Mercedes C180 Ignition Failure - Main Dealer or Electrics Specialist?

sbs2010

Hi,

Just looking for advice on whether I should go to a main dealer or to a specialist auto electrics outfit. And especially if anyone on here has had the same or similar problem, what did you do?

Car is a Merc - 2008 C180
Drove into town this morning, parked for 5 mins, back to car and the engine wouldn't start.
Steering is locked.
Key turns but no noise, activity in ignition or engine - tried second key this evening, same result.
Only dashboard activity is clock & odometer
What works is headlamps, hazard lights, seat back adjuster, radio
What doesn't - wipers, windows & ignition

AA came out to help but didn't know what is going on. In the morning they are going to tow it for me. They've suggested an independent place specialising in auto electrics.
I just thought if it needs a new ignition or steering lock unit maybe that will have to be sourced through a Mercedes dealer.

So Main Dealer or Electrics Specialist?
Any other thoughts/advice welcome.

Thanks.

mickdw

sbs2010 wrote: »

Hi,

Just looking for advice on whether I should go to a main dealer or to a specialist auto electrics outfit. And especially if anyone on here has had the same or similar problem, what did you do?

Car is a Merc - 2008 C180
Drove into town this morning, parked for 5 mins, back to car and the engine wouldn't start.
Steering is locked.
Key turns but no noise, activity in ignition or engine - tried second key this evening, same result.
Only dashboard activity is clock & odometer
What works is headlamps, hazard lights, seat back adjuster, radio
What doesn't - wipers, windows & ignition

AA came out to help but didn't know what is going on. In the morning they are going to tow it for me. They've suggested an independent place specialising in auto electrics.
I just thought if it needs a new ignition or steering lock unit maybe that will have to be sourced through a Mercedes dealer.

So Main Dealer or Electrics Specialist?
Any other thoughts/advice welcome.

Thanks.

If it's anything like the issue with the previous model, the ignition unit needs recoding.

MuppetCheck

Have you tried the spare key?

sbs2010

MuppetCheck wrote: »

Have you tried the spare key?

Yep but no joy. Tried rattling the steering column in and out. Tried punching the key slot.

The AA are going to take it away this morning hopefully. I've decided to go for an MB service centre.

PaulieC

would recommend trying AD Mercedes if you are close to Dublin 4. He's a Merc specialist. PM if you want a contact number.

trabpc

PaulieC wrote: »

would recommend trying AD Mercedes if you are close to Dublin 4. He's a Merc specialist. PM if you want a contact number.

Sounds like brothers c200 2008 issue new electronic ignition required. €900

sbs2010

trabpc wrote: »

Sounds like brothers c200 2008 issue new electronic ignition required. €900

Thanks,

Was thinking it could be something around that mark.
Where did he get that done?

trabpc

Merceedes Main dealer Naas. Common fault. But not any other issues with car since

mullingar

Sounds like the main engine ecu is either not picking up the transponder signal in the key or the main ECU is faulty/fuse blown.

With the key in, does any light flash for the immobiliser?

sumo12

Yikes! I'm looking at buying one of these - any other horror stuff go wrong with them?? My ancient C180 runs like a dream and costs me nothing but just want to modernise !

sbs2010

sumo12 wrote: »

Yikes! I'm looking at buying one of these - any other horror stuff go wrong with them?? My ancient C180 runs like a dream and costs me nothing but just want to modernise !

Mine ran like a dream until Tuesday morning.

I'll post next week when I get the diagnosis and the bill.

trabpc

sbs2010 wrote: »

Mine ran like a dream until Tuesday morning.

I'll post next week when I get the diagnosis and the bill.

I think it in fairness is the only issue im aware of that can trouble them. Mercedes may.may give goodwill if sericed since new by them.