HELP!!!

[MJS]

I have had my new 2004 CLK500 for about a week now.
On Thursday, I had a problem starting it. The key would not turn.
MB roadside assistance came out and said the battery was fine..they then sent a tow truck. The tow truck driver was able to get my CLK500 started by messing with the keys. He said that sometimes there is electrostatic built up that causes this type of issue.

I have an appointment setup with my MB dealership for Monday.
However, it looks like I will need to get the car towed to the dealership now.

The car has ran fine since last Thurs. I go to start it this morning and now I'm experiencing the same issue. The key will not turn! I cannot get the car out of park!

I am disappointed that I'm having issues with a car that only has 290 miles on it!

Any thoughts on this problem?

The roadside assistance technician said it is likely the EIS (Electronic Switch System)

 

[Arnie]

I doubt that its due to static, but it could well be a faulty system that operates intermittently. The key needs to exchange the correct code with the transponder in the ignition 'lock' for the car to start and this may not be woking properly.

Have you tried both keys?

It's unfortunate that you'll have to get the car towed, but when things go wrong, they tend to follow a 'bathub' curve. That is, more failures at the beginning (infant mortality), few during the middle and then more towards the end (due to old age).

 

[talbir]

How did you manage to get a 2004 car in 2003 ?

 

[njpumphrey]

I must say that most of the problems I have had with my cars happened in the latter stage of the bath-tub curve. However, I've never had any problems with ignition computer failure! :lol:

Sat. nav. is the missus who is sat next to me. Air con is controlled at the flick of the wrist, cranking the window winder. Fuel injection happens only when filling up. etc...

 

[MJS]

Well, I am having the car towed to the dealership now.

I'm very disappointed..I've only had the car a week.

The car is an '04...the 04's are already coming into the states.
The 04 cabriolets are already here too..

 

[dieselman]

Obviously it is dissapointing tohave a failure when a car is new, but it's only a small thing. The problem is indeed the coding between the key and the ignition lock and at the worst requires a new ignition lock unit.

Annoying but no real problem.

 

[MJS]

I just got a call from my service advisor.
The problem is with the Electronic Ignition System as I expected.
Parts have been ordered.