99 c230k starting problem

[ross kennedy]

I've had this problem twice now, and it's happened about two weeks apart. I went out to start the car, turned the key, and it only completed about half of the starting cycle, then coughed. I tried it for several minutes and it was the same thing--it would never start. I let it sit for about 10 minutes, went back out and it started with no trouble. About two weeks later I had the same problem where it would not start again. I was going to call a tow truck and have it towed to the dealer. I went back out and it started right up. I took it to the dealer. They cannot detect any faults in any of the computer system and have repeatedly started it every time. Has anyone else experienced this problem, or does anyone have any insight? The car has approximately 75,000 miles on it. Thank you for your help.

[blackmercedes]

Yup, my C230 did this. Switch keys and see if the other SmartKey does it too. If so, you need a new EIS (Electronic Ignition Switch) and that should solve the problem.

My car needed a new EIS.