2008 Mercedes Benz C350: won't start

Filed Sep 11, 2023 · Electrical, Steering · VA

All of a sudden, the car would not start and inserting the key and turning doesn't do anything. Turns out that like many other folks, the Electronic Steering Lock module is faulty and preventing the car from starting. Found out that only the dealer can fix it and mercedes provides the replacement part. The cost is unaffordable at $2200 from the dealer and the part is back ordered and won't be available for approximately 2 months. This is completely unacceptable and mercedes should prioritize and fix this issue as a safety issue with a recall since it completely makes the car non-driveable and nobody but the dealer can fix this, which allows the dealer to charge any amount they like.

Filed Feb 1, 2021 · Electrical, Lights · 150,000 miles · MO

Tl* the contact owns a 2008 mercedes benz c350. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle, several electrical failures had occurred and on several occasions and the vehicle would not start. The contact replaced the fuel pump however, the failure continued. It was later discovered the cause of the failure was due to a faulty fuse. No further information was available. Additionally, the passenger's side headlight and windshield wipers had stopped working and the SRS warning light was illuminated. The cause of the failures were not determined. The local dealer plaza mercedes benz located at 11910 olive blvd, creve coeur, mo 63141 and the manufacturer were notified of the failures. The failure mileage was 150,000.

Filed Nov 9, 2017 · Steering · 70,000 miles · TX

Vehicle was stationary. Steering column locked up and vehicle would not start.

Filed Jun 13, 2017 · Electrical, Steering · 115,000 miles · CA

Esl failed in unlocked position, car wont start.

Filed Feb 12, 2017 · Electrical, Steering · 80,000 miles · CA

Steering lock issue. Engine does not crank and car does not start. Upon inserting key, an message pops up asking to remove the key. Steering wheel is locked and car stuck in park. Due to the configuration of my parking garage and the fact that the steering wheel was locked, it took me several days and 4 different tow trucks to successfully tow the car 1.5 miles to my local mb dealership. The diagnosis and repair of the faulty steering lock, which the service advisor says happens all the time with my model, took an entire week. I was told mb does not offer a loaner car in this situation. All in all, it took my 2 weeks to finally get my car working again. The repair was $1,200. Add in the 4 tow trucks, and 2 weeks of rental car and this was easily a $2,000 issue. Mb should issue a recall given that this issue is so prevalent and clearly a fault with the steering lock part.

Filed May 17, 2016 · Electrical, Engine · 36,617 miles · GA

Stationary vehicle no start, no crank without warning while parked on a city street. Failure within the electronic steering lock. Vehicle will not recognize the drivers key. Driver and passengers left dangerously stranded where ever the vehicle is parked when the failure occurs. This failure makes it unable to shift the vehicle into neutral position for towing.

Filed May 9, 2016 · Electrical · 89,000 miles · LA

Esl failure. Apparently this is a very common 1200$ issue with c-class. The key would turn but the car won't start. Had to be towed to the dealer who instantly knew it was the esl. There should be a recall on these issues. So many people are having the exact same problem!

Filed Mar 3, 2016 · Airbags, Electrical · 34,050 miles · CA

Tl* the contact owns a 2008 mercedes benz c350. The contact stated that while attempting to start the vehicle, the vehicle would not start as the SRS warning indicator illuminated. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 34,050.

Filed Jan 5, 2016 · Steering · 100,000 miles · CA

This is the 2nd time it has happened to me same issue with the eis steering mechanism. First time I paid over $800 to have the part replaced then second time I am being charged over $900 & that's with a discount! I complained & mercedes does not care! Very frustrating when you think you purchased a car for reliability & quality but it is always breaking down. Mercedes knows the problem & is well aware of it but will not fix it because they are making a lot of money from it! I was at the gas station ready to leave & car would not start. The lights were on & radio but no luck getting the key to turn at all. Had to get a tow truck & pay more because car would not go into neutral. I was told they could not guarantee that it wouldn't happen again & they could not help with any discounts either! Just not right! Someone please help!!!

Filed Oct 20, 2015 · Electrical · 120,000 miles · TX

I had stopped to check the mailbox in the parking lot, turning the engine off. Upon return, engine wouldn't crank; windows wouldn't go down. Dashboard indicator & interior/exterior lights worked. Steering column locked; unable to shift gear from park. Towed car to dealer. I had only one key fob. They wanted to test a second one; since I didn't own one, they stated I should purchase one for $250 in case it was a fob problem. It wasn't. The eis--electronic ignition switch (they called it "steering lock" aka esl--electronic steering lock) is the cause, according to the dealership. They want $1100 for that issue, total of $1420 + tax.

Filed Sep 8, 2015 · Steering · 70,677 miles · CA

2008 mercedes benz c350 - 70,677 after driving the car in the morning, I went to crank the car later in the day and it would not start. Ignition would turn, but nothing happened - only a clicking sound when I removed the key. Locks, alarm, lights (interior and exterior), radio and air conditioner worked fine, but the car would not shift out of park and the brake was locked in place. Battery tested normal at 12.4 volts. I tried the second key, but the car would not start. Took it to mercedes benz dealership, and they told me that it was a steering lock / ignition switch problem and it was a common issue they see in this year and model. They wanted $1,200 to replace the steering lock. I have seen numerous complaints about the same problem in mercedes benz 2008 c class, but there has been no recall and mercedes will not address the issue.

Filed Aug 25, 2015 · Electrical, Steering · 102,000 miles · TX

Drove car to work without any problems. At the end of day, car would not start and engine would not crank or turn over. Dashboard indicator, radio, windows, interior/exterior lights worked. Got a jump from employee parking services, but car still would not start. Steering column locked and unable to shift gear to neutral. Towed car to auto repair shop and had service diagnostic performed. Error found to be related to service campaign 2008020003 issued march 2008 in which the electronic ignition switch required replacement. Per campaign, "daimler ag has determined that the eis may malfunction preventing the electric steering lock and the central lock from functioning. Dealers will replace the eis on the affected vehicles during the next workshop visit. Please note that recall and service campaigns do not expire and may also be performed on a vehicle with a vehicle status indicator. Order no. P-sc-2008020003." parts--part name:eis part no: a204 545 14 08 estimated replacement rate 100%; part name:orange workshop key (must be ordered by VIN) part no: a000 766 96 06 9999 estimated replacement rate 100%. Warranty information: operation: replace eis control module (02-5644); connect/disconnect star diagnosis (02-4762); connect/disconnect battery charger (02-5058). Damage code: 46 926 31 7. Do your research--this problem has affected thousands of mb owners and has occurred to some while driving. This is a serious safety hazard, more so than the back tail light issue which was recalled. Please investigate this dangerous issue and make this a required recall covered by mercedes. Don't buy another mercedes without checking the vmi, vehicle master inquiry first. Lives matter.