I'm considering buying a 2001 E320 Wagon. It starts fine, but the cabin fans cut off, and ABS / ESP malfunction lights come on *BUT* if you wiggle / nudge the key the fans come back on.

I test drove the car and while driving the fans stopped working and the cruise control would not work. I wiggled / nudged the key and the fans started working again as did the cruise control ... but a few miles down the road the fans cut off again (happened 2-3 times in 40 miles). I had to fiddle around with the key while driving (not exactly safe) to get things to come back on.

The key has a new battery.

What is the most likely cause / remedy for this?

Cost to fix?

My mechanic said the ignition switch likely needs to be replaced, that it's a dealer only service, and it's in the $900-$1000 ballpark - is that correct?

The seller says he suspects it's probably just that some connection needs to be cleaned.

Thanks so much for any / all help!

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Current Vehicles: 2001 Mercedes E320 Wagon | 1979 Mercedes 220D | 1995 Volvo 850 Turbo Wagon | 1993 Volvo 240 Wagon