Mercedes-Benz vans we cover
Send the registration and we'll check exactly which ignition your van carries before saying anything definite.
About Mercedes-Benz ignitions
A number of Mercedes vans rely on an electronic ignition switch, usually known as an EIS, which pairs electronically with the key rather than depending on a simple mechanical barrel. We can repair or replace EIS units on supported Mercedes vans up to and including 2018. The Citan, built on a different manufacturer's platform underneath, is a separate case again.
EIS work and key coverage aren't the same thing. On keys, Sprinter cover runs up to 2018, excluding the older bladed-key versions, while Vito cover runs up to 2014. The later FBS4 systems fall outside what we can support for either keys or ignition. Not every Mercedes model or variant within these years is guaranteed to be covered, so send your registration and describe the fault and we'll confirm compatibility before agreeing any work.
Ignition options for Mercedes-Benz vans
- Mechanical ignition barrel repair or replacement — Suited to vans with a traditional turn-key ignition where the barrel has become worn, sticky, seized or physically damaged.
- Electrical ignition switch replacement — Covers the switch sitting behind the barrel, which can fail independently so the key turns but the electrics don't react properly.
- Electronic ignition (EIS) work — Applies to vans running an electronic ignition unit instead of a plain mechanical barrel, including certain push-button setups.
- Broken key extraction from the ignition — Getting a snapped blade safely out of the ignition first, without further damage, ahead of cutting a replacement key.
Hanging on to your existing key is often possible, depending on the van and what's failed. If a fresh key or reprogramming turns out to be necessary, you'll hear it from us first.
A fully mobile service
Wherever the Mercedes-Benz is parked — home, workplace or site — that's where we work, across Southampton and nearby. See all areas covered.
What we need for a quote
- Registration, model and year
- Where the van sits
- What the ignition is or isn't doing, and if the key turns
- Whether a usable key is left
Related pages
Mercedes-Benz ignition questions
What does EIS mean on a Mercedes van?
EIS is short for electronic ignition switch. It's the unit many Mercedes vans use in place of a simple barrel, and it talks electronically to the key and the rest of the vehicle.
Which Mercedes vans do you cover for EIS repair or replacement?
We confirm EIS repair and replacement for supported vehicles up to and including 2018. That doesn't stretch to every model or system from those years, and we don't support the later FBS4 systems. Send your registration and the fault details and we'll tell you if your van qualifies.
Is EIS cover the same as your key cover?
No, they're confirmed separately. Sprinter key cover runs up to 2018, excluding older bladed-key models, and Vito key cover up to 2014. EIS repair and replacement is confirmed for supported vehicles up to and including 2018.
My Sprinter key won't turn in the EIS — does that mean a replacement?
Not automatically. Several faults can present the same way. We check the actual problem first and only suggest replacing anything if that's genuinely what's required.