Mercedes-Benz EIS / EZS & ESL / ELV Repair

Key won't turn? Mercedes won't recognize the key or won't start? The cause is often the EIS/EZS (Electronic Ignition Switch) or the ESL/ELV (Electronic Steering Lock). We diagnose which one it is and fix it.

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Two likely causes
The ignition switch or the steering lock. We work out which.
From $245
ESL repair. Starting price, not a flat rate.
In person only
We do not offer mail-in service.
6-month warranty
On module repairs. Keys carry 3 months.

Is this your Mercedes?

Two modules, one set of symptoms.

Steering wheel stays locked
Key won't turn in the ignition
Car doesn't recognize the key
Dash and electronics power up but the engine won't start
Ignition or steering lock fault on the display
Key worked intermittently, now doesn't work at all

It could be the EIS/EZS or the ESL/ELV. You don't need to know which. That's our job — tell us the model and year and we'll take care of the rest.

What we do

Whichever module it turns out to be.

EIS / EZS — Electronic Ignition Switch

The module that decides whether the car will accept the key at all.

EIS / EZS module replacement
EIS / EZS cloning
EIS / EZS programming
Replacement and additional keys
All Keys Lost — approx. 2003–2015

Coverage varies by model, year, EIS/EZS part number and immobilizer generation. VIN and module verification may be required before service.

ESL / ELV — Electronic Steering Lock

A failed steering lock can hold the wheel, stop the key turning, or prevent the car starting.

ESL / ELV replacement
ESL / ELV programming

Coverage varies by model, year, ESL/ELV part number and immobilizer generation. VIN and module verification may be required before service.

Applications

Models we see most often.

Class	Models	Chassis	Years
C-Class	C200, C250, C300, C350	W204	approx. 2008–2014
E-Class	E250, E300, E350, E550	W207 / W212	approx. 2010–2015
B-Class	B200, B250	W246	approx. 2012–2015
GLK	GLK250, GLK350	X204	approx. 2010–2015
CLS-Class	—	W218	up to approx. 2015
A-Class	—	W176	up to approx. 2015

Additional Mercedes-Benz models may be supported depending on the vehicle and module.

Before we quote

What the job costs, and how we work.

ESL repair starts at $245. That's a starting price, not a flat rate, and we match written estimates — the full price list has the rest.

Service is in person only — we do not offer mail-in service. Bring the car to the shop at 737 Hamilton Rd Unit 2, London, or we'll come to it.

Keys carry a 3-month warranty. Module repairs carry a 6-month warranty.

If it turns out to be the key rather than a module, see Mercedes key replacement. For worn mechanical ignitions on other makes, see ignition repair.

Get a price

Tell us your Mercedes and what it's doing.

Your car

Year

Make

Model

What's happening

Your key

Standard key
A metal key you put in the ignition and turn Push-button start with an Engine Start Stop button

Push-to-start
The fob stays in your pocket and you press a button

You

Your location (city or area)

Name

Phone

Anything else? (optional)

We only use your info to send your quote. Privacy

FAQ

Mercedes ignition and steering lock questions, answered straight.

My Mercedes steering wheel is locked and the key won't turn. What is it?

Most often one of two modules: the EIS/EZS, which is the electronic ignition switch, or the ESL/ELV, which is the electronic steering lock. They produce overlapping symptoms, which is why guessing is expensive. It could be the EIS/EZS or the ESL/ELV. You don't need to know which. That's our job — tell us the model and year and we'll take care of the rest.

The dash lights up but the engine won't start. Is that the same problem?

It can be. Electronics powering up while the engine stays dead is a classic sign that the immobiliser side of the car isn't satisfied, which points at the ignition switch or the steering lock rather than the battery or the starter. Tell us what the car is doing and we'll narrow it down.

What does the repair cost?

ESL repair starts at $245. That's a starting price, not a flat rate — coverage varies by model, year, part number and immobiliser generation, so we verify the car before quoting. We match written estimates.

Can I ship you the module?

No. Service is in person only — we do not offer mail-in service. Bring the car to the shop at 737 Hamilton Rd Unit 2, London, or we'll come to it.

Is the repair covered by a warranty?

Yes. Module repairs carry a 6-month warranty. Keys carry a 3-month warranty.