So, I haven't been able to post any advice for while since I no longer own a Mercedes, but this will apply to all owners with newer keys that are straight on the edge and have the groove in the middle that moves the locks and ignition.

Be sure that your key doesn't build up lint from your pocket or it will collect in the ignition and eventually ruin it! I was stranded last week in my VW because the key wouldn't turn in the ignition. After having the car towed to the shop and haveing them check it out, I was told that lint build up in the key had collected inside the ignition to the point that it could no longer turn. They cleaned it out and re lubricated it and it works fine again. But if it had been left much longer, I'd be buying a new ignition. Now I just make sure that there's no lint in the key before starting the car.

Hope this helps!!

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Current:
2014 VW Tiguan SEL 4Motion 43,000 miles.

2016 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport (wife's).

Past:
2006 Jetta TDI 135,970 miles. Sold Nov. '13.
1995 E-320 Special Edition. 220,200 miles. Sold Sept. '07.
1987 190-E 16 valve. 153,000 miles. Sold Feb. '06.
1980 300-D 225,000 miles. Donated to the National Kidney Foundation.
1980 240-D manual, 297,500 miles. Totaled by inattentive driver.

My newest car is a 1990. Daily driver is an '82 No new keys here.

__________________
-diesel is not just a fuel, its a way of life-
'15 GLK250 Bluetec 118k - mine - (OC-123,800)
'17 Metris(VITO!) - 37k - wifes (OC-41k)
'09 Sprinter 3500 Winnebago View - 62k (OC - 67k)
'13 ML350 Bluetec - 95k - dad's (OC-98k)
'01 SL500 - 103k(km) - dad's (OC-110,000km)
'16 E400 4matic Sedan - 148k - Brothers (OC-155k)

I've seen some lint buildup even on my benz key... my W126 has a more fancy type of key then your standard car lock. I bet the lint on the key can build up in the lock cylinder too... never a bad idea to keep things clean.

-Jaosn

__________________
1991 350SDL. 230,000 miles (new motor @ 150,000). Blown head gasket

Tesla Model 3. 205,000 miles. Been to 48 states!
Past: A fleet of VW TDIs.... including a V10,a Dieselgate Passat, and 2 ECOdiesels.
2014 Cadillac ELR
2013 Fiat 500E.

Never happens to Chevy trucks and they keys tend to get actual dirt on them to.

__________________
1999 SL500
1969 280SE
2023 Ram 1500
2007 Tiara 3200

Mainly because the truck itself breaks/falls apart long before the lock can get that dirty.

__________________
-diesel is not just a fuel, its a way of life-
'15 GLK250 Bluetec 118k - mine - (OC-123,800)
'17 Metris(VITO!) - 37k - wifes (OC-41k)
'09 Sprinter 3500 Winnebago View - 62k (OC - 67k)
'13 ML350 Bluetec - 95k - dad's (OC-98k)
'01 SL500 - 103k(km) - dad's (OC-110,000km)
'16 E400 4matic Sedan - 148k - Brothers (OC-155k)

I don't put my keys in my pocket. I leave them in the ignition so I don't lose them!!

That is a good way to lose the whole car!

__________________
-diesel is not just a fuel, its a way of life-
'15 GLK250 Bluetec 118k - mine - (OC-123,800)
'17 Metris(VITO!) - 37k - wifes (OC-41k)
'09 Sprinter 3500 Winnebago View - 62k (OC - 67k)
'13 ML350 Bluetec - 95k - dad's (OC-98k)
'01 SL500 - 103k(km) - dad's (OC-110,000km)
'16 E400 4matic Sedan - 148k - Brothers (OC-155k)

I guess there just aren't as many dumb thieves as there used to be. They must have figured out that you go to the same jail for stealing a $1000 old Mercedes as a $100,000 new one. May as well make it worth your while if you decide to go that route. Never had any trouble, but I do live in an affluent area.

I clean my keys maybe once a month, but thanks for the reminder

__________________
http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7271/7...144c3fc1dc.jpg

Nah you trade it in on a new one before that happens.

__________________
1999 SL500
1969 280SE
2023 Ram 1500
2007 Tiara 3200

I do the same. I've lost my keys more times than my car has been stolen.