97sl320 Interesting thought.On my ml 320 I had an issue with the vehicle not starting due to the shift lever and it caused issues.Put a bolt in there and since then no problem after adjusting trouble free for eitht years.Would the dealer know that or the code they have just pulled but would think they would have known that.I know they are trying to overcharge me and changing the steering column has nothing to do with this issue.Whats bugging me is why it thinks a key is in there when the transponder is supposed to recognize the key?Thats why I thought a contact was being made at the switch or tumbler making the switch.