Electronic steering lock failure
Attaches to W204 at chassis level · Electrical · carried by 4 variants across 1 chassis
Overview
Electronic steering lock failure is a occasional fault recorded against W204 at chassis level, typically from 80–200k km. It shows up as key won't turn, no crank, or a car that starts intermittently and then refuses. Where it's documented, the repair runs €600–€1,400 (module replacement and coding at a specialist, costs dated 2026-07), and it can be difficult to check before you buy. 4 variants across 1 chassis in this database inherit it.
What happens
Symptom. Key won't turn, no crank, or a car that starts intermittently and then refuses.
Cause. The electronic steering lock module fails, immobilising the car. It strands rather than degrades.
Sources. owner and specialist reports
How to check it
Paperwork
Can't be checked reliably on a viewing, it fails without warning. Ask whether it has been replaced; a receipt is worth having, and a car that has already had one is lower risk than one that has not.
On these cars the folder is most of the value.
Every variant that carries this
| Variant | Chassis | Body | Years | Risk | Good buy | Cost as % of good buy |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| C 220 CDI OM651 | W204 | sedan | 2009–2014 | R3 | €5,700 | 18% |
| C 180 Kompressor M271-KOMP | W204 | sedan | 2007–2011 | R5 | €3,450 | 29% |
| C 180 CGI M271-EVO | W204 | sedan | 2011–2014 | R2 | €7,650 | 13% |
| C 320 CDI OM642 | W204 | sedan | 2007–2011 | R3 | €6,600 | 15% |
The last column is the point. The same repair is an inconvenience on one variant and a reason to scrap the car on another. A failure costing a quarter of the vehicle's value changes the purchase decision regardless of how rare it is.