Yesterday I lost my keys, I had them with us on vacation. Do I get it at a dealer or a locksmith? Which is the best route? We have 2 dealers here within 35 miles from eachother in New Jersey. They want $50 for the one, and $75 for the extra. Which route do I go on? Any replies are very appreciative. Thank you
-Hans

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A couple of Ford pickups F 150,250, 350 missed.
1983 240 D 256,000 miles ,auto, ac.

240-diesel,

I think your best bet is to buy keys from a dealer. For your era car I think those prices are pretty steep. I think they are under 30 bucks around here for cut keys. These new electronic things are a different story though. Good luck, Jim

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Own:
1986 Euro 190E 2.3-16 (291,000 miles),
1998 E300D TurboDiesel, 231,000 miles -purchased with 45,000,
1988 300E 5-speed 252,000 miles,
1983 240D 4-speed, purchased w/136,000, now with 222,000 miles.
2009 ML320CDI Bluetec, 89,000 miles

Owned:
1971 220D (250,000 miles plus, sold to father-in-law),
1975 240D (245,000 miles - died of body rot),
1991 350SD (176,560 miles, weakest Benz I have owned),
1999 C230 Sport (45,400 miles),
1982 240D (321,000 miles, put to sleep)

Jim,
Yes, I just got off the phone with the dealer and it was $20-$25 with the key, he was cheaper than the other dealer. So we will get that done. Thanks for the reply.
-Hans

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A couple of Ford pickups F 150,250, 350 missed.
1983 240 D 256,000 miles ,auto, ac.

Jim are the older ones(79 240D) laser cut or regular?

Im needing to get an extra set made. I think there is a local locksmith who takes care of MB keys.

Thanks,Paul.

If you have a key already, a locksmith could cut an older key like this for you. If the key is missing, MB can do it using the code that they have on record. I am unsure when MB started going with the difficult to reproduce "laser cut" key, my guess would be around 1979 or 1980 with the 126 body.
Gilly

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Click here to see the items I have up for auction at EBay

Click here to see a photo album of my '62 Sprite Project Moneypit (Now Sold)

I ordered a glove box "part" awhile back from the local MB dealer and they ended up sending: a key(code cut like you said gilly), lock, glove box cover and the interior workings(what i was really needing) and the tray! I ended up sending the key and lock back and kept everything else.

I RECENTLY LOST MY ONLY KEY. WENT TO MB DEALERSHIP, THEY TOOK MY VIN, SENT IT TO BALTIMORE. SINCE MINE WAS AN EURO, BALTIMORE CONTACTED GERMANY. THE WHOLE PROCESS TOOK ABOUT 3 WEEKS AND $22.50.

I TOOK MY NEW AND ONLY KEY TO A LOCKSMITH. THEY MADE TWO KEYS. HE STATED THAT MB LOCKS ARE A LITTLE DIFFERENT THAN US VEHICLES AND THE KEY FROM MB WAS STEEL. HE RECOMMENDED THAT I USE THE MB KEY AS MUCH AS POSSIBLE AND USE THE COPIES FOR EMERGENCY ONLY. HE STATED THE COPIES WILL ULTIMATELY BREAK OFF WITH USE SINCE THEY ARE NOT MADE OF STEEL.

I just had a new set of keys made for $3.50 each at a local locksmith. On one of our cars (1981 300TDT) all I had was one "valet" key. They guy matched the # on the valet key (it was NOT the original), looked up the #'s in his magical book and 60 seconds later VOILA! I had a new set of keys!

Thos was not a magical locksmith...I don't think... He told me that as long as it wasn't one of the newer keys (I did both the '81 and '83 at that time) they were fine.

Just trying to save you a buck...or twenty!

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Current: '91 300TE 4MATIC 317k and climbing...
Former:
'81 300TD Wagon 168K "Tank"
'83 240D 216K 4spd manual "Da Bear" (aka best car ever)

"Never sweat the petty things...
and never pet the sweaty things."

MB keys are steel and last quite a while -- finally had to break down and get at new one for the 72 this spring as the old one was so worn it wouldn't reliably turn (I also bought a new tumbler set).

I would hesitate to use a brass key in these cars -- I have one for the 87, but don't use it as it already shows some wear and cannot be that old. The brass seems to end up in the lock cylinder, causing it to stick. Much more expensive than an new key, which is $20 or so form a dealer or independent mechanic willing to buy it from MB for you.

I suspect the tumbler has rather stiff springs, and will eat up a brass key pretty fast.

PEter

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1972 220D ?? miles
1988 300E 200,012
1987 300D Turbo killed 9/25/07, 275,000 miles
1985 Volvo 740 GLE Turobodiesel 218,000
1972 280 SE 4.5 165, 000 - It runs!

Thanks for the info on the brass keys...
I never thought of that! I will watch and see if I notice the key getting smoother. Oh well, live and learn!
-Brian

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Current: '91 300TE 4MATIC 317k and climbing...
Former:
'81 300TD Wagon 168K "Tank"
'83 240D 216K 4spd manual "Da Bear" (aka best car ever)

"Never sweat the petty things...
and never pet the sweaty things."

Well picked up my keys from dealer yesterday 2 MB keys for less than 50 dollars , and took less than two days. I had to show title etc, they came out of Maryland .Key fits door, trunk , and ignition ,perfect great job. Hans.

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A couple of Ford pickups F 150,250, 350 missed.
1983 240 D 256,000 miles ,auto, ac.

I spoke with Intercar in Newton and they said $50 or so.

I spoke with MBUSA and they said that they have a list of locksmiths that are authorized to cut "genuine MB keys". The dealer confirmed this and suggested that I go to the locksmith where I can get them much cheaper.

However, 240 Diesel, which NJ dealer did you get yours from.

JCD

jcd , The one on route 40 near Atlantic city. Precision is the name. Hans

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A couple of Ford pickups F 150,250, 350 missed.
1983 240 D 256,000 miles ,auto, ac.