Plastic Heads on new keys

[vieux_carre]

Good afternoon,

Can one still get keys from Mercedes with the hard rubber head that is a match for the keys supplied with the car when new?I recently ordered a lock tumbler and the key that came with it had the 'replacement' plastic head that one slips a flat key (no head) into and pops the tang on the back into to secure the key. This newer key head is much flimsier than the originals....

If the old style keys are still available for order, what do I need to tell the dealer to ensure that I get the style that I'm after?

Thank you,
Tripp Frasch
'83 240D
New Orleans, LA

[sixto]

I had a key made by a locksmith with a laser cutting tool. The key looks like the key you'd get from the dealer but it has a JET logo one side of the plastic and some numbers on the other side. The fitment of the key into the plastic feels more secure than the original MB key with a Huf logo on one side of the metal and a MB star on the other side. It's not cheap to get a laser cut duplicate. Takes a good while too.

I think www.************************ sells plastic heads that clip over the tabs on the metal. It might be an option if your dealer key fails.

Sixto
95 S420
87 300SDL

[vieux_carre]

Sixto,

Thank you for your suggestions. I'm looking for a factory original key - Huf or the like. Many of the laser cut keys are brass and may have deleterious effects on the locking cylinder over time (and the keys for my w123 240D aren't the laser cut variety). An option might be to see if I can get a factory blank and have it cut, but I'd prefer to order it with my VIN & have it arrive cut to spec.

You can actually order the replacement heads from the dealer too - my issue with these is that they are flimsy. I'm hoping to find out if & how one can still procure factory keys with the original molded hard rubber head as opposed to the one with the plastic head that I was recently supplied.

In appreciation,
Tripp Frasch
'83 240D
New Orleans, LA

[Ferdman]

Tripp, take your registration card to any MB dealer's Parts Department and they can order an original type key for your car. The replacement key I bought for our 1992 300CE is exactly like the original.

[vieux_carre]

Ferdman,

Thank you for your reply. I went to the dealer to order a new lock tumbler. It came from MB with a key (as they often do) and it was of the flimsy plastic head variety. Perhaps the later keys that require laser cutting still come with the hard rubber heads. can anyone shed some light on this?

[Hatterasguy]

I bought two last year, the new ones don't have the red dot for the alarm. Other then that they are the same. About $20 each not to bad.