E-320, December 1998 Ignition or key issues

[funguy1974]

Hi,
I have a Mercedes E-320, Elegance, with under 70,000 miles. All is well with the car. However, today the car key while opening the doors and trunk could not move the ignition. As in I placed the key inside and tried to turn. It didnt turn. Tried several times and it did turn once but the cars auto start did not engage (as in the cars auto ignition taking over once u move the key)far enough.
I tried turning the key again but to no avail.

[Musikmann]

Do you hear the ignition unlock when you insert the key? If not, it sounds like something with the ignition. Sometimes they can get dirty so you might try cleaning the contact surfaces inside the ignition tumbler. Also, how healthy is your car's battery? That is what powers the starting procedure. The keys in the battery itself have nothing to do with that process, only for the remote functions.

[funguy1974]

Thanks. How can I clean the inside Tumbler. No I don't hear it unlock. The battery is good.

[funguy1974]

Can I spray the ignition with WD 40, or some other cleaner?

[JFAD1]

I have the same issue with my 2001 E55. After the vehicle is locked when I unlock it and try to start it 9 times out of 10 the ignition will not turn, I then have to pull the key out and replace it until I hear the ignition unlock. If I do not lock the vehicle 9 times out of 10 it works fine. I have the car at an authorized Mercedes mechanic, since I only have one key fob they are saying to try a new one to see if this solves my problem. I know key fobs are expensive but a new ignition will cost a ton. Any help would be appreciated.

[DBA-ONE]

Sounds like the ignition slot itself. As far as spraying WD40 goes, that sounds like a really bad idea.