It all started with a vacuum locking system failure, which led me to lock the trunk manually. Of course, I locked my key in the trunk, and only had the valet key.

1. Went to the dealer, useless
2. Called MB roadside assistance, more useless
3. Went to a local locksmith, he took the valet key and 2 minutes later I had a brand new key, $12.50.

Bingo,

JCD

It should not be that hard. I called ahead to find out what I needed.

Proof of ownership (Registration, Title, etc.)
State issued ID to match.
$26.40+tax per key.
Order must be placed before 2pm to get the key next day.
You must pre pay.
Since it's a custom item/special order, there are no returns.

The key is laser cut in Texas and should be about a 24hour turn around.

I ordered my 240D's master key yesterday (After 2pm ) and should have it Wendsday.

Good luck!

The guys at the Mercedes house did tell me that if more than four keys or the replacement of keys more than 4 times per car--that mercedes would require all the proof above and require that all the locks on the car be changed. It was not clear if they meant four keys replacement per owner or 4 keys replacement per car during it's lifespan applied. So I had them make me four keys one time for future losses....hope I never need them.

Regards

Max

I picked up my key today. I must say, the new key head is a much more cheap plastic/rubber than my original key. Much softer and more flexable.

Oh well, at least I have a key now.

Those new keys with the softer plastic will break easily, be gentle. They sell the plastic part separately but they are pricey.

I remember reading a while back about Hardware keys vs. Mercedes keys. The hardware store keys are soft metal and will wear easily. The Mercedes keys are more expensive but they are made of higher quality metal and will last much longer.
I don't remember if it stated anything about damage to the cylinder. I'm sure someone who know more about this will chime in.
I would suggest you do a search of the archives for more info.

Danny

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1984 300SD Turbo Diesel 150,000 miles

OBK member #23

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I have ordered several keys from the dealer and never had a problem. All you need is the registration and a photo ID. Keys cost $20 out the door and arive in a day or two.

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1999 SL500
1969 280SE
2023 Ram 1500
2007 Tiara 3200

However,

I did everything that you all suggested, with all of the idenfication you described. The dealer was clueless.

From the locksmith, who was very familiar with Mercedes, I got a Hof key, which is OEM.

I would agree that it should not be that hard,,,,,, it was. That was the point and the basis for my rant.

JCD

I am very disappointed with my new MB key. The metal key is good but the "rubber" head is flimsy and feels like I will rip a chunk of rubber off every time I turn it.

I had keys when I bought my 300D, however, they were copies and were made out of a soft metal (brass?). Each time I pulled the key from the ignition, it would leave small bits of metal on the dash below the cylinder. I ordered a new key from the dealership......with shipping, etc, it was about $38.00 total. I had to fax proof of ownership, VIN number, and a copy of my driver's license. They charged way too much for shipping....I'm thinking it was about $12.00.....should have been more like $.75. The head is flimsy as mentioned in the above posts....not sure how long it's going to last.

Keith

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1983 300SD "Helga"

The head on my new keys seems fine, I have been using them for almost two years and I can't really see any wear on it.

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1999 SL500
1969 280SE
2023 Ram 1500
2007 Tiara 3200

Well, I have an answer to the question I asked back in July about how long the rubber head will last on my new MB key.....about 7 months. It always felt flimsy, so I took extra care with it..... grasping it as close to the tumbler as I could before turning it, etc. I'm really disappointed with it. Replacement rubber heads are available, but they are way over priced ($16.00+ for the rubber alone).

Is there a solid key blank that is not brass that will work? Brass is too soft and the tumbler schreds it.

Thanks,
Keith

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1983 300SD "Helga"

Speaking of keys, I've got one of those funky non-metal squire ended remote ones for my 98 E300TD. The dealer tells me it'll take $160 to get a second. Is there another reasonable way around this?

No if you have a later MB don't lose your keys. If you do cough up the $160 I have never heard of another option.

You can change the battery you know, or so I have been told.

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1999 SL500
1969 280SE
2023 Ram 1500
2007 Tiara 3200

Chances of locking the remote in the car are remote since it's likely in your hand when you lock it. I did buy a second "get in the car key" however for $20 ish. Replaced the batteries already. It's all too weird, really. Great car though!