Where can key blanks be obtained?
 

Hello! When I bought my car, it only came with one key (fortuantely, a "master" key). I was able to cut one extra key using a blank that fit the same hole (I think it was actually supposed to be for a Honda :o), althuogh that one acts as a valet key. Where can I get my hands on some "master" key blanks? I went to the dealer, and they said that they didn't have them, but that the only difference between the master and valet keys are that the master key's a little bit thicker. Fastlane has soemthing that's described as a "key blank head", but going by the picture, that is only the plastic part and not the metal.

I'm hoping for an OEM style with the little star :) and I will have access to a key-cutting machine (not to brag, but I can cut keys FAR better than the OSH idiots) when I go down to my dad's next week.

Thanks in advance!

I see them on EBay fairly often. I think someone puts them up on a regular basis. Not OEM though.........

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=2416664012&category=6763

Ken300D

Warden,

I think the valet key is thicker so it won't fit in glove box or trunk locks.

That way someone who has you car key for doors and key switch can't get in trunk or glove box.

P E H

Surprised the dealer wasn't able to help you. When I bought my SD I went to the dealer to get another key(only got one also). They said they could get one, but cost was way out there($100 sticks in my head). But the parts guy handed me a buisness card of a key & lock shop nearby that had the blanks and sent me over there. They charged me something like $35 for a key. However, it doesn't have the star or anything.

I went to a local locksmith who had the ability to "laser cut" or side cut a key for my 1983 300SD. He charged me $35.00. The key was unusal because it did not require a cut all the way through the blank.

Are all like that?

It took me a while to find him due to the fact that not every locksmith had the right machine to cut the key.

My local dealer did not have the ability to reproduce the key.

Come to think of it, I now remember that all the dealer could do was order a new key using my VIN number, and I seem to remember it had to come from Germany, hence the price.

I recently went to a lockshop in Nashville for this reason.(West End lock co.) They can do two types of key ($25 or $3) The 81 and 84 123 cars were the $3 key. The blank that they used was the "Ilco" X82 . It also says on it "MB41" and"For Mercedes". I also have a "Taylor" key that is an X82. These blanks have no plastic on them.
I could not find a place in my locality that could do a properly working key.

There is a manufacturer of keys for these cars that do not have the plastic piece at the bottom (long story short mine broke in a mall-bad scene-but found it).The local locksmith only charges use a 1.99 for each one (made 4 for each and hid them) as well as you can get them at Sears locksmith for about 2 bucks.The key blank manufacturer is ILCO the blank for the 300 d series is X82 MB41.I hope it helps.:)

The dealer can get you a master key. You need to provide them with your VIN#. Usually takes a couple days to get one. Since your car does not have the laser cut keys, it should be less than $25 for one. If they try to rape you on the price, e-mail me and you can order one through me. I get a better price through the dealer because of my wholesale account.

went through this today. Dealer keys work best, have had some locals cut me keys which seem to be fine to start the car but suck in the doors.
Dealer here (Florida) wanted photo ID, title (which had VIN#) and ordered for 18 each

Just picked up two keys from the local dealer for my 87/124. They charged me 41.50 for both, they are master keys, with the black plastic heads, but lack the "red dot". I enquired on the flat keys, and was told that niether the flat or the "red dot" had been available for some time.

At first it upset me a bit, that it would cost so much for two keys, but I think of them as keys cut to numbers, rather then duplicated. If I look at it that way, they seem to be more reasonable in price.

Cheers, Mack