I wondered if anyone has an idea of what's going on with my 1998 - CLK 320. I have it scheduled to go in to MB Service next week, but would love to know ahead of time what the problem might be and whether or not it will cost an arm & leg (it just went off warranty with 103,000 miles)...

Every morning I have to insert my key 3 or 4 times quickly (as if I'm faking the computer out or something) to get the key to turn. I've tried all 3 keys, tried replacing the key batteries, just about everything I can think of. It seems like the computer that controls the key / start / lock sequence is freaking out...

I've had hundreds (honestly - no exaggeration) of electrical problems with the car since the very first day with only a few miles on the car when the Xenon bulb blew... could this be another electrical problem that's related?

 

component problem.

was it EIS or mechanical key?

 

It is the EIS key. Both of the "big keys' and the valet key) all the same problem. I replaced the batteries in the key (even though another website said the batteries have nothing to do with it) and it did not make a difference. Seems like the colder weather makes it worse...it was very warm over the weekend and it seemed to work. But this morning when it was a little cooler, BAM..key didn't work unless I pushed it in and out a few times and turned quickly after hearing the "connection"...

 

your problem sounds like the EIS itself.

bring to an authorized workshop for further check.

 

hey sleepwalker...thanks for your help with this... it turned out to be the EIS, just like you thought. The unfortunate thing was that it cost me $1,650... YIKES!!! About two weeks later I had another strange electrical problem that popped up and I decided to trade the car in. As much as I wanted to try BMW to get away from the technical problems, I just couldn't.... I ended up with a new CLK and I'm back in love...

 

i like the new CLK too. it's a beauty.

 

I'm a car dealer in Iowa, have the same prob. - I put a big light bulb in the car, under the steering column for 15-30 mins. then the car recognizes the signal coming out of the key fob, and starts fine. The car is at the Mercedes dealer now, they just called to tell me it's $ 1400. for a new ign module-installed. I asked about a used ign switch, they said it's vin # specific so I can't put a used one in. I've seen this problem several times on Mercedes and some GM cars. I have a 2003 S 500 and a 2002 S 55, they both have done this same thing at various times, but always when the outside temp ( and of course the inside of the car temp ) is below 35-40 degrees, I suppose the cold temp causes a shrinkage of a connection inside the ign switch module..