Hi
My neighbor's friend bought a 2000 E430 from an auction (flood car). That's right! When the battery is connected there is an immediate draw and the parking lights stay on. The key will only turn to number one position (accessory position). We tried a new key ordered from the dealer and it still does not work. Bottom line: The customer wants to repair this vehicle. If you can give me the procedure to repair this problem it would be greatly appreciated.

Thank you,

Uwe Lehmann

Jack up the radiator cap and install another car. Otherwise, I'd send them on their way. It would be cheaper to buy a similar car in working condition than it would be to repair that one. That's why insurance companies total them.

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1989 300 SEL that mostly works, but needs TLC

Well, you'll begin repairing that car when you have an SDS unit available!!! If you have one available then it will be a good start otherwise you will be performing "plug and play diagnostics without any results.........."

I am with Moneypit, the insurance company paid it off to be rid of the problem so it may be advisable to send it on it's way.

NEVER, NEVER, EVER buy a " flood car ".
Especially one with the sophisticated electronics of an M-B ( or any other late model car for that matter).
It will haunt you to your grave.

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2007 C 230 Sport.

Mercedes professional mechanics wouldn't take on a car like this.

My advice SELL IT

Hi
thanx guys. I WONT touch it!!! What i told the customer was to take the car and auction it off once again, or tow it to the Mercedes of Sarasota and be prepaired to spend between 5 to 15 thousand dollar's and emphesized that he still would not be happy, he paid 9000.00 for the car. i told him to get what he can and cut his losses,then i would find him a good car,
Uwe Lehmann

It is hard enough to get the electronics to work when they haven't been in a flood. I can't believe someone paid 9K for that. Wow. Hopefully he can find a similar sucker to buy it from him. Or if he's religious then prayer might work.

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1998 C230 330,000 miles (currently dead of second failed EIS, yours will fail too, turning you into the dealer's personal human cash machine)
1988 F150 144,000 miles (leaks all the colors of the rainbow)
Previous stars: 1981 Brava 210,000 miles, 1978 128 150,000 miles, 1977 B200 Van 175,000 miles, 1972 Vega (great, if rusty, car), 1972 Celica, 1986.5 Supra