Does a different key operate the car normally? If so, that would point to a failed electronic section of the key in question.

How bright are your headlights? Do they dim significantly when you try to start the engine? A crap battery or poor connection can cause all sorts of weird problems, especially with the high current draw of the starter motor.

__________________
Current stable:
1995 E320 157K (Nancy)
1983 500SL 125K (SLoL)

Gone but not forgotten:
1986 300SDL (RIP)
1991 350SD
1991 560SEL
1990 560SEL
1986 500SEL Euro (Rusted to nothing at 47K!)

Gone and wanting to forget:
1985 524TD 167K (TotalDumpster™) [Definitely NOT a Benz]

No, the same key is used to access everything and start the car. Headlights are normal. Nothing skips a beat when I try to start the car. Radio will play constantly regardless of how many times I try and start the car. The no key detected message is what’s throwing me for a loop. I can check for voltage while I’m pressing the push start button but I really don’t think it will affect at the battery end of things being it’s acting basically like you didn’t even have a key and sat down and tried to start it. That’s probably the most accurate description I can come up with. I was thinking maybe a relay at first because the process doesn’t even seem to make it to first base but with it not detecting a key in the first place makes me think of several possibilities that I’m at a loss of how to diagnose let alone solve on my own. Here is another question for my fellow mercedes enthusiasts.....I read that the Mercedes Benz Roadside Assistance service lasts for the duration of the car regardless of ownership which I thought was unbelievably incredible. I know they’ll send out a certified/qualified service tech to handle the call but my question is will this tech be able to diagnose the issue at hand, and then tow the car to the dealership if necessary? Or is it strictly a help change your tire/check your fluids kind of tech that facilitates a tow if necessary?


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You will need to take this to a shop, not being able to diagnose leads to randomly changing parts.

This was changed some years ago. The car owner must have spent X amount within Y days at a dealer for it to be valid.

Ahhhhh....damn. Makes sense from their perspective but at least it sounded good in theory. I’ll suck it up and get it towed. Thank you for the help though. Definitely appreciated.


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Please post the outcome to help others.

Absolutely.


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That's not what I asked. I asked if you tried a DIFFERENT key. Cars come from the factory with 2 sets, have you tried the other one to see if it does the same thing? If it does, the problem is with the car somewhere, if it doesn't, it's with the key you've been using.

__________________
Current stable:
1995 E320 157K (Nancy)
1983 500SL 125K (SLoL)

Gone but not forgotten:
1986 300SDL (RIP)
1991 350SD
1991 560SEL
1990 560SEL
1986 500SEL Euro (Rusted to nothing at 47K!)

Gone and wanting to forget:
1985 524TD 167K (TotalDumpster™) [Definitely NOT a Benz]