So I lost my key. And I don't have a spare. I know, I konw. Anyways, how should I go about getting a new one? Can the dealer hook it up or should I talk to a locksmith? I'm sure as soon as I drop $75 on a new f#$@ing key i'll find my old one!!!
thanks,
will lyons

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84 300TD 4 speed, green

The dealer can order a code cut key - prices vary from $25 to $50 depending (on dealer, model, etc)
They will want to see your pink slip in most cases, and it could take a few days to be delivered. You get a nickel steel alloy key that fits the factory code, but if your car ever had to have a lock change its possible that you'll have bought a key that won't fit anything!
OTOH, a locksmith that is good and has the blanks can either take the code off the owners ID plate that came with the car (in the owner's manual but unfortunately most have been lost by now) or take apart the drivers door and get the code off the lock assy and cut one to code. This may cost more than the dealer!
good luck!
addendum: If the locksmith isn't experienced or doesn't have the code cutting abilities for Mercedes of your particular era, you may be SOL. Big cities would be where you are most likely to find a good locksmith for this kind of job.
I suggest you ask the local MB dealer, they will usually refer people to a locksmith that has not been blacklisted (they are out there!) although some dealers want you to bring the car to them (tow it?) so they can get a piece of the action! ($$) and they call a locksmith to come do it after they remove the door panel (at $125/hr/)


PS Where on earth did you find a 300TD w/ 4 speed (stick?!)

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'95 E320 Wagon my favorite road car. '99 E300D wolf in sheeps body, '87 300D Sportline suspension, '79 300TD w/ 617.952 engine at 367,750 and counting!

I have always paid about $20 for my keys.

You can buy a new ignition from Fastlane for like $60 btw. They are cake to change.

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1999 SL500
1969 280SE
2023 Ram 1500
2007 Tiara 3200

Not so easy when you don't have the key.

Yeah without the key you can't turn it to position 2 and poke the wire in.

Hopefully a VIN cut key works, if not you have a bigger problem.

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1999 SL500
1969 280SE
2023 Ram 1500
2007 Tiara 3200

Where is the key code on the lock assembly? I need a new key made, but dont have the original owners manual with the ID plate. There is a person locally that can cut a key from a code if I can find one, but the nearest dealership is 2+ hrs away. Thanks. -Bryan

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1979 240D- 316K miles - VGT Turbo, Intercooler, Stick Shift, Many Other Mods - Daily Driver

1982 300SD - 232K miles - Wife's Daily Driver

1986 560SL - Wife's red speed machine

Oh yeah ID plates and key codes, I just went through this BS with my dads F150. MB uses a better system all you need is your vin and registration, since the dealer is 2 hours away I'd bring the title just in case they need that as well.

However the key will take a few days to get.

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1999 SL500
1969 280SE
2023 Ram 1500
2007 Tiara 3200

So the code is nowhere on the car? Oh well...It will be fun to go to the dealership and hobnob with the people buying $50,000 cars.

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1979 240D- 316K miles - VGT Turbo, Intercooler, Stick Shift, Many Other Mods - Daily Driver

1982 300SD - 232K miles - Wife's Daily Driver

1986 560SL - Wife's red speed machine

Afaik MB doesn't do that, they just use the VIN.

Unfortunitly you have to order them, they are laser cut in either Germany or their is a place in NJ I think. So it will take a few days.

Also the dealer should be charging about $20, well unless they enjoy ripping their customers a new one.

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1999 SL500
1969 280SE
2023 Ram 1500
2007 Tiara 3200

I orderd one today. $23.

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1979 240D- 316K miles - VGT Turbo, Intercooler, Stick Shift, Many Other Mods - Daily Driver

1982 300SD - 232K miles - Wife's Daily Driver

1986 560SL - Wife's red speed machine

Take your vin to the dealer, they can make you a key. Not cheap though.

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1981 300D 147k
1998 VW Jetta Tdi 320k
2001 Dodge Ram 2500 141k
1979 300D 234k (sold)
1984 300D "Astor" 262k(sold)
Mercedes How-To and Repair Pictorials
I love the smell of diesel smoke in my hair

I just had a square master made...ordered at dealer...$28
Dealer wanted:
Registration or title (VIN #)
2 forms of ID with correct address

Counterman said they are made in Texas. If you order before 9am, you 'll get it next day at the dealer.

I looked all over Chattanooga for a locksmith to cut one - nobody had the machinery. $28 is alot for noncomputer chip key but it sure was easy.

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1983 300SD 307k miles
1993 Ford Escort Wagon 215k miles
1995 Isuzu P'up 214k miles

one of the mke dealers ordered a key blank to mkae a key and after getting a tracing of my key and the vin the parts house sent a key 1/2 inch longer than would fit the car. after 10 days they kept saying it was the correct key even with evidence to the contrary. i have always gone to a local locksmith since then.


anyone need a copy of the valet key? my smithy needs an order of 10 to get the blanks. i can order them and ship new blanks to you at 4 bucks each. pm me.

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currently
[1981 300 td tdidi 165500 dark brown/palamino-Brownie-mine-3k miles of ownership
1983 240d 162+++ Anthricite grey w/ henna red interior and hella lights-wifes car-Red

the above two cars are for sale
and can be seen on the cars for sale thread here. pix also available.


240d-144+ Manilla Yellow w/ palmino interior-greasecar kit-Blondie-the college kids car

23" gt 21 speed still on original tires-still got the nubs
21" khs tandem