oct 2000 c180 elegance auto, boot not opening and ignition not starting first time..

[rubym007]

I have an oct 2000 c180 elegance auto with the new facelift model.
Hi there, reached home this evening and found my boot doesn't open.
i pressed the boot release button on the keyfob - no luck.
I pressed the boot release button on the driver's door - no luck.
I took the key out of the keyfob and tried to manually open the boot. Key goes inside the boot lock and turns but still doesn't open.
I switched the car alarm on and off from the keyfob, then tried opening the boot - no luck.
I switched the ignition on and tried opening the boot - no luck.
Any other suggestions before i go to a main dealer with this problem?

Secondly, back in Nov 07 went to USA for 3 weeks, apparently it was really cold here!!! This also meant my car was left standing outside for 3 weeks. Ever since then i've had a problem starting the car. First time i had to switch the ignition on and off for 15 minutes before eventually the engine turned and started.
The second time i tried the ignition for 35 minutes before the engine started.
Now it takes between instant start and two minutes.
I read somewhere that this could possibly be an immobiliser problem or to use the second key to start the car. i've since ordered a second key for £145 , as i only have one key,from a main dealer and awaiting delivery from Germany.
Do i need a new starter motor or what else can you suggest?
Thank you for your time in reading this.

 

[brandwooddixon]

I'm not too sure about your boot release problem, although I think that you need to turn the key and press the button in at the same time. Due to lack of use persistance is the key - no pun intended.

If your car didn't turn over then it sounds to me as if the battery is on it's way out and that the cold weather discharged it. Regular use is now keeping it topped up enough to start the car. Usually the key will not turn in the ignition switch or the engine will turn over but not fire if it is a key problem.

 

[television]

If the car battery is flat then the remote will not open the boot