Recently I encountered some nightmare issues: It began when the car stopped reacting to the key fob- no trunk, no unlocking, or locking. Then, wehen I used the mechanical key to enter, the alarm sounded but the fob would not disengage once inserted into the ignition. The first time this happened, I used the spare fob to start the car and figured I needed new batteries in the other fob. I replaced all four batteries--just to be safe. Several days later, it happened again. This time I remembered I had done something out of the oridinary before exiting the car: I closed the side view mirrors using the button on the door. Well, I figured, "Why not give it a try?" and pressed the button again. Voila'! The car started. This happened on two more random occasions.

The last time it happened, not even pressing any button helped. I resigned to a tow and while waiting for the truck, I tried the ignition on a whim and it started. So, I drove home. My mechanic suspected the problem was within the anti-theft system and he said I would have to take it to the dealer because those kinds of parts are held hostage...joking. So, I drove it to the dealer the next day.
The dealer didn't get to examine the car while in its "locked" mode, but later did manage to get an error code-- faulty ignition. So they replaced that.
Now, the doors do not lock. Only by using the mechanical key will the driver's door lock. Not by the button on the dash board either. Also, the driver's window intermittantly works. Right now, it is down. I drove it (I picked it up today after being in the shop for 2 weeks) and tested the button all the way home. The passenger side window functioned...until I opened the passenger door when there was no key in the ignition--it went down and will not rise again.

This story is becoming convoluted and confusing; I hope you all are able to keep track of what I'm describing.

So, the windows are down: I will try them later when the ambient temperature cools- maybe the motor will react better when it's colder. And, the pump for the pneumatic door locks is overtaxed because of a leak on the passenger side lock acuator (they also found some corrosion there).
I understand the car is 20 years old. It is becoming more expensive with every service. I would like to think I am capable of some mechanicing, but who am I kidding? This kind of work seems far over my pay grade.

Any advice or words of enfcouragement?

 

So, the problems with the windows and door locks turned out to be coding issues. The fortunate thing about filling out online surveys is if one is brutally honest they may get a response from the service manager, the second in command at the dealership. That is what I did; I filled out a detailed survey expressing my dissasisfaction with the progress of my repairs and this prompted the service manager to investigate further with a second technician who found th ecoding issues resolvable within a few hours. I asked why the issue was not initially realized and the manager simply replied, "Lack of epxerience."

I see this thread has been read nearly 200 times and nobody responded. At another MB forum, I get responses from multiple members. Thanks anyway.