Second Hand Mercedes-Benz Citan Ignition Switch

The Mercedes-Benz Citan (W415), produced from 2012 onwards, was offered with a traditional key-operated ignition barrel and switch as standard on most variants, so yes, the ignition switch does exist on this model. Some later or higher-specification Citans may have been fitted with keyless or push-button start instead, so check your own vehicle before ordering. If your Citan has a push-button start, the ignition switch assembly you see listed for key-start models will not be the part you need — confirm with the breaker against your registration.

The Mercedes-Benz Citan W415 ran from 2012 through to around 2021, and there was a facelift in 2016 which updated various interior and electrical components. A 2013 switch and a 2018 switch sit either side of that 2016 facelift boundary, so while the basic ignition barrel arrangement is broadly similar across the W415 generation, whether the specific part interchanges across that boundary is something you should confirm with the breaker against both registrations rather than assume.

Trim level — whether you have the standard van-derived Citan or the passenger-carrying Citan Tourer — does not affect the ignition switch fitment, as the switch is determined by the generation, key system type, and whether keyless start is fitted, not by trim designation. You may find that higher Tourer specs were more commonly ordered with optional keyless entry or push-button start, so always check that the donor vehicle shares the same start system as yours. As long as both vehicles are the same generation and use a key-operated switch, trim differences are not a barrier.

Engine choice — whether you have the 1.5 CDI diesel or a petrol variant — does not affect ignition switch fitment on the Citan, as the switch is part of the steering column assembly and is common across engine types within the same generation. Focus instead on the generation (W415), the production year relative to the 2016 facelift, and whether your vehicle has a key-start or push-button system. Confirm the part number with your breaker against your registration to be sure.

The Citan is a compact van based on the Renault Kangoo platform, which makes it quite different in construction from the larger Vito or Sprinter, both of which are Mercedes' own-design vehicles. As a result, the steering column and ignition switch assemblies are not interchangeable between the Citan and those other Mercedes vans. Stick to sourcing the switch from a Citan W415 donor vehicle, and confirm compatibility with your breaker.

Used ignition switches from breakers are sometimes sold as a complete steering column lock and barrel assembly, but this varies depending on how the donor vehicle was dismantled. It is worth asking your breaker exactly what is included in the listing — whether it is just the electrical switch, the barrel, or the full assembly with the steering lock housing. Bear in mind that if the barrel comes paired with a key, it will not match your existing key, so clarify with the breaker whether coding or lock replacement will be needed.