If you own a 2008-2014 Mercedes Benz C Class, GLK Class, E Class Coupe, SLK Class. Your car has a known issue with the Electronic Steering Lock (ESL).

If your steering wheel locks when you remove the key from the ignition switch, you have a factory steering lock installed. These steering locks will fail. Usually they fail between 8-12 years of use. I get calls everyday from people with this issue. The story is always some version of "I went to the market, got back in my car and it wouldn't start." It's worse when the windows are stuck rolled down and you live in a rainy area.

It's best if you take care of this issue before you're left stranded somewhere. It's also less labor to get the ESL (Electronic Steering Lock) out while it still unlocks. Once your stuck with a locked ESL, you usually have the tow your car somewhere, the whole steering column must be removed, and the steering lock must be cut or drilled out. It's a lot more labor to get this fixed when it's not functioning, and that means, a lot more money. The dealership charges anywhere from $1500-$3500 to fix this issue. Independent shops a little less.

For a professional, labor is about 4 hours to remove and reinstall a steering lock if the whole steering column must be removed. If the ESL is still functioning, labor is about 30-60 minutes to remove and install a replacement ESL or emulator.

I program emulators that replace the factory steering lock with a permanent solution that will never fail in the future. All I need is your vehicles ignition switch (EIS) that's the switch you stick your key into to turn your car on, and a working key for your car.

With those two pieces, I can program an electronic emulator that will start your car every time. I've sold over 400 of these programmed emulators and I have not had a single one returned.

Call me if you need an electronic emulator programmed. The cost is $250.
562.233.0989 - Michael

What happens when the steering lock fails:

Your car won't start, it won't even crank the starter motor.

No dash lights when you turn your key to the 2nd position in the ignition switch. (Red and yellow lights on instrument cluster are not on.)

Your steering wheel stays locked. Even when you insert the key into the ignition switch the steering wheel remains locked.

You can't roll your windows down/up.

If you have a good scanner like the iCarsoft MB II Scanner which you can purchase here on Amazon. https://amzn.to/3q3ZSSD You can find a trouble code that describes the issue as a mechanical fault with the Electronic Steering Lock or an implausible signal with the Electronic Steering Lock. You'll find this message in the "EZS" module.

Instrument cluster message reads "Take key from ignition." (this message is displayed anytime the driver door is open and you have your key in the ignition switch. This is not really a symptom of a bad ESL, it's just that many people are are experiencing this issue are seeing this message displayed on the instrument cluster and doing an internet search for clues.