e280 w210 ignition switch intermitant

[valvetester]

Hi everyone, I have a 97 e280 thats has intermitant starting (spins no fire). I had the car diagnostic checked at non dealer garage which showed no faults. They suggested it may be the ignition switch as the battery lamp & oil dont light.
They quoted 3hrs labour & £200 for the lock. I just removed the unit a shortwhile ago it only took 10 mins. I reseated all cables apart from a twin green jack thats in the heavy current jack loom because it looked like its not meant to be easily dissconected & if detached from the main ecu may cause problems ?. I rang the local dealer which quoted a large amount of money for the job. Im sure this is a common problem ? I assume a new one cant just be pulled of the shelf as the car wont recognise. I live in south London and would be gratefull for any advice & reccomendations.

Im tempted to remove unit & open to clean contacts if access is permisable has anyone achived this or is "new" the option

Many Thanks

 

[television]

You have the same switch as used on the 129's, the switch is a big problem.
Many people have taken them apart cleaned them and adjusted the contacts with complete success. Do not use WD40 Get a good none drying electronic lubricant.

malcolm

 

[malcolm E53 AMG]

I assume you have checked that the key is not at fault. One of my ignition keys became faulty and I thought it was the IS until I tried the other key and everything works fine with that.

Replacements keys are now £150 which is a big price increase considering that I bought a replacement just over a year ago for £60. MB must have woken up to the fact that theres easy money to be had.

 

[valvetester]

Thanks lads i have tried each key.They dissingage the relay allowing turning so i guess they "pass" the security check. The key unit is aprox 5cm2 held together by two screws part number 208 545 01 08 my main concern is its ok to completley dissconnect the switch from the car tperform the opperation

thanks David

 

[television]

Yes, the switch part just un plugs, do not remove the coil around the switch, that is only for key recognition.

malcolm

 

[valvetester]

Thanks malcolm i will try at the weekend & comeback with the results i will take photos as i go

 

[valvetester]

Now Doesn't recognise key please help !

Hi griup,
Carefully cleaned contacts using RS contact cleaner but on re- assembly no go ignition switch doesnt recognise either key. The key locks unlocks by remote the door & boot. I removed all plugs but one before & had no problems. this time to completley remove from car i unplugged a two pin green lead has this caused the car ecu not to recognise it iw would be most gratefull fo any help od advice