Older Mercedes keys becoming NLA.
 

I went to the dealer to get a factory made key to get back to original. Unfortunately, they can't supply one. They are also not sure about wether I can get the key code again. It's certain they have the information somewhere. It's perplexing that they supplied the key and code in the somewhat recent past, but won't give access to it now. They act like it was just thrown away or deleted. I know, that is not the case. Apparently, it is necessary to fly to Stuttgart and personally apply for the records in the landarchives of Wurttemberg, or the Berlin archives.
What gives?

Call the classic center. I’ve gotten keys for w123, 124, 126 and 201 cars recently.

Your dealer is just being lazy. Most likely if they are looking up the part number in the EPC for the original key it will show NLA. They need to look at the key chart. It will have the current part number to order.

I'm waiting to hear back from them. Maybe, I will try again if I don't hear back. The guy seemed to be looking at a book for a while. I don't have any control over what they are doing behind the counter. This dealer has been more than helpful in the past.I will probably be pesky and try the Classic Center as well, even though the guy said he would be calling. I am sure some $40 key for an old car is not a priority. I was thinking switching my original tumbler for an aftermarket one just so I don't wear the original out with this copied key that I have. The tumbler is NLA as well.

What year is the car that you need the key for ? And what city is the dealer in ? I’m asking because a few months ago I purchased a tumbler with the key for 1990 300CE at the dealer in LA and I need to buy another tumbler with the key for my 1985 190D

No word
 

Apparently the process has to go through a chain of some sorts. The counter person didn't seem to know much more than me as far as the key issue goes. Come to think of it I had sort of an issue in the past with getting a key. If I remember now correctly, the key was NLA years ago, but luckily one came with the new ignition cylinder. What gets me is that they have the code, that is for sure, but for some reason they are not forthcoming. That is unexplainable, and the counter person seemed grumpy when I pointed that out. Maybe, they released the codes to locksmiths. I'll have to check.

Spare key
 

If it may help -
Got 2 spare keys in addition, when I bought my 190D, 9 years ago.
Immediately started using the one which worked the smoothest.
I went to a keysmith and brought the smoothest going key along with a Silca HU64P (works with my '91 190D) to make at least one spare.
Also, even the best key always went a bit notchy in the drivers side door obviously because of the most usage. I took the key tumbler out of door, careful not to loose any micro springs(!!!), inserted key and then ground/dremel'd down to flush with tumbler. AFAIK, the locking pins needing a very slight shave, was the 3 outermost, out of a total of 10. Added regular lubrication of tumblers to schedule. The steering tumbler is somewhat notchy although never jamming. Did my research and contingencies about this.

I have to apply for the data card to get the key code. They make it difficult now, but it looks like that is how it will get done.

I just contacted the Classic Center about obtaining keys or a code for my '77 240. I was told that it was too old...

For US customers the keys and tumblers are made in Texas. Had a key and new tumbler made a year and half ago. Gave my vin and proof of ownership to the dealer and it was ready for pick up within a week. Total was $180 and change.

This was for my 1990 300SE. Mercedes-Benz of Los Angeles, DWTN LA.

I went to a dealer in Nashville in the spring and tried to order keys. They said the keys were made in Texas and could be shipped to me in a matter of days. They took my money (I think $120 for 3 keys) and I left.

Two weeks later they refunded my money and said they could not get any keys any more.

This was for my 1984 300TD

That’s surprising because a w123 key is the simplest of the bunch. I’ve gotten w124, 126, and 201 keys from the classic center over the last year or two did all of them. And those models are the ones with special keys.

You could go with a brass copy of needed. They will work even if not advised, at least to keep as spares.

Someone someplace must have steel keys that work. I know a lot of places don’t like to cut steel.