the key itself was bad. They've ordered a new key which should be in tomorrow - he'll come out to the car then and program it.

Questions - are the keys known to go bad, or is it more likely a problem with the ignition? A quick search turned up a few W210 ignition failures and replacement questions, but not much on the key itself. The car is stranded in the company parking garage (at least it's safe there), but there is pretty low clearance in there. I don't think a tow truck would fit. If the new key doesn't solve the problem, how can the car be moved to the dealer? What are the options?

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2002 E320 4-Matic
2008 Subaru Outback
2009 Subaru Forester

You only have one key? And yes some of the Smart Keys have been know to fail. The W203 in 2002 had some of the same issues according to what I have seen on other Forums. It had to do with the number on the key itself, apparantly there was a bad batch or a change made to the Smart Key! I assume that is what the W210 used was a Smart Key like my W203 has!

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~Jamie
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2003 Pewter C230K SC C1, C4, C5, C7, heated seats, CD Changer, and 6 Speed. ContiExtremes on the C7's.

1986 190E 2.3 Black, Auto, Mods to come soon.....

It came with two keys, but I was relieved of one of them, I think by one of my daughter's visiting teenage friends (obviously it couldn't have been me just losing it). I tried to order a replacement a few months ago when in for a B service, but was told they were changing where the keys were being made and couldn't get one for some period of time. Maybe this has something to do with fixing the problematic key problem? Anyway, I didn't follow through and order the key later, so now I'm in this pickle.

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2002 E320 4-Matic
2008 Subaru Outback
2009 Subaru Forester

Another possibility is dirt build up on the inferred emitter on the key or detector in the slot interfering the communications between the car and key.

It can be either the key or the EIS (electronic ignition switch). If MB road side service comes out they can tell if the EIS is still functioning with the diagnostic computer.

the key has two totally separate functions. The first requires a battery and is the RF controlled remote locking and convenience function. The second function is the DAS (drive authorization function). The EIS emits a powering signal that energizes the chip in the key. It sends a signal by IR that bounces off a mirror to a reciever in the EIS (thus the other suggestion that the window in the key is blocked). If the rolling code is matching the EIS re;eases the ESL (electronic steering lock) and powers the car.

A new key should only take a daya or two. The above problem is reason enough to keep two keys. I would get a second key and if it works get another one. The key will work right from MB although the RF will have to be initialized which I think will just happen on your car. When the new key is installed in the lock it could take a few moments to work as the rolling codes that have been used are eliminated.

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Steve Brotherton
Continental Imports
Gainesville FL
Bosch Master, ASE Master, L1
33 years MB technician

Thanks for the replies. Carriage House came out as promised with 2 new keys and the problem is solved. I had briefly tried cleaning the IR window on the old key to no avail, but I could still see something on the IR window which could have been fine scratches from rubbing against coins etc. in my pocket. I'm going to make an effort to keep the key segregated from other things in my pocket that might scratch it.

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2002 E320 4-Matic
2008 Subaru Outback
2009 Subaru Forester

This is a good example of the overdesign of the last 5 or so years on all autos! Too many "fancy" gimmicks that foul up the basic transportation requirements of an automobile. Can you imagine what the consumers would have thought a few years back about a new car that couldnt be started due to a key!! Give us back dependable cars and cut back on the talking cars! and worthless h---t!Abe G

I agree Abe, but it's a case of damned if you do, and damned if you don't. The SmartKey is a terrific anti-theft device, and with insurance companies pressuring makers to make their cars more "theft proof" MB had to respond. Almost all new cars now have some sort of electronic key system designed to prevent hotwiring. Without the SmartKey, it would be tough to buy theft insurance for your car, and if you did, they charge an arm and a leg. I'm sure insurance companies are finding a way to blame 9-11 for it in there somewhere...

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John Shellenberg
1998 C230 "Black Betty" 240K

http://img31.exs.cx/img31/4050/tophat6.gif

Actually, the story I've heard on security systems in European cars comes from the fall of the Soviet union and the openning of the eastern block countries. it's said to be about impossible to keep the cars from being stolen in parts of Europe.

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Steve Brotherton
Continental Imports
Gainesville FL
Bosch Master, ASE Master, L1
33 years MB technician

Since we're talking keys here, one tip I've found useful is hold your key tip to your throat, open your mouth pointed toward the car, and you'll get (sometimes) twice the distance. Experiment using the jaw too. I know it sounds goofy, and you look even goofier doing it, but it will increase the range of the signal. Sometimes a hospital zone will interfere so badly that the key won't work at all, unless held to the throat...

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"HEIDI" White 1998 E-300TD 176K
European Delivery is a HOOT!

2002 Harley "FatBoy"

Car Talk did a story on that phenomenon and tried it out - it really works (with RF signals). It's on their website.

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2002 E320 4-Matic
2008 Subaru Outback
2009 Subaru Forester

Hey Did you ever get that problem fixed? WHat exactly was the problem? Was it the Key or was it something inside the car? I have the same problem, whenever I put the key into the ignition i used to hear a clicking sound(steering unlock) but now no click, steering wont unlock, car wont start... New Key is about $160.

I think you may be out $160 - it was indeed a bad key in my case. The dealer also gave me a second key no charge to replace the one I had lost.

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2002 E320 4-Matic
2008 Subaru Outback
2009 Subaru Forester