Cost and future non-availability of the remote fobs vs a master key is part of the reason I've chosen to not use the remote fob I have. I can live without the immobilizer, especially after it gave me some trouble.

All good points. None with which I would disagree.

From a practical standpoint, I can't really justify spending that much on a new fob/key.
Knowing the fobs would soon be NLA definitely influenced my decision. Also, I'm not sure how long I'm gonna keep the E300. I felt 2 working fobs might be a positive as far as selling the car was concerned. Potential buyers can be fickle about such things.

Also wanted to thank "ccrelan" for bringing the fob availability to the fore. Had I waited, I'd have probably "missed my window". I can only assume when the dealer told me, a few months ago, there were over 300 available, he must've been looking at all w210's, not realizing the fobs are different across models and years and not interchangeable. Either way: Thanks "ccrelan"!!

Ha ha! My car isn't nice enough to matter. Three shades of white and a little rusty, but it has it where it counts.


jw2k_fr,

I thought of something else you could do that might shed a little more light on your situation.

One of the nice features on these cars is the additional functions the keys have beyond simply locking and unlocking the doors. For example, if you leave windows and sunroof open you can make them close by using the remote fob or the steel key instead of having to get in the car to do it from inside.

Open up a window or two, and then lock the car with the remote fob or the steel key. I'd try both to see what happens. Anyway, when locking with the remote fob, hold the button down for a few seconds and the windows should close. If using the steel key, turn to the right and hold it until the windows close. If this function fails then it would seem to add to the idea that there is something not right with how the keys are interacting with the car.

To sum up where I'm coming from, I think the remote fob you have may be OK, and that getting another one might not solve your problem.