Mercedes C-Class Wont Start — EIS Electronic Ignition Switch
Mercedes-Benz
C-Class
2000
All W203/W204
⚡ Quick Summary
Severity Level
High
Safe to Drive?
🚫 Do NOT Drive
Safety Impact
Direct safety risk — affects safe operation of the vehicle
Urgency Level
🟠 Fix Soon
The Electronic Ignition Switch on W203/W204 can fail, preventing the car from starting. The key is recognised but the engine does not crank. The EIS module in the steering column wears with repeated key insertions. Replacement EIS unit requires programming and costs £400-800.
Repair / Solution
No confirmed fixes yet. Share yours below.
⚠️ Wrong Diagnosis?
No commonly reported misdiagnoses for this fault yet. If you have replaced a part that did not fix this Mercedes-Benz C-Class 2000 problem, submit a wrong diagnosis report — it helps other drivers avoid the same costly mistake.
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