1998 clk 320 key wont start engine

[PAPIV]

HI i JUST BOUGHT A 1998 AUTO CLK 320. It drives really well, the only thing that is really bothering me is that the key doesn't start the engine first time every time.
It goes to position 2 and message saying its overdue for service comes on, then different indicator/warning lights in the display have come on, an I comes on, then I turn the key to 3 and it doesn't start.

So I start again, and then it comes on. I've just bought it so I want to find out if its serious, as Ill try and get it paid for or a refund, as this wasn't listed as a fault.

Its been to one garage already, and they said it starts first time ! I think they didn't want the hassle of testing it. So I've booked it in somewhere else.
Its had a new battery apparently, although it doesn't have a name on it, and looks like a cheap one, and I've ordered new batteries for the key fob.

Any ideas or advice would be helpful,thanks andy

 

[television]

Hello and welcome,,I am sorry to say that this looks like the EIS ignitions switch being faulty,,and not cheap at £600

There have been many going down in the last few days, across a wide range of cars, and this almost seems to be a fault that can come up in the colder weather

 

[Alex Crow]

hello peter, can you answer this crucial question...

when it fails to start, does it 'turn over' fine, does it not turn over at all, or does it make the briefest sort of 'clunk' noise and then nothing? if the latter, does the rev counter needle briefly flick upwards above 1,000rpm as you hear the clunk?

if yes to the last 2x questions, it is a cheap and simple fix, please get back to us.

 

[PAPIV]

hi when it turns over it runs as normal - its going to another garage on Monday.

 

[television]

But when it does not start,,does the rev counter pointer needle flick up this could save you money if you can answer that

 

[Alex Crow]

come on andy, read the detailed question again - carefully! - and give us a detailed answer.

 

[television]

Maybe he is wealthy,,and if he goes to a non MB garage they will never know this one

 

[Dringo]

I had this too

This morning, my CLK320 (2000) started fine, then went limpish a couple of times. After parking it was stuck in Park and althjough the key works, there is no click to engage the starter motor at all and the BAS and ESP/ABS lights are on.

The garage had to tow it. Its still cold, so I don't know if they move it to a warm workshop (is there such a thing?) if it will start in the warm!

I am hoping it is going to be the Brake Switch thingy, and not a complete Ignition Unit (because the key seems to function and be recognised).

 

[television]

The ESP and ABS show that there has been a power supply problem with the battery,,could be an earth strap on the battery or engine, and could be an EIS problem, but why all at the same time

 

[Alex Crow]

could be this, similar set up to the w210...

http://forums.mercedesclub.org.uk/showthread.php?t=44212