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  #1  
Old 05-06-2013, 02:38 PM
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really, mercedes?

i bought a key from the dealership in february. have driven about 90 miles since then. the plastic surround has just ripped open and left the snub-nosed steel part alone in the ignition cylinder. wtf are they making these key bodies out of? i know some of you have done wooden finishes, my car is wood-free, but seriously! should i go back and complain?

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  #2  
Old 05-06-2013, 02:39 PM
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The great thing is you can bring it right back, and will receive a new one.
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  #3  
Old 05-06-2013, 03:03 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by w123love View Post
The great thing is you can bring it right back, and will receive a new one.
Every 90 miles?
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  #4  
Old 05-06-2013, 03:08 PM
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Maybe a fluke. I am sure they will replace it without any trouble.
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  #5  
Old 05-06-2013, 03:44 PM
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I've bought several keys from the dealer and never had that issue...
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  #6  
Old 05-06-2013, 03:51 PM
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Every three months.

EVERY THREE MONTHS.

Every three months I go in a get a new one. Free.

I'm waiting to have a wooden key handle made or machine one myself if I get annoyed enough before then.
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  #7  
Old 05-06-2013, 04:01 PM
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I had that issue, too. I bought a replacement key head. These new key heads are made from a hollow plastic. The older key heads are more robust, and the rubber (or whatever it is) is thick. That's why they last for 20-30 years while the newer ones give you a couple years at the most during regular use.
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  #8  
Old 05-06-2013, 04:15 PM
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Thanks for the heads up, as I'm probably gonna be getting an extra key or two for my w115 after I get it back from the body shop (so hopefully tomorrow) as I only have one key
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  #9  
Old 05-06-2013, 04:37 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by martureo View Post
Every three months.
That is about as long as mine would have lasted... were I to use it. The plastic used in the new ones is a joke.

I am now using the aftermarket key instead and keeping the "good" one for a spare.

I unfortunately purchased mine with an online parts order so I cannot go back to the dealer.
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  #10  
Old 05-06-2013, 06:47 PM
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The rubber headed key is part of a safety system. If you contacted the key during a crash it would break off. I can't speak to the quality of the plastic ones.

Some things to help key life :

Don't turn and hold the wheel, then remove key and let go of the wheel. If the steering lock is against pressure, extra force is needed to turn the key. If this happens, turn the wheel to remove pressure then turn key.

Turn the key close to the dash. Don't turn the end or grab the key ring / key bunch and turn from there. Switch blade keys will eventually come apart when twisted from the end.

More than 10 keys on a ring is probably too many as is a heavy key fob.

Insert the key fully before turning.

I've seen all of these on various cars over the years.
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  #11  
Old 05-06-2013, 07:25 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by 97 SL320 View Post
Some things to help key life :
You forgot one.

Use paper clip to remove cylinder.

Buy stubby screw driver.

Insert

Cheap, longer lasting and it can be easily replace when lost

But wait, worried about theft?

Open bonnet

Unplug brown line from vacuum shut off.

Unplug vacuum line to locking system

Reroute to shut off...

Wa la
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  #12  
Old 05-06-2013, 07:57 PM
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great comments and thanks. i will have to go back and see about a replacement. my own case was probably exacerbated by this passenger door vacuum problem: passenger door lock - vacuum logic .
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  #13  
Old 05-07-2013, 01:22 AM
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Can you elaborate

Quote:
Originally Posted by cooljjay View Post
You forgot one.

Use paper clip to remove cylinder.


Wa la
On this part? That sounds cool.
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  #14  
Old 05-07-2013, 01:43 AM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by 97 SL320 View Post

More than 10 keys on a ring is probably too many as is a heavy key fob.
True. Ideally, the key should be separate from any other keys. Those leather key pouches are perfect for that.

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  #15  
Old 05-07-2013, 08:59 AM
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I went to a locksmith and had some keys made that are all metal. They don't look as cool, but the won't break easily either.

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