My 99 E430 has a problem with the "one touch starting" It usually requires 3-4 attempts to get the car started no matter if I try the One touch method or not. Its not the battery since when it does catch it spins fine. When it fails it gives about half a rev and the quits. Has anyone heard of this, and if so is it the ignition switch, the Key itself, or something deeper. I'd appreciate any info at all. I'm a capable mechanic, I owned a toyota supra for 11 years prior and did everything short of blueprinting the engine.

Thanks

Sounds like the EIS is on the fritz. It's the anti-theft device. It "kicks-in" right after the engine begins to fire, killing the engine. My car did the EXACT same thing. New EIS (dealer said updated version, truth?) solved problem for several years now.

Have you tried the other key? If not, do so. If it does it on both keys, might be the EIS. If not, then it might be the key.

If the EIS is fine and the keys are fine, then you'll probably have to start the "usual suspect" route of fuel and spark. Misfires that are persistent usually set of the CE light...

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John Shellenberg
1998 C230 "Black Betty" 240K

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