New Mercedes Key problem - Page 2 - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

vstech · #16 10-17-2010, 07:43 AM

I hate a car with two keys. I know it's a tad pricey to get the MB original tumbler, and it comes with the crappy plastic stuck together key head, but it keeps the car correct.
how much was the aftermarket tumbler? new from MB is around 40.00 with a vin correct key.
I'm worried about turning in keys under warranty and expecting replacements due to crappy plastic heads, MB is the only car company that has replacement tumblers available afaik, and it's a wonderful service. try that in a nissan or toyota... it won't happen. they look at you with this deer in the headlight look at the dealer... you want a key for a car HOW OLD? uh, 2 to 3 years is the best from them.

charmalu · #17 10-17-2010, 11:32 AM

I have never had the key come apart, and have had a mercedes since 97. what am I doing wrong?

I don`t use a key ring with a ton of junk hanging off it, (LIKE I SEE MOST WOMEN DO

) and Iam thinking maybe you that do, might be twisting the key with the ring putting pressure on the plastic/rubber end. Iam only guessing here.

I have the MB key in a MB leather folded piece with the Genuine MB logo

.
anyway, when I turn the key, maybe Iam holding the key and not twisting the end of it.

Charlie

vstech · #18 10-18-2010, 08:20 PM

the replacement 123 keys are the wallet keys stuck in a cheapo plastic cover.
they tear very easily, and are junk.
the 126 keys I got 2 years ago, are solid, and not the cheapo stuff.
I have removed the plastic, hammered a short piece of copper tubing flat and soldered the key to it. then shaped it, hammered an MB logo into each side, drilled a hole for a key ring, and coated it with Por-15
it looks pretty good.

compress ignite · #19 10-19-2010, 03:10 AM

VSTech,

Where,Please

Your closest local dealer???? [Which one,looks like you may have a couple]

The A**h&%#s here want over $100.00

vstech · #20 10-19-2010, 08:24 AM

yeah, 123 tumblers with key are around 35, the 126 is around 45. this is at south Mercedes on polk street.

thayer · #21 10-19-2010, 09:20 AM

the winston salem benz place got around 75$ of my money for a new tumbler and key. Key head is bendable, but seems very solid.

piccolovic · #22 10-19-2010, 12:54 PM

the replacement 123 keys are the wallet keys stuck in a cheapo plastic cover.
they tear very easily, and are junk.
the 126 keys I got 2 years ago, are solid, and not the cheapo stuff.
I have removed the plastic, hammered a short piece of copper tubing flat and soldered the key to it. then shaped it, hammered an MB logo into each side, drilled a hole for a key ring, and coated it with Por-15
it looks pretty good.
__________________

Can we see a pic? How much do you want to make another?

fruitcakesa · #23 10-19-2010, 01:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by vstech

I hate a car with two keys. I know it's a tad pricey to get the MB original tumbler, and it comes with the crappy plastic stuck together key head, but it keeps the car correct.
how much was the aftermarket tumbler? new from MB is around 40.00 with a vin correct key.
I'm worried about turning in keys under warranty and expecting replacements due to crappy plastic heads, MB is the only car company that has replacement tumblers available afaik, and it's a wonderful service. try that in a nissan or toyota... it won't happen. they look at you with this deer in the headlight look at the dealer... you want a key for a car HOW OLD? uh, 2 to 3 years is the best from them.

MB up in my neck of the woods is getting $136 for tumbler and keys

Aftermarket was $17

KAdams4458 · #24 10-19-2010, 01:45 PM

You know, I have some 3M Duramix 4240 left over from a recent project, which is a two-part urethane semi-rigid plastic repair material. It's pretty sturdy stuff, and it flows really well right out of the mixing nozzle. I suspect it would make a serviceable keyhead replacement, if one could only manage to get it to completely fill the mold. The draw back to this stuff would be the expense of the product itself, and that each use requires a new mixing nozzle.

Of course, I still have only dodgy brass keys, so I can't try it out. Replacement keys are still rather low on the priority list when the car is still disassembled.

vstech · #25 10-19-2010, 10:28 PM

the key is VERY nice. por-15 makes a great cover. I put it on her keychain tonight, we'll see how long the "indestructible" stuff lasts on there.

I'd be happy to make some for members, but it's really simple.

go to hardware store, and buy a foot of 3/4" copper tubing.
cut 1" of it, and hammer it almost flat.
stick the key in there, and hammer it the rest of the way.
it helps to have an anvil and a large hammer. I then soldered the key to the copper, and soldered the other end so the parts would not ever move. I drilled a hole about 3/16" or so, for a key ring to pass through it.
then I shaped it with a bench grinder, and took a 12mm socket and hammered a circle on each side of the fob, then I ground down a small chisel and used it to make the tristar in the circle. dipped it in por-15 and hung it to dry. that stuff is SHINY and HARD!

vstech · #26 10-19-2010, 10:29 PM

hmmm. if anybody wants me to make em, I'd have to perfect centering the key in the copper, and maybe make a jig to hold everything just so during soldering.

vstech · #27 11-15-2010, 01:42 PM

still solid and unchipped in daily use.

theolonious · #28 11-15-2010, 07:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by lietuviai

My keys are original and show no signs of failing yet.
Am I missing something here?

the new key fob is a soft rubber that tears when to much pressure is applied in opening stubborn locks. Mine are only a few months old and it is already torn.

franklynb · #29 11-15-2010, 08:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by vstech

, MB is the only car company that has replacement tumblers available afaik, and it's a wonderful service. try that in a nissan or toyota... it won't happen. they look at you with this deer in the headlight look at the dealer... you want a key for a car HOW OLD? uh, 2 to 3 years is the best from them.

I bought a new factory key for a 1988 Mitsubishi Montero for $12.65. Last month.
YMMV. My local M-B dealer got me one the month before for $14. The biggest
difference was that Mitsu doesn't know me from Adam, so I had to cough up
a title.

vstech · #30 11-15-2010, 11:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by franklynb

I bought a new factory key for a 1988 Mitsubishi Montero for $12.65. Last month.
YMMV. My local M-B dealer got me one the month before for $14. The biggest
difference was that Mitsu doesn't know me from Adam, so I had to cough up
a title.

a replacement key, yes... try to order a replacement ignition tumbler from your vin...