Hi Guys - the '99 E300 Turbo just had the little door to the ignition tumbler break off. I think it is pressed into the tumbler in the back. When turning the car off it screams at me and the dash goes red with a warning. The problem is that this is one of the famous W210 dashes where the display is shot so I can't read the warning.

The question is do you think the warning is telling me that the key is still in the ignition? The car won't lock using the key either from outside but will lock using the dash button.

Thanks

__________________
dtf
1994 E320 Wagon (Died @ 308,669 miles)
1995 E300 Diesel (228,000)
1999 E300 Turbodiesel ( died @ 255,000)
2006 Toyota Tundra SR5 AC 4X4 (115,000 miles) rusted frame - sold to chop shop
2011 Audi A4 Avant (165,000 miles) Seized engine - donated to Salvation Army
BMW 330 xi 6 speed manual (175,034 miles)
2014 E350 4Matic Wagon 128,000 miles
2018 Dodge Ram 21,000 miles

Ok I got the dash to show me that the error is that the car still thinks the key is in the ignition. when I put the key in I hear no unlocking sound and the key will not turn at all.

I tried cleaning the windows on the key and the ignition part but it is still not working. I've heard these are expensive to replace too.

__________________
dtf
1994 E320 Wagon (Died @ 308,669 miles)
1995 E300 Diesel (228,000)
1999 E300 Turbodiesel ( died @ 255,000)
2006 Toyota Tundra SR5 AC 4X4 (115,000 miles) rusted frame - sold to chop shop
2011 Audi A4 Avant (165,000 miles) Seized engine - donated to Salvation Army
BMW 330 xi 6 speed manual (175,034 miles)
2014 E350 4Matic Wagon 128,000 miles
2018 Dodge Ram 21,000 miles

Ballpark is around $500 including the coding key. MB SDS is required as well.....

Ok update. I have a guy coming to tow the '99 away tomorrow morning but with the steering column locked due to the key issue the rear tires can't roll because I can't get it into neutral.

I assume there is an override for this - can anybody tell me how to do this? I can't find my owners manual either.

__________________
dtf
1994 E320 Wagon (Died @ 308,669 miles)
1995 E300 Diesel (228,000)
1999 E300 Turbodiesel ( died @ 255,000)
2006 Toyota Tundra SR5 AC 4X4 (115,000 miles) rusted frame - sold to chop shop
2011 Audi A4 Avant (165,000 miles) Seized engine - donated to Salvation Army
BMW 330 xi 6 speed manual (175,034 miles)
2014 E350 4Matic Wagon 128,000 miles
2018 Dodge Ram 21,000 miles