$55 for a key??? - Page 2 - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

POS · #16 04-20-2007, 04:10 PM

I paid $25 from my local locksmith for my 1995 spare key.

odie · #17 04-24-2007, 10:10 AM

Ordered a new VIN matched ignition cylinder that comes with a key.

$140

My ass still hurts.

Dee8go · #18 04-24-2007, 11:13 AM

Why would someone change the ignition tumbler rather than the door locks? That seems backwards to me. If you felt the need to change the key in the first place, wouldn't you be more concerned with keeping somebody out of the car than with somebody starting once they were in it?

greasybenz · #19 04-24-2007, 11:13 AM

I had my copies made at the local flea market for $20 a peice. But its brass instead of steel...which ive heard can wear out the tumbler.

carusle · #20 04-24-2007, 11:40 AM

I got my spare key at Home Depot and it works better than my original. I will need a cylinder replacement before long. My original key will not turn freely if the steering is locked. The Home Depot key will unlock the steering with no problem? I know --- don't wait until you have to drill the lock out. I went through the stealership nightmare trying to get a vin coded cylinder, the quote is $147 and change. One quote for a vin matched key was $47.00. The Home Depot key was on the "Axxess+" system and was blank #31R and cut on cassette B. Works for me. It is a rubberhead key and cost $1.79. I would love to get the dealer e-mail and/or web site that sell vin locks for less than $100.00 I would verify ownership and order the cylinder from them.

vstech · #21 04-24-2007, 01:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dee8go

Why would someone change the ignition tumbler rather than the door locks? That seems backwards to me. If you felt the need to change the key in the first place, wouldn't you be more concerned with keeping somebody out of the car than with somebody starting once they were in it?

Usually, the ignition tumbler wears out, and somebody orders a generic replacement tumbler instead of getting the correct vin matched tumbler. then the original key still works for the doors, but not the ignition.
John

odie · #22 04-24-2007, 01:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by vstech

Usually, the ignition tumbler wears out, and somebody orders a generic replacement tumbler instead of getting the correct vin matched tumbler. then the original key still works for the doors, but not the ignition.
John

That is my guess. The door key is round head and does not work the glove box or ignition. So it appears to be only the origianl valet key.

The square key only works the ignition. So that seems to be a generic tumbler with key, thayt matches no known VIN.

By ordering a correct tumbler with VIN coded key, I should have a correct master key and my spare "valet" key should work the ignition again too. Cost $140.

By having the locksmith duplicate what I currently have, I still have to use 2 keys to operate the vehicle and still only have one spare set. Cost $110 ($55x2) and still a hassle and additioanl keys will cost more than factory VIN code replacements.

In the end, I guess $140 better spent than $55x2. But not as good as having had the right keys to start with.

Dee8go · #23 04-24-2007, 01:31 PM

Okay, that makes sense. I'm just used to people changing locks to keep other people out of things.

odie · #24 05-10-2007, 09:34 AM

got my new ignition tumbler today...the key works the glove box too!!!

Now, how to swap out the tumblers...looking thru some old posts it seems I intert the key and turn until some holes/slots line up...insert two stiff wires into each slot...does the tumbler then just slide out?

This is a 201 chassis 1984 190. But the current installed tumbler I'm guessing came from a 124 chassis or generic MB replacement.

nhdoc · #25 05-10-2007, 09:47 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by odie

That is my guess. The door key is round head and does not work the glove box or ignition. So it appears to be only the origianl valet key.

The square key only works the ignition. So that seems to be a generic tumbler with key, thayt matches no known VIN.

By ordering a correct tumbler with VIN coded key, I should have a correct master key and my spare "valet" key should work the ignition again too. Cost $140.

By having the locksmith duplicate what I currently have, I still have to use 2 keys to operate the vehicle and still only have one spare set. Cost $110 ($55x2) and still a hassle and additioanl keys will cost more than factory VIN code replacements.

In the end, I guess $140 better spent than $55x2. But not as good as having had the right keys to start with.

If I had seen the price you paid earlier I'd have told you to call Duval Motors in Gainsville Florida before ordering it from your local dealer. Their prices are very good on this kind of stuff. I needed to replace the passenger lock on my 300CD which only comes complete with the door handle and their price was half what my dealer charges. They also supplied the smartkey for my '98 for around $100 when the dealer wanted $175. I guarantee their price for the tumbler would have been much lower than $140.

Did the key you got with the new tumbler fit your door and trunk too?

nhdoc · #26 05-10-2007, 09:50 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by odie

got my new ignition tumbler today...the key works the glove box too!!!

Now, how to swap out the tumblers...looking thru some old posts it seems I intert the key and turn until some holes/slots line up...insert two stiff wires into each slot...does the tumbler then just slide out?

This is a 201 chassis 1984 190. But the current installed tumbler I'm guessing came from a 124 chassis or generic MB replacement.

Yes, I think you turn it until the holes line up then insert a stiff wire (like a paper clip) into the small hole and turn to release the tumbler.

redassag00 · #27 05-10-2007, 09:52 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by odie

Ordered a new VIN matched ignition cylinder that comes with a key.

$140

My ass still hurts.

WAAAT? I paid 1/3 of that from my local dealer!

odie · #28 05-10-2007, 10:03 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by redassag00

WAAAT? I paid 1/3 of that from my local dealer!

I guess there is no "standard" dealer prices for MB parts...Local lock smith wanted $55 a key to duplicat what I already had, which would still leave me with incorrect keys , a key ring with two (not one unified key) keys, and a non-locking glovebox.

Someone had switched out the ignition tumbler so I had an unknown key. The new tumbler with VIN matched key matches all the other locks on the car.

You really got a new VIN matched tumbler with a new VIN matched key for $50 from a dealer? Now my ass REALLY hurts. Which dealer and do they discount all MB parts 66%?

nhdoc · #29 05-10-2007, 10:32 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by odie

I guess there is no "standard" dealer prices for MB parts...Local lock smith wanted $55 a key to duplicat what I already had, which would still leave me with incorrect keys , a key ring with two (not one unified key) keys, and a non-locking glovebox.

Someone had switched out the ignition tumbler so I had an unknown key. The new tumbler with VIN matched key matches all the other locks on the car.

You really got a new VIN matched tumbler with a new VIN matched key for $50 from a dealer? Now my ass REALLY hurts. Which dealer and do they discount all MB parts 66%?

Punch in the part number from your receipt here and see the price Duval charges:

http://www.trademotion.com/partlocator/index.cfm?action=searchCatalogOEM&siteid=213951

According to my EPC the PN should be 1264600604 and their price is $49.92, if so, then your dealer ripped you off.

1983/300CD · #30 05-10-2007, 11:16 AM

I asked Smith Motor Co. in West Virginia for a new key and new valet key (while they were screwing with my car for a WEEK and allowing my stereo to get torn out of my dash). They charged me $50. I figured okay, $25 a key. Wow, steep- but okay, I need to have a spare.

But no, they didn't bother to order the valet key for me.
So, Smith Motor Co. in Charleston WV charged me $50 for one ignition key.
I hate that place.
Seriously.