In the process of learning how to take the switch out and put it back in, I figured out how to make the problem come and go. There is a fault inside the switch in which Pin 15 doesn't get connected to Pin 30 at switch position #2. By "authoritatively" snapping into the #2 position, the switch almost always works; if you are wimpy about it, the contact won't work.
Monday I'll check with the dealer, see if they can find the right part number and come up with a less-than-$500 price. If so, I'll buy a new switch; if still very expensive, I'll try to take the old switch apart and clean the contacts. Interestingly, the part number for the switch in the car (210 545 06 04) is
not in the EPC.
The switch has covers that are held on with detents and clips so it will be possible to take apart, I'm just a little leery of internal parts that may go "sproing!" as they fly to some remote corner of the garage.
The switch and lock cylinder are back in the car, which is therefore drivable for the moment. I'll work over my pictures and post a DIY later this weekend. And my fingers are healing (details in the DIY
).
Jeremy
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"Buster" in the '95
Our all-Diesel family
1996 E300D (W210) . .343,000 miles
Wife's car
2005 E320 CDI . . 148,000 miles
My car
Santa Rosa population 177,300 (2026 projected)
Total. . . . . . . . . . . . 668,300
"Oh lord won't you buy me a Mercedes Benz."
-- Janis Joplin, October 1, 1970