They are indeed magnetic. They were originally copper/chrome plated as well. There was a discussion awhile back that even if you could find a steel blank, most locksmiths would be leery of using their machine to cut it.

-Rog

Just tested this with a fridge magnet. The original key is indeed magnetic, whereas the copies I have are not. So the original is definitely a different material.


For what it's worth, the copies are stamped "Ilco MB40 USA" and it says "Larson's" on the back.

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"The MB W123 is so bulletproof, you can drive them forever. Which is a good thing as it takes that long to get anywhere."
Betsie: 1984 W123 300D (hobby, 280k miles)
Myrla: 2001 Mazda Protege 2.0 ES 5spd (daily driver, 130k miles)
The Turd: 2007 Toyota Camry (wife's car, 118k miles)

Here is the internal Mercedes bulletin covering keys and key replacements.

I wouldn't consider buying a key from anyone but Mercedes, but that's a matter of personal choice. And if a dealer is quoting you $40-50 for a pre-IR/RF key fob key, that is, a standard double sided blade key, they're ripping you off and you should complain to MBUSA.

Dan

Attached Files

PAC Key Chart1.pdf (730.6 KB, 136 views)

I too had one working key, bought an mb blank on ebay that matched mine for <$10, took that to a good old locksmith who cut it -with some difficulty- but it works great and now I can worry about something else instead of losing my key...

Interesting. In that case, MB is the way to go for keys. Someday I will need to get my hands on a 123 cylinder and try to figure out why they made them this way. Maybe the wafers are stainless. I guess it's consistent for the most solidly built car in history.

Another problem with Mercedes 123 tumblers occurs when your key ring has more than 1-2 extra keys on it. Problems have been reported with the tumblers when this is done over a period of time. The problem with non-Mercedes keys usually shows up after 1-2 years of use.

Stainless would be too soft and tends to gall, probably steel.

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Gone to the dark side

- Jeff

Amazingly, I had 2 copies made from my key at an old fashioned locksmith shop. They had a couple of the correct blanks left and made me 2 keys for less than $10!

One locksmith shop I called wanted $50 for a copy!

Two keys made at the local mom-and-pop lock smith, 11 bucks out the door.

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1981 240D Four on the floor, Orient Red over Parchment, bought with 154,000 but it's a daily driver and up to 180,000 miles, mostly original paint and all original interior.

I had a worn key that needed a lot of jiggling in the door lock of my 81 240D and i went to a local mom & pop locksmith on Lake Avenue in Lake Worth who actually looked it up on the internet, and was able to make a key that had the original little tits that were worn off my old key. They did this w/o the VIN #, for like 3 or4 bux each (i had 2 made). Those keys worked perfectly.

The local Mercedes dlr in W. Palm Beach made a key for a 300D from VIN #for $20.

the dealer near me charged me 16 for the last 123 key I had made... it helps to set yourself up as a business account...

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John HAUL AWAY, OR CRUSHED CARS!!! HELP ME keep the cars out of the crusher! A/C Thread
"as I ride with my a/c on... I have fond memories of sweaty oily saturdays and spewing R12 into the air. THANKS for all you do!

My drivers:
1987 190D 2.5Turbo
1987 560SL convertible
1987 190D 2.5-5SPEED!!!

1987 300TD
2005 Dodge Sprinter 2500 158"WB
1994GMC 2500 6.5Turbo truck... I had to put the ladder somewhere!

I did some checking and there are various older Mazda and Buick keys that work. O'Reilly used to have the AXXess system and blank # 41 fit the W123 door and ignition. I have been using that key for 5 years with no ill effects.

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Strelnik
Invest in America: Buy a Congressman!

1950 170SD
1951 Citroen 11BN
1953 Citroen 11BNF limo
1953 220a project
1959 180D
1960 190D
1960 Borgward Isabella TS 2dr
1983 240D daily driver
1983 380SL
1990 350SDL daily driver alt
3 x Citroen DS21M, down from 5
3 x Citroen 2CV, down from 6