The ignition switch on my '96 E300D failed and needed to be replaced. It was replaced with a 129 545 02 04 unit as is outlined in another post on this same forum. However, since the replacement of the switch the "system" thinks the key is always in the switch even when it is not .... so everytime the door is open the buzzer buzzes and the LCD display in the instrument cluster says to "Take Key" .... even though the key is not in the switch. Has anyone with an early W210 without the electronic key had a similar issue?

I did not have that issue when I wrote the thread on ignition switch replacement. Seems to me that there is a small cable that has to be plugged into the lock assembly. It tells the system whether the key is in or out. If the cable is not plugged in, it has no way to tell and may default to "key in."

Reviewing my pictures, I don't see a separate "small cable" (maybe I'm thinking of my W123) so the "key in ignition" contacts may be part of the ignition switch itself, suggesting that the cable is not plugged in all the way, a wire has pulled loose, the new switch is faulty, or some other problem.

Jeremy

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"Buster" in the '95

Our all-Diesel family
1996 E300D (W210) . .338,000 miles Wife's car
2005 E320 CDI . . 113,000 miles My car
Santa Rosa population 176,762 (2022)
Total. . . . . . . . . . . . 627,762
"Oh lord won't you buy me a Mercedes Benz."
-- Janis Joplin, October 1, 1970

I will have to try and remember to check when I get home but I think my 96 210 starting doing the same thing after I replaced the ignition switch. I had figured it had always been that way but my wife had mentioned that it seemed to be acting different in the described manner. I will report back.

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1996 E300 110,000
1985 300TD 212,000
1980 300D 238,000

I just had my cylinder changed (purchased it from Dealer to match VIN#). No issues.

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06 MB E320 CDI 123k miles
14 Sienna (wife's DD) 36k miles
11 GL350 Bluetec 136k (Sold)
96 E300; 292k+ miles (Donated)
11 Sprinter 22K+ miles (Sold)

Confirmed, mine does the same thing. I followed the same write up and purchased the same p/n. I am pretty certain I didnt leave any small cable unplugged, and I dont think the one big connector is loose but I will allow for that possibility. I do remember noting that the pin configuration on my new switch was slightly different than that on the old. So maybe there is slight incompatibility in a particular rev of the switch or something. Interested to know if you figure it out. I have too much other pressing items to care heavily enough about this to do anything.

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1996 E300 110,000
1985 300TD 212,000
1980 300D 238,000

I've had the issue looked at twice by a local shop and they couldn't find any issues with non-connected wires or loose connections either. So I'm not sure just what to do next ..... but I'm happy to know that I'm not the only one with the same problem! Out of curiosty what is the build date of your car? Mine is 01/96 .... also have you had any issues with battery life? Thanks.

Mine is 5/96.

Found this if it gets too annoying

http://www.peachparts.com/shopforum/tech-help/231325-take-key-message.html

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1996 E300 110,000
1985 300TD 212,000
1980 300D 238,000