Second Hand Mercedes-Benz X-Class Ignition Switch

The Mercedes-Benz X-Class (2017–2020) does not use a traditional ignition switch in the way older vehicles do — it uses a keyless start system with a push-button ignition and an electronic steering column lock, so there is no conventional barrel-and-switch ignition assembly to replace. If your X-Class has a starting or key recognition fault, the component you may actually need is the EIS (Electronic Ignition Switch) module, the steering column module, or a key fob programming — these are different parts to a traditional ignition switch. We'd recommend searching for 'X-Class EIS module' or 'X-Class steering column lock' on Findapart, or describing your fault to the breaker so they can identify the correct part against your registration.

The EIS (Electronic Ignition Switch) is the unit that reads your key fob and authorises the engine to start — it's the functional equivalent of a traditional ignition switch on the X-Class. Used EIS modules are available from breakers, but because this unit is paired to the vehicle's ECU and immobiliser, a second-hand unit will almost always require coding to your specific vehicle by a Mercedes specialist or auto locksmith. Confirm with the breaker that the unit came from a vehicle with a compatible spec against your registration before purchasing.

Because the X-Class had a short and relatively unchanged production run from 2017 to 2020 with no significant mid-life facelift that affected the EIS unit, the year of the donor vehicle is unlikely to be a major fitment barrier within the range. That said, because the EIS is electronically paired rather than a mechanical part, the more important factor is whether the module can be recoded to your vehicle, not simply whether it physically fits. Confirm compatibility with the breaker against your registration to be sure.

Trim level — whether your X-Class is a Pure, Progressive, Power, or Styleline — does not affect the EIS module or steering column lock fitment, as these are determined by the vehicle's underlying electrical architecture rather than its equipment grade. You may find cosmetic differences around the start button or steering column trim between grades, but the functional electronic components interchange regardless of trim. Confirm the part number with the breaker against your registration to be certain.

Yes — starting faults on the X-Class are often caused by the key fob battery, the antenna ring around the start button, the SAM (Signal Acquisition Module), or the battery itself rather than the EIS module. Before buying any used electronic part, it's worth having the fault codes read by a Mercedes-capable diagnostics tool, as this will usually point to the exact module at fault. Let the breaker know the fault code you've been given so they can help identify the correct part for your vehicle.