OK, I have a 1997 E320 with the m104 and blade key ignition.

So far three times within a week of daily driving it has decided to energize eveything without the key in the ignition!!!!

I have the key completely out and it would turn on power to radio,climate control, dash warning lights etc. Like if I had the key in and on the last position prior to start.

If I try and start while in this state the starter and engine turns, but will not start.

So far disconnecting the battery solves this, resets the condition.

My key is sync with the car, I can open doors from at least 10 feet away from mirror sensor.

My car runs great, no miss and idles fine.

My local indie told me possibly the ignition switch and maybe as easy as lubing the switch??? It sounds like I would just be replacing parts till we found the problem.

I was told the problem is the K40 module from a forum member any others agree??? I found this a problem with SLK, but the E class also??

Sorry for the long posts, but I wanted everyone to know the symptoms and condition of the vehicle.. thanks for a reply...

Have you owned this car since new, or did you buy it used?

If you bought it used, then my guess would be that there is a remote starter installed, and it is malfunctioning.

Just a guess.

jp

__________________
Jeff Pierce

Current Vehicles:
'92 Mercedes 190E/2.3 (247K miles/my daily driver)
'93 Volvo 940 Turbo Wagon (263K miles/a family truckster with spunk)
'99 Kawasaki Concours
Gravely 8120
Previous Vehicles:
'85 Jeep CJ-7 w/ Fisher plow (226K miles)'93 Volvo 940 Turbo Wagon
'53 Willys-Overland Pickup
'85 Honda 750F Interceptor
'93 Nissan Quest
'89 Toyota Camry Wagon
'89 Dodge Raider
'81 Honda CB 750F Super Sport
'88 Toyota Celica
'95 Toyota Tacoma
'74 Honda CB 550F

Keyless go? Sounds like an ignition switch to me.

__________________
64 European Coupe Brilliant Silver with Red interior 4 Speed Sunroof
87 TDT 286k
87 SDL 195k
83 SD 202k
83 SD 201k
83 D 286k
02 R1150RT 32K
00 122HP FLSTF
07 KTM 250SX

"Danger takes many forms"

Yeah it has no remote start. I am second owner. Maintained at the dealer since new. Was a lease and then they bought it.

I think I will change that ignition switch and then if that does not work go onto the K40 relay.

Thanks guys for your input.