Can the ignition keys to my '83 W123 be duplicated in a key shop, or must they be ordered from the dealer by code number...nothing electronic in these jaspers...they're just damn KEYS!

Jim

I wouldnt use a key from the local key guy for every day use but it would surelly be good enough for a spare.

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1985 Euro 240D 5 spd 140K
1979 240D 5 spd, 40K on engine rebuild
1994 Dodge/Cummins, 5 spd, 121K
1964 Allice Chalmers D15 tractor
2014 Kubota L3800 tractor
1964 VW bug

"Lifes too short to drive a boring car"

I am not familiar with the 123 key but on my 1983 126 I had to go to a locksmith that was able to make a "laser cut" or side cut since the cut does not go through the key. I spent about $35.00. It took a few telephone calls to find the locksmith that could do it. The dealer in my area was no help.

Try the dealer anyway. One of the three in my area has key cutting equipment on site.

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Rick Miley
2014 Tesla Model S
2018 Tesla Model 3
2017 Nissan LEAF
Former MB: 99 E300, 86 190E 2.3, 87 300E, 80 240D, 82 204D Euro
Chain Elongation References

Key from the dealer or independent shop will be less than $35, will be made of steel instead of brass, and is cheap at the price.

I actually did wear one out -- the original for the 220D after 32 years doesn't work well, although I've not tried it in the new lock cylinder.

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!

When I went to a dealer to get an extra key cut, I found that they didn't have blanks for a 123 car. I also couldn't find any locksmiths that had the blanks.

So, I took a key for a newer Honda, cut the shoulder back a little bit, and cut it in the same pattern as the one key that I have for my car. Unfortunately, it only works as a valet key (only unlocks the driver's door and works the ignition), but for my girlfriend or my mom, it gets the job done.

I still need to figure out the difference between the valet key and the master key...or I need to find some master key blanks.

It's nice having access to a key-cutting machine

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2001 VW Jetta TDI, 5 speed, daily driver
1991 Ford F-350, work in progress
1984 Ford F-250 4x4, 6.9l turbo diesel, 5 speed manual
Previous oilburners: 1980 IH Scout, 1984 E-350, 1985 M-B 300D, 1979 M-B 300SD, 1983 M-B 300D
Spark-free since 1999

My local MB dealer wanted to charge me $45 to make a dupe. And they said it would take a week to get the blank from The Fatherland.

That was BS.

Went to a locksmith and he charged me $3.50 for the blank and cutting. He did it on the spot.

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Toblin

'79 300D, "Liesel von Diesel", 235K

I kid proofed the house....but they still get in

I've never been able to locate a locksmith or parts store with the right blanks...."local" dealership wants $35 for the blank and can't cut it, have to order it too I think. The joys of living in a small town! I really need to have one made though, I only have the one key.

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1985 300D Turbo ~225k
2000 F350 (Powerstroke) 4X4, SWB, CC, SRW, 6spd ~148k
1999 International 4900, DT466e (250hp/660 ft/lbs), Allison MD3060 ~73k

Hay.... maybe this is one of those cases where you gota bite the bullet to get what you want. I think theres a reason (maybe not $45.00 worth, OK) why its a good idea to use the key from MB if your gona keep the car and must use the key every day. I think it has to do with trashing switch/steering wheel lock...ouch I would hope some locksmith type could talk about this , maybe its a "old wives" tail, but its what I,ve always heard.

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1985 Euro 240D 5 spd 140K
1979 240D 5 spd, 40K on engine rebuild
1994 Dodge/Cummins, 5 spd, 121K
1964 Allice Chalmers D15 tractor
2014 Kubota L3800 tractor
1964 VW bug

"Lifes too short to drive a boring car"

I had keys made for both my cars by a little shop locally and the guy went out to the car and tried them himself, tweaked them a little, tried them again and I got out for about 2.50 a key. Have been using them for several years now and they seem to be working just great.

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'99 S420 - Mommies
'72 280SE 4.5 - looking to breathe life into it
'84 300SD Grey - Sold
'85 300SD Silver - Sold
'78 Ski Nautique

For the 123, a GOOD local locksmith will have the blanks, and can make a brass copy that will work fine. I do NOT recommend using a brass key as your daily use key, only as backups & spares. If you don't have an original steel VIN-coded key, order one from the dealer (about $25 last time I got one). The brass ones wear and leave a little pile of shavings under the ignition key slot - not good.

For the 124, 201, and most newer MB's that have the "high security" keys, don't even waste time calling a locksmith. They can only make brass copies, and will charge you MORE than it costs to buy a new steel VIN-coded key from the dealer! I learned that the hard way... brass copy was $25-$35, and a new steel VIN-cut key was only $17 at the dealer! Go figure.

BTW, there should be no need to order blanks from the dealer, give them your VIN and you'll get a nice, fresh original key. And keep the brass copies in your desk drawer at home for when you lose your main key!


HTH,

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Dave
Boise, ID
Check out my website photos, documents, and movies!

Hey Warden, Call A-Crane in Redwood City if you want keyblanks or have them cut a copy, that is where Autobahn send customers wanting key or lock work.
Most locksmiths have a hard time with the Mercedes blanks, and will not (can not) make the new electronic keys.
My brother is a locksmith and explained to me that it is common to have to make several attempts to get it right.

And the brass material in the aftermarket blanks wears fast, just look at the dust that comes out of the starter switch/key hole.

Keys are the one thing I recommend only the dealer for. Code-cut keys use a nickel alloy that lasts much longer.
I just got a code-cut key for my '71 220, only $22. They still have the codes on file and it fit perfectly!
You can order the master or valet key.
Dieseldiehard
1971 220 (gas) 4-spd manual 104041
1979 300TD w/ ’85 turbo engine 289560
1983 300D 237490
1985 300TD 206150
1975 300D (looking for an engine)

oops. GSXR and I said basically the same things. Our posts were at nearly the same time I think, anyhow this subject has come up before on the Shopforum. Warden, call A-Crane - most little key shops don't have the blanks or the skills to mess with Benz keycutting (lots a luck to them, too!)
Dieseldiehard

MB supplies keys by chassis number. Lock cylinders as well, ditto for door locks. Older (pre 1980 by now, I suppose) sometimes have to come from Germany, but they are factory keys. I think I paid $20 or so each for mine, maybe $25 at my local Indy. Be prepared to take a registration or the title in if you don't know the shop well, they don't want to supply keys for stolen cars!

If you need a lock cylinder from Germany, you must also by a key, they don't come as a set. newer cylinders come with a key.

Don't bother with brass keys, they don't last long and tend to foul the cylinder -- costs quite a bit more to get a stuck cylinder out than the steel key costs....

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!

Do you have their # handy? Also, do you know what their price is for blanks vs the price for a cut key? Also do you know if they normally stock master keys, or primarily valet keys?

I'm going down to my dad's in the L.A. area in a few days for the holidays, and will then be able to go crazy with the key-cutting machine so unless the price difference is negligible, I'll just get blanks...I have yet to have a key not work properly.