Spare Keys - Got taken today

[raydi07]

Found a locksmith in Absecon NJ today that advertised Mercedes Keys. Boy did I get taken. Should have asked first what the cost was and in my wildest dreams I would have never thought. He rang up $60 for each key.
Now i could have walked away but i did not ask first and it was my own stupidity.
After I left I called the local mercedes dealership in Pleasantville NJ and was quoted $25 each and they would take approx. 2 days.
So if anyone is going to this particular locksmith I suggest you ask first.

[Skippy]

Wow, I got a spare key (which I promptly lost) for my 240D for $15. I showed up at the dealership in my work uniform from Pick N Pull and they gave me a discount.

[Squabble]

i went to a local security and lock business and got spare keys for $3 each. they're made by ilco, not mercedes, but they are the same design with the plastic piece with the hole in the middle. they work great but they're not authentic. is that something people care about?

[vstech]

Originally Posted by Squabble

i went to a local security and lock business and got spare keys for $3 each. they're made by ilco, not mercedes, but they are the same design with the plastic piece with the hole in the middle. they work great but they're not authentic. is that something people care about?

ilco keys are brass, and leave shavings in the lock.
O.E. keys are steel. they do not wear, and they are MUCH stronger.
not to mention, the O.E. keys are vin matched to the vehicle, and as such are perfect from the factory, not a copy from an old key.

[Shawn T. W.]

Originally Posted by vstech

ilco keys are brass, and leave shavings in the lock.
O.E. keys are steel. they do not wear, and they are MUCH stronger.
not to mention, the O.E. keys are vin matched to the vehicle, and as such are perfect from the factory, not a copy from an old key.

I have a spare brass key . . . but don't use it! In an emergancy it could be used . . . it came with the car . . .

[elchivito]

In the absence of a nearby dealer, does anyone know if you can order spares from a dealer over the phone using the vin?

[sixto]

I don't think there's a dealer left that doesn't require proof of ownership (e.g., title or registration card and matching driver license) before selling you a key.

Sixto
87 300D

[tangofox007]

Originally Posted by vstech

O.E. keys are steel. they do not wear...

I have one that is pretty worn.

Originally Posted by vstech

the O.E. keys are vin matched to the vehicle, and as such are perfect from the factory...

When I ordered a VIN-matched key, it might have been perfect in its own right. But it didn't come close to fitting my locks. The dealer said that was not an uncommon problem, nor was it solvable.

[Skippy]

I have one that's pretty worn as well, but it's probably the original for a car that has well over 300,000 miles on it. I'm still using a brass key (I know, I know) on my other car with much fewer miles, and guess which one is worn worse.

[compress ignite]

They(The dealers) are required to have you present:
1.The Vehicle
2.The Registration showing YOU as the Owner [Or a Power of Attorney].
3.YOU [Or Your Agent with power of Attorney].

To Pick Up;
1.Key(s)
2.Lock Devices
3.Electronic Lock Devices (Includes Infrared and RF)

The Factory Wants Them(The Dealers) to fit the key to the lock of Said Mercedes with the Owner (Or His/Her Legal Agent) Present.

I don't know if all the security requirements are mandated for "Ordering".

[mike-81-240d]

Originally Posted by tangofox007

When I ordered a VIN-matched key, it might have been perfect in its own right. But it didn't come close to fitting my locks. The dealer said that was not an uncommon problem, not was it solvable.

I paid like 23 bucks only to find out it's not even close to fitting, especially length wise O well im using my trusty IlCo brass key

[Les Jenkins]

Originally Posted by compress ignite

They(The dealers) are required to have you present:
1.The Vehicle
2.The Registration showing YOU as the Owner [Or a Power of Attorney].
3.YOU [Or Your Agent with power of Attorney].

To Pick Up;
1.Key(s)
2.Lock Devices
3.Electronic Lock Devices (Includes Infrared and RF)

The Factory Wants Them(The Dealers) to fit the key to the lock of Said Mercedes with the Owner (Or His/Her Legal Agent) Present.

I don't know if all the security requirements are mandated for "Ordering".

False. All I needed was proof of ownership and $25. Came back the next day to pick it up.

[ImBroke]

I've gotten lucky so far. I would think though, these cars arent' getting any younger, and unless you are the original owner, you wouldn't know if someone changed the locks, or something like that.

[strelnik]

Originally Posted by Skippy

Wow, I got a spare key (which I promptly lost) for my 240D for $15. I showed up at the dealership in my work uniform from Pick N Pull and they gave me a discount.

Go to an Oreilly's or a Murray's where they use the Axxezz key system, it's # 31 or # 41, depending on the key you want-- full service or valet.

[::matthew]

I got an ilco key cut from a relatively unused original and it works great...I wish the MB keys had the metal running through the black part of the key too. I use one of three steel keys normally though. An original and two MB steel keys. The original fits better than the newer ones and I don't think it has a thing to do wear. I think that it was cut with more precision.

EDIT: my dealer charged 15/key