I have a 1997 E320, that is having some starting problems. Put key in ignition turn it to on (one click) the acts as it should turn to start car just cranks will not pick up. Then turn key back to on and display comes up with "take key". Then turn all the way back to the left (off) the display remains "take key" and i then can remove key. It seems like the tumbler is not recognizing the on position. Would this be related to the ignition tumbler, anti-theft, or what ever else. Odds are I could go and try to start it in an hour and it will start turn it off and try again and no luck. It is a very random but annoying problem. Any help or info on this matter is greatly appericated....

thanks

 

CPS or crankcase position sensor

use the search engine to key in the above terms and see if it resembles your observations.

do same in

mbworld.org
benzworld.org
mercedesshop.com/shopforum/

 

That is what I thought but I didnt know about the display showing take key.
So the CPS will cause the take key. That was what I needed to know
thanks for the info.

 

actually, I ignored the key warning light you mentioned simply because i felt it a small thing....with the primary ailment being the sporadic starting/cranking as the real problem.