I recently purchased a 2004 E320 for parts to repair a 2007 E320 Bluetec that was involved in a collision. I was specifically looking for a white car, so I would not have to do any painting. I found one in Texas, and after a 3,000 mile round trip to retrieve the car, I got it home and am trying to at least get the ignition to turn (
http://www.peachparts.com/shopforum/diesel-discussion/389140-tucson-houston-road-trip-today-anyone-need-anything-moved.html ). One of the reasons that I got a good bargain on the car was because it supposedly had a "bad key". I was able to get the car on and off my trailer without being able to turn the steering wheel. After putting in a main battery, and replacing the dead auxiliary battery, the key still will not turn. I also found out that most of the accessories that don't require the key to be turned (or even in the ignition) do not work either (dome light, seat adjustment, door locks etc.). I can only assume that the key is still good, but whatever is responsible for distributing power to the electronic key module, door locks, dome light and seat adjustment is faulty. I checked all the fuses (three places-engine room, left side of dash, and trunk), and unless I missed one, they all check out to be good. After replacing both batteries, the SBC unit cycles, and the red brake warning is illuminated in the instrument cluster. I have read that this is normal when the aux battery gets replaced, so I expected it. I would like to be able to move the car, but without being able to turn the steering wheel, all I have is a large piece of yard art that a neighbor may complain about if it is there for long. Anyone have an idea what could be the problem? Thanks in advance, Rich