How to remove EIS on Mercedes C-Class W203
EIS removal instructions for Mercedes C-Class W203
If you have lost your key and are in need of a Mercedes Key Replacement for a Mercedes W203 the EIS will need to removed first, so we can gain the data off of it to produce a working key fob that can start the vehicle and lock and unlock it as well. We have written instructions on how to remove the electronic switch below. The EIS cannot be accessed by removing the instrument cluster nor below the kick panel. You will need to remove the center console and arm rest in order to gain access to remove the ignition switch along with the radio and central cooling electronic assembly.
Removal time: 45 minutes
Tools needed: Torx T20 driver, needle nose pliers, flat head, plastic wedge, pick, flexible magnet, torx T40, 10mm socket, tire chalks
Step by step instructions:
Step #1:
First disconnect the battery under the hood, by disconnecting both the positive and negative cables with the 10mm socket and setting them aside so that they do not touch the battery
Step #2:
Next start by removing the arm rest, raise the arm and remove the carpet then you will see the 2 10mm bolts inside on the bottom, remove both of them.
Step #3:
Some models also have bolts under the cup holder, make sure to check before pulling up
Step #4:
Next remove the ashtray, you may need to push the shifter to the side in order to get out. You can also use it for a bolt collector, so none get lost
Step #5:
Now remove the cover that sits around the gear shift, by prying up with a plastic wedge and pull up until it stops
Step #6:
Next pull up with your fingers the center console piece that sits around the gear shifter from the top, there are 4 clips that hold it in place
Step #7:
Now slide it forward and it will come out making sure the gear shifter selector goes thru the trim so that it can be removed
Step #8:
Next, make sure to chalk the tires because you will need to put the car out of park and the car will want to move forward or backwards depending on the incline of where the car sits.
Step #9:
You will need the gear shifter pushed backwards into drive, but the power is off so the ignition cannot be turned on. You will need to use a flat head to push down on the emergency gear selector button on the bottom right while also moving the gear shifter backwards so that it shifts into drive
Step #10:
Go near where the bottom center console ends and meets the center bezel, there are 2 plastic covers that need to be removed by pulling on them. Underneath lies 2 T40 torx bolts that need to be loosened, they will not be able to come out just turn until they stop
Step #11:
Now the bottom center console is ready to be removed, grab it on the back and slide it back, you do not need to fully remove it, just enough so there is space in between
Step #12:
Next move to the top air vents that can be rotated up and down, you will need to first use a flat screwdriver and pull up the 4 tabs inside the vents, 2 on each one that are on the left side.
Step #13:
Now rotate the air vents up and you can see the screws at the bottom of the vents, use a torx T20 driver to loosen the screws, the bolts will not come out so they will not drop anywhere
Step #14:
Use a pick on the top left and right of the air vents to push in, and the air vent assembly will come out
Step #15:
Now there is only one panel left in the center console to remove that holds the air conditioning controller in place, on the bottom there are 2 clips that need to be pulled down and the panel can be slid out
Step #16:
Disconnect the wires, including the hazard button, door lock, and ac unit
Step #17:
Next remove the radio, there are 2 T20 torx screws that hold it to the dashboard, remove those. Now pull the radio out and disconnect any wires that are attached behind it and place aside
Step #18:
The last panel needs to be removed that holds the EIS in place, you will need to remove the 3 screws that are on the bottom that need to be taken out, also remove the OBD connector that has 2 screws holding it in place. Now drop the bottom panel.
Step #19:
Now remove the side kick panel that is next to the dashboard, underneath lies the fuse panel. You can use a flat head to pry it loose. At the bottom there is a T20 torx bolt that needs to be removed
Step #20:
There is an additional bolt underneath the light switch panel; in order to remove the panel, you will need to first disconnect the brake handle that requires 2 screws to be removed, next push on the back on it and it will come out. Disconnect the wire connectors. There are 2 screws at the top inside that need to be removed as well that are T20 bolts
Step #21:
Next go to the bottom where the kick panel is dropped, remove the 2 T20 screws in place that hold the panel in place
Step #22:
Now grab the panel to the right and pull it towards you and it will slide down, and now you have access to the EIS
Step #23:
Remove the cables, and remove the ring that holds the EIS to the panel with needle nose pliers
If you need further assistance, you can watch this YouTube video on how to remove the electronic ignition switch
We provide you with a preprinted shipping label to send your EIS to us, once we receive the module we can program a new key fob to the unit.
Includes 1 remote fobik key and 1 preprinted shipping label for EIS
Please note this option is for turn key systems that require the key to be fully inserted into the ignition to start vehicle
If you need help removing your EIS for your C Class you can find instructions here
