I am going to buy a 1998 E320 and the current owner says that he is selling it because the key won't turn.(I assume this is the W210 chassis)

He said that it did this once before but eventually worked.

Now, it's just stuck he says.

He also told me that the ignition switch it needs from Mercedes is $900.

Is this right?

I see ignition switches for this car online for anywhere from $40 to $90.

Also, assuming this is the right part, do any of you know how hard is it to repair/replace this switch on this car?

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1993 W124 300D
-297K on the clock as I type this.

I just wanted to add that the key is the "smart key" variety.

I asked the guy and he told me that he has replaced the battery in the key already but it still won't turn in the ignition.

I've never owned a smart key car so this is all new to me.

It also sounds a helluva lot more expensive to repair if it goes bad.

Does anybody else have any experience with smart key malfunctions?

I just spoke with the seller again and he said that he only had one key.

Could it be possible that this key just went bad?

He seems to be under the impression that the ignition switch went bad.

From what I've read on here you should be able to start the car with the smart key even if you use the metal key to open the door.

I think he said that the keyless entry still works but it won't start the car.

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1993 W124 300D
-297K on the clock as I type this.

The car has an Electronic Ignition Switch (EIS), and yes, $900 sounds close. Replacing it is easy but you'll need an SDS computer to make it work, assuming you know how to perform the version coding procedure.

I know what you're thinking. You'll just get a used one and slap it in, right? Wrong! Once the version coding procedure has been performed, the EIS is permanently married to the vehicle.

But wait, it gets even better! The EIS is considered to be what's called a "Theft Relevant Part", or TRP. That means you'll have to show a picture ID and proof of vehicle ownership, as well as pay for the part IN FULL, before it can even be ordered!!! Oh yeah, I almost forgot. Once it's ordered, you own it. No returns, no exceptions.

FWIW, does the problem happen with one key, or both/all keys???

Just went through the same problem with a '99 CLK320 that I purchased. One thing that ILUVMILS failed to mention is that you have to have the unit installed by an authorized MB stealership. Ended up costing me $1,472.00 although I did get a quote from another stealership, four hundred miles away, that would do it for $1,295.00.

Changing the batterys in the key will have no effect. One thing that you might try, if the remote opens the doors, is to clean the window in the EIS module. I got the old one back and noted that dirt was caked on the window inside the opening. Took a Q-Tip and some nail polish remover and cleaned the window. Don't know if that will help, but it sure won't hurt.

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Roc

'74 350SLC (Euro) (For Sale)
'01 CLK55
'02 Jaguar XK8
'04 E320 Wagon
'89 Ferrari Mondial T Coupe
'57 Volvo PV-444 (Vintage Racer in build) (For Sale)
'80 Mazda RX7 Enduro Race Car (For Sale)

About a month ago, my ignition failed. The lock broke so the key wouldn't turn and the wheel was hard locked. Had to have it towed to a dealer (but not before a AAA locksmith broke the key in the ignition)
Called the dealer service rep I work with and he told me that since the key would not turn in the ignition (it would slide in and out) and the wheel locked, I would have to have the ignition ground off.

He told me the standard hours for the job would be 5 hours, involving removing the instrument cluster and trim and then grinding the in dash ignigion lock off and reinstalling a new one. No other way around it.

After ordering a new ignition and key from the VIN twice, which would not work the other locks in the car, they concluded the car had been rekeyed along the way with a whole different complete set of locks.
In order to avoid having two keys, I had them send the spare key back to cut the new ingition. Took about 2 1/2 weeks to get the car back.

Out the door cost, incl tax = $924.00 OUUCH!!!!

My observation is to be conservative and replace those ignition tumblers in the 124 models by no later than around 250k miles.

I know of one locksmith in the middle Ga that will drive to you and drill it out for around $400. He does not advertise this service.

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Jim

Jim,

Fyi, mine only has 131,000 miles! (90 of them are mine.)
But maybe the failed ignition came from a high mileage wreck, come to think of it.

Unfortunately I lost a key and a remote control to our 2005 Nissan Altima (leased). DH called the dealership, and they are saying that it will cost $350 to replace and to reprogram the car.
Anyone help me ?
duplicate keys

Sounds a little high. If you have more than one dealer nearby, shop around. Some dealers treat the key like a 'lost leader' and others like a cash cow. Here is So Cal going price seems to be about $200-$300.

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Good luck.






1998 E320 Wagon