1999 w210 e320 ignition key assembly removal

[LITTLEMATTY]

The ignition key is getting sticky on my 99 e320 with 190,000 miles on it.
The key is difficult to engage and hangs up when trying to get the key out of the ignition.
Also it randomly starts and dies if you don't hesitate when you turn the key to engage the starter.
I could use some help on the dis-assembly process.
As I'm thinking its time for a new ignition assembly

[Zulfiqar]

Your car should have the black plastic key fob that you plug into the dash to start. How old is that key?

You can try with the spare key if you have it.

The thing that receives the key is called the EIS - electronic ignition switch - its not just a simple switch and its also not a retail part either.

A dealership could test the EIS in a few minutes to tell you if its good or not, They can read the EIS with a couple of tools to see if its open or locked or personalized or not. If its bad then you are in for about a thousand dollars bill and no-one in USA other than MB dealership can help you.

What happens when you insert the key into the EIS? does the steering unlock? - reason is that the key is a two part system, the EIS once reads and relays signal to the steering lock and the steering lock checks it to release, the other bit of information that is read is for the car to "release for operation" and then the engine can start and so can all BUS networks start.

In most cases people have been succesful with new key replacement - its about 300 dollars in the USA, if that doesnt help then it doesnt mean that the 300 are wasted - the new EIS (if required) will be coded to take the new key that you paid for.

[jake12tech]

Mercedes received major updates after 1997 with the 1998 production models.

You have the new style electronic key and ignition without the switchblade and ignition tumbler that fails due to pin wear inside.

A key shouldn't be anymore than $260.00 to be exact. $300.00 is pushing it in my opinion.

It would only take me five minutes to look at your EIS system on Star Diagnostics to understand if there is anything wrong with your system. A generic code scanner isn't going to cut it.

[Zulfiqar]

Originally Posted by jake12tech

Mercedes received major updates after 1997 with the 1998 production models.

You have the new style electronic key and ignition without the switchblade and ignition tumbler that fails due to pin wear inside.

A key shouldn't be anymore than $260.00 to be exact. $300.00 is pushing it in my opinion.

It would only take me five minutes to look at your EIS system on Star Diagnostics to understand if there is anything wrong with your system. A generic code scanner isn't going to cut it.

dealers in Houston are demanding USD 280 ~ USD 300/- depending on how good the coffee is and how snobbish the staff is.

[jake12tech]

Originally Posted by Zulfiqar

dealers in Houston are demanding USD 280 ~ USD 300/- depending on how good the coffee is and how snobbish the staff is.

It does seem to vary coast to coast. I just talked to someone in California after I posted this who payed about $320.

Maybe they think it's worth the extra $40.00 now in Texas because of the chrome accents they added.

Price we pay for good looks it seems.