Hey guys, I have a 98 W210 (E320). My car will not start in cold environments, especially Winter now. I don’t have a garage to park in, that’s why I parked it outside on my driveway. Every morning when the temperature is lower than 50 degrees, I have to spend at least 20 mins in my car trying to start this damn thing. The key will go into the ignition, but I just can’t turn it to the next position or to the on position. The damn key just won’t go to the next position, so the only way to start it or to be able to turn the key to the next position is to keep try turning it back and forth. Does anyone have this problem on their 98 W210? Any suggestion on what needs to be replaced or repaired or what’s wrong with it? I don’t want to take it to the dealer; my car is out of warranty. Thanks guys!!! I also posted this topic on another forum, just want to get more help from u guys...

Thanks,
Matrikxx

matrikxx,
Please try a spare key first. However the Electronic Ignition Switch- EIS- probably is the culprit. The EIS would be the black thing in the dash into one puts the key. The job is not difficult but does require the coding via the SDS machine. That would be the futuristic box found dealerships and high grade repair shops.
Good luck, get it repaired and enjoy the car.

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Paul

I agree, try a different key. It would NOT make any difference to replace the key battery, the battery isn't required for starting the engine, it's only for locking and unlocking the car.

Gilly

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Matrikxx, Did you try to turn the steering wheel back and forth and turn the key at the same time? I have a 96 E320 and the steering lock is connected to the ignition sw. Norm in FL

Norm, the 98 is way different than your 96. 98 is the first year for this new "smartkey" system, it's an all-electronic system. Although if the steering lock does jam into the steering shaft, it can still behave similarly to an older mechanical system like yours.
Sometimes even on one of these 98's you still have to try rocking the steering wheel back and forth to be able to turn the key, but it's because of an electrical signal is required that tells the electronic ignition switch that the steering is unlocked and it's OK to let the owner turn the key. You can imagine the lawsuits if the owner was able to start the car with a locked steering wheel!

Gilly

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Hi guys!

I've tried both of my keys, didn't help either.

I have a 98 that when I plug in the electronic key I can here the steering lock release and it does unlock, but I can not turn the key to start.
The remote functions still work the doors.

Do you think it is the EIS or some secret K-something relay ?

bump !