steel key heads for w123?

[allenying]

hi, i ordered a key from the mercedes classic center, the plastic key head broke shortly after. they sent a replacement, and i figured if i always hold it by the front, it would be fine, but it broke shortly after as well.

there was a post where a guy was making aluminum key heads,
Mercedes Billet Key Heads for Sale(Final Design)

but he hasn't responded. i'd like a steel key head ideally.

does anyone have any idea if anyone is making one?

btw the ilco key copies are brass, a softer metal, and do not last very long.

thanks,

[disqo]

I ended up following some directions that I found on here at some point to take the new key apart, fill the head of the key with a two-part epoxy and then put it back together and let the epoxy cure. I have been using the key carefully for a little over a year now and as long as I hold it close to the dash it does not seem to be a problem. I do get pretty anxious at the thought of anyone else trying to start my car.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[rocky raccoon]

There should be no problem getting keys made from an all-metal blank at any locksmith. I had several made for my W123.

[allenying]

are they steel though? the only blanks I've found locksmiths use are brass, which as I mentioned are softer and don't last as long, the teeth get worn down easily, mine didn't last very long

[Rogviler]

Aye, locksmiths only have brass keys. They definitely do not last very long on these cars. Other cars I've had brass keys for years with no problems.

I feel like in this era of cheap computer machining and 3D printing, surely someone can come up with a steel blank that doesn't have the dinky head on it.

-Rog

[NZScott]

Still having key issues, a shame, I remember your post a while ago on FB, think I mentioned the below to you last time but just for the forum record
All my 3 sets of W123 keys are steel, that includes generic locksmith ones.
Silca YM23 and HU36 blank codes for reference.

[Rogviler]

Originally Posted by NZScott

All my 3 sets of W123 keys are steel, that includes generic locksmith ones. Silca YM23 and HU36 blank codes for reference.

Those seem to be tough to get in the U.S. Many report that locksmiths here don't like cutting steel keys as well, so I doubt they would even carry them.

I'm all ears if someone finds a U.S. source for steel keys with no dumb plastic piece for the head. Maybe at this point there needs to be a group buy for a bunch from overseas.

-Rog

[Maxbumpo]

Mercedes made the key head from plastic so that in the event of a collision, it won't tear up human flesh. It's a safety feature. You may notice that almost every other OE automotive key has the same design feature.

I've only had one key head fail in over a decade of MB driving. I replaced that with the MB part and had no issues, personally I'd go that route and try to be more gentle with the key. A heavy key chain is bad for both the plastic key head and the ignition lock / switch - the weight wears out the tumbler and will weaken the spring in the ignition switch. Brass keys are too soft and leave brass shavings behind in the tumbler which can shorten its life.

I have seen some beautiful key heads made from wood.

[Rogviler]

I think the safety thing is hilarious. I believe that would be the least of my worries.

-Rog

[Maxbumpo]

In high school, for driver's ed, a blind fellow gave his testimony: Speeding, lost control and crashed, in the collision his face was pushed across the dash and the hard radio buttons that were sticking out destroyed his eyeballs.

A hand or kneecap impaled on a key head, totally avoidable, would be a shame. I would not purposely defeat a safety device in a car that my family members drive.

[moon161]

I think I'll make a head from this if the time comes:
How to Make Your Own Sugru Substitute

[Diesel911]

If you don't care how it looks: Crude Yet Elegant Plastic Key Head Fix

[Graham]

Originally Posted by rocky raccoon

There should be no problem getting keys made from an all-metal blank at any locksmith. I had several made for my W123.

Do locksmiths stock the blanks?

How do they cut the keys - don't they need the key code?

Is this something we can find on car or in original documentation?

I have lost the keys for my 85 300D and my 72 350SL (both on same ring). I do have spares.

[97 SL320]

A few things:

The plastic head is a MB safety feature.

If the ignition lock is hard to turn, the heads will come apart. Extra points if the steering wheel is turned hard against the column lock requiring more force to unlock.

[smitherz]

I did this a couple years ago with my previous car.

Wood Key