Mercedes SL280 R129 Intermittent starting issue

[Hans Solo5]

Had a auto electrician look at my Mercedes today, Intermittent starting issue , assumed it was the Immobiliser which has only one key and was fitted by Main Dealer in 1997, alas that checked out all ok.

We discovered that it was the key barrel , checked all terminals for loose connections and all seems ok, when it didn't start he tapped it gently and it would kick into life, Is the only option a new barrel and lock set and no-doubt the green key and deposit scenario which I had before on a E200.

Its annoying as it will only miss 1 in 20 times but I dont want to take the chance, anybody else experienced the same ?

Many thanks

 

[ajlsl600]

Barrel and lock. Normally just turns a simple electrical switch at bottom of barrel. If the case, find part online and check it out. If so you may well be able to get this part.

 

[Wearsafoxhat]

Inside the key barrel is the ignition switch, this is a set of heavy duty contacts that connect to various circuits. This can be replaced. This is inside the protective “ trumpet” looking part that the key barrel turns. May be this if it springs to life with a “knock”..


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[Hans Solo5]

Inside the key barrel is the ignition switch, this is a set of heavy duty contacts that connect to various circuits. This can be replaced. This is inside the protective “ trumpet” looking part that the key barrel turns. May be this if it springs to life with a “knock”..


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

Many Thanks

 

[Hans Solo5]

Barrel and lock. Normally just turns a simple electrical switch at bottom of barrel. If the case, find part online and check it out. If so you may well be able to get this part.

Many thanks

 

[Hans Solo5]

Sorry to trouble you again, I have spoken with two R129 SL specialist companies today, they believe it could be this part they don't sell separately !

it maybe I get lucky with MB and they have old stock, if that fails there are units for sale on ebay.

I trust this is the part Im looking for ?

Any help would be gratefully received.

Thank you

 

[LostKiwi]

Before replacing it try filling it full of contact cleaner.

 

[Hans Solo5]

Before replacing it try filling it full of contact cleaner.

Ok will do, great advise, the car in its 27 years has only covered 55k so it may be the answer.

 

[Hans Solo5]

Just an update, contact cleaner didn't work, but I managed to order a new part from Mercedes Benz South West for £111.00 plus vat.
Great service, will keep you updated.

Many thanks

 

[LostKiwi]

Always worth a try!

 

[Hans Solo5]

Worth mentioning as it may help others, the key rotates I would say 3 stages before it endeavours to start, the sign for me was on the third stage the lights would come on and fade very quickly, other times it starts fine, Ive got a Swiss road trip planned for September so need it sorted.

Any tips for travelling with the old girl ? I was going to service, all relevant oils, gearbox service before the date.

Anyway thanks again, great forum.

 

[Hans Solo5]

Just updating this thread, after some great pointers from the forum, I purchased new a ignition switch, my local garage fitted the switch which appeared in good order, we then diagnosed a alternator problem which was intermittent and we changed both, so far so good, serviced the old girl and the delayed trip to Villars-Sur-Ollon in Switzerland is back on for this September, just the crusty front arch to do now.