Mercedes c class wont attempt to start?

[323e30 0]

I have a Mercedes that ive had for about 6 years now and its always had a temperamental issue with starting.

when the problem is there it doesnt even attempt to start and so far everytime this has happened it has decided to fix itself by the time it arrives to a mechanic. (has been dragged onto a trailer and then arrived at mechanic and started first pop, two sep trips)

The car is a 2000 model so it has the electronic plug in infra red key which is a system im unfamiliar with so havent ever attempted to fix or fault find the issue myself.

Have so far changed the battery and also the relay for the starter motor , have tried jump starting it in the past with same zero ignition.

This morning it has decided to start playing up again (after 6 months of being ok)

anyone have any idea or have heard of this before?

Theres a good chance it will start no worries in around an hours time but then again in the past it has stopped working for 4 weeks.

[*Glenn* 854]

Check for spark. If theres no spark it'll be the crankshaft position sensor (common problem on mercs) and the CPS will not throw a fault code normaly. If you have spark, check injector pulse, if you have pulse, check fuel pressure.

[323e30 0]

the starter motor does nothing when the key is turned. but when it finally does it starts first time.

When the keys in the dash reacts and it releases the steering lock. turn key to acc and all the electrics work fine then when you turn to start there is no reaction from the starter. so it seems to accept the key no worries.

Ive also pulled out the starter in the past and had it checked over and brushes replaced.

Ild drop the car off to you but theres a good chance ill walk outside now and it will start

Edit : car decided to start first try now... Ill come past your workshop but im guessing it will be hard to find a fault if its not there

Edited September 21, 2009 by 323e30

[*Glenn* 854]

We could scan it and see if there is anything that might show up. Its starting to sound like an ignition switch fault, especialy seeing that it accepts & recognises the key

Edited September 21, 2009 by *Glenn*