c280 key won't turn! HELP
 

Two days ago, I put my key in the ignition and it wouldn't turn. I tried two or three times wiggling the steering wheel etc to no avail. I tried removing the key and re-inserting several times and it cranked up. I went to the gym this morning and had the same problem again. I tried all of these same things for 10 minutes and still can't get the key to turn. What could be the problem? HELP!!!:eek:

It happenes to me from time to time. Do this:
1. Open and close the drivers door,
2. Put the key in the ignition/you should hear the sound something like trrrrrr.... which means that car computer recognize the ignition key. If you don't hear the sound, pull out the key and open and close the door again. Repeat this two-three times. It works for me.

Hi,

If you have a spare key try that if not more likely the EIS is gone on your car so it can be diagnosed.

The problem when the key doesn't turn the ignition is either a worn key, or more likely, the wafers or slugs inside your tumbler which is made of brass has either fallen off or worn from meshing with the much-harder steel key! The other possibility is your steering lock has jammed in the lock position. If your steering wheel turns side to side within the bounds of the steering lock, the chances are good it is only a worn tumbler or key.

Basically, you waited too long to fix this easily. If you cannot turn the key to at least the #1 position you have 2 options: 1. To order a new tumbler & key set from Mercedes using your vin# then have a competent locksmith or mercedes technician to drill out your old tumbler and install the new one--average cost $500! 2. The better fix would be to cut the steering lock from underneath and replace the assembly which includes the receptable that the tumbler plugs into along with the new encoded key to your vin#. Cost of this repair should be no more than the initial $500 to do option one plus the cost of the new steering lock/electrical receptacle assembly which is about $145...so total for both fixes is about $650!

Sorry to give you this bad news, but that's the only way you could fix this problem correctly! Good luck!!!

Note: You may try to use the new key with the tumbler to see if it works.
If it does, run to the locksmith and have the new tumbler assembly
installed--lucky you if this is the case - your cost should now be no
more than $50! Remember, if you get lucky enough to get the car started, when
you get to the locksmith, do not turn the key to the off position and remove it--you
may not be able to again. Just leave it on #1 position, and tell the locksmith to
remove the old and install your new tumbler and key set!

you have a 2000 c280? car does not have a key blade for the ignition. first make sure your car battery is good. a weak battery can cause the key not to turn in the EIS. the central locking might work to get in the car but sometimes not enough for the key to turn. as previously stated could be a bad EIS or even a bad Key.

I think you should use the tubular lock pick to turn it and still it doesn't work then call a car locksmith to help you.

Don't think of buying the key blade as mentioned think about the car battery and hire any locksmith near to help you in turning the key works like new again.