W210 steering lock locked - help!

[JeremyG]

I've got a nasty problem with my '96 W210 E230 estate - the steering lock won't unlock.

This happened this evening - stopped the engine but left the key in the lock. When I came to restart, the key would not turn.

The following applies:

1) Neither of my keys will turn the ignition
2) Both keys fit in and come out of the lock normally
3) Both keys will lock/unlock the doors normally
4) I have the earlier single-button, blade key type
5) When I put either key in the lock or remove it, there is a faint click that sounds like a relay or solenoid (immobiliser arming/disarming?)

The security system has been doing a couple of odd things recently:

1) Locking the car always works fine. But when unlocking, I sometimes get the green and red warning lights in the mirror flashing - not simultaneously and not alternating, but with an odd flashing pattern
2) When opening the passenger door with the car unlocked normally and the drivers door already open, the alarm went off. The same thing happened a few days ago.
3) For a few weeks now, when I lock the car there's been a multiple clunking noise from the petrol flap area - assume this is the petrol flap lock playing up

Not sure if any of the above are related to the lock problem - but has anyone got any ideas on how to release the lock?

Would a battery disconnect/reconnect cycle help?

Cheers,

Jeremy

 

[television]

By all means try a battery disconnect, with the key out.

If this does not work it will mean a new EZS ignition switch

 

[JeremyG]

Update: spoke to my local indy who advised this was likely to be the ignition lock barrel (ie mechanical not electrical problem). Also called the AA - as the car was not moveable - and their guy was able to start the car by a) squirting some oil into the ignition lock and b) jiggling the key up and down whilst turning it.This did release the key and allowed us to start the engine.

Have now left the car with my independent dealer and ordered the new barrel from my local dealer - will be a week until delivery. Price for the ignition lock barrel - a surprisingly reasonable £55.55.

 

[Jonssen]

Just in case anyone has the misfortune of actually tripping the steering lock (e.g. when working on the ignition switch) to the 'secure' position (thoroughly locked!), I now have a method by which this can be easily be released, without destroying it.

Please private message me if you have this problem and are looking for a solution - click on the user name to reach the private messaging facility.
Instructions are in PDF form which I need to send as an attachment, so don't forget to give me an email address.

For this who are wondering why I don't post the whole solution here, please bear in mind that it is a security device. I don't think that Mercedes, the insurance companies or vehicle owners would welcome it, do you?

The solution relates to this lock p/no. 210 442 0030 (RHD) below pictured - I don't know if it is identical for LHD vehicles, but surely it would be similar:

 

[Jonssen]

Just in case anyone has the misfortune of actually tripping the steering lock (e.g. when working on the ignition switch) to the 'secure' position (thoroughly locked!), I now have a method by which this can be easily be released, without destroying it.

Please private message me if you have this problem and are looking for a solution - click on the user name to reach the private messaging facility.
Instructions are in PDF form which I need to send as an attachment, so don't forget to give me an email address.

For this who are wondering why I don't post the whole solution here, please bear in mind that it is a security device. I don't think that Mercedes, the insurance companies or vehicle owners would welcome it, do you?

The solution relates to this lock p/no. 210 442 0030 (RHD) below pictured - I don't know if it is identical for LHD vehicles, but surely it would be similar:

P.S. I'm told that this Steering Lock is also fitted to W140 (S-Class) and W129 (SL-Class) models

 

[Gwu]

Hi, I have the same problem on my W210 E280. I wonder if anyone still has Jonssen documented method to unlock it? I can actually start the car and moving it back and forward but no turning. Not very safe at all. Any help would be much appreciated.