Hello!
I have an 01 S 430 that for the past two years will not always start when its cold outside (~35 F) Cycling the key will mostly make this work but not always and sometimes t could take 5-10 min The engine does not even try to turn over. All the electrical stuff works. I have had the keys, ignition system and passive lock out replaced. Any help would be greatly appreiated

 

Hi,
Another poster (last few days) appears to have a similar problem. See poster Natural

Question. Quote ~35 F
Is this intended to convey approximately 35degF i.e. just above freezing or Minus35degF i.e. -20degC
Either way your vehicle should start without difficulty.
Modern vehicle design requires a vehicle SHOULD start in a temp of -40C (without wind chill) if in good order.

Assuming your battery/alternator are good (the electrical systems on many MB's are voltage sensitive) I believe your problem will lie with the EIS Electronic Ignition Switch.
To check you battery ou should have approx 13v at the battery with engine off and 14v with engine running at warm idle.

The EIS is very complex device but amongst its many functions is to establish a handshake between the key and the car so that the starting procedure can be initiated.
If this handshake has NOT occurred the key wont turn.

If the handshake has taken place successfully then the car should crank when the key is turned.
If the car does not crank then a further feature in the EIS is at fault.

Best course of action is to get the DTCX's Diagnostic Codes for the EIS read at an MB dealer to establish what (if any) codes have been set.
Note: These EIS codes cannot be read by a "normal" OBD scanner.

Stuart