W210 E320, I've knackered my only key!
 

Hi there,

Well I'm walking for now... as my E320 key fob will not turn in the ignition.

It all started with the remote locking not working.... so I need a new key anyway (am in UK).

I stupidly took the fob apart, and tried to clean connections... ended up pressing THREE buttons on the fob board (lock, unlock - and a third blanked button). I'm guessing that the third button is the IR reset etc...

I know I'll need a new key.

My question is - as the car wont move, whats the procedure for MB to give me a new key?

I'm asking here, as the dealers are shut today, so would like to know what I can do on Monday (if anything).

I have no spare, and never have (before anyone asks).

Thanks,

Mike F

I'll assume the rules are the same over there as they are here in the USA. Your dealer will require some proof that you actually own the car (here they require you to show your registration) and they will order you a replacement key. The smart keys do fail, in fact it happens a lot. I have replaced both of my originals over the years after they started to become irratic. Anyway, your dealer will order a key from MB that is correct for your VIN. That's all there is to it.

Here it only takes a day or two, and I suppose in an emergency they could get you one overnight.

Don't even think about buying a key from ebay or anyplace other than the dealer...the keys are programmed for the car's lock code and you can't buy one for another car and "reprogram" it, regardless of what the unscrupulous ebay sellers will tell you. You have to bite the bullet and buy it from the dealer.

I just got one and the best price I could get was just over $100 though my local dealer wanted alomst twice that...so I would guess you will land up paying somewhere about 75GBP for one.

I Didn't Think The "Key" Was Active for Starting
 

I have one "good" key for my 1998 E300D Turbodiesel, and one that went through the wash and is now a "bad" key. The "bad" key will still run the car, it just won't work the doors. But it came with a little switchblade old technology key to get in the door, so I can use the door locks like an older W124 and earlier MB, while the gizmo in the blunt end that goes in the starter spot stll works. I understood there is some inert thing the car's starting key hole reads and responds to. Not sure if it has any electrical functions, as my "bad" key is really dead, electrically and it still works starting the car. Jim

You're looking at about £120 all in. Thats the key and fob. I know because I had only 1 key, and decided to order a spare.

BTW, the new key has a shorter metal key than the old ones, which makes locking the boot interesting :) It can be done though, you just have to use the keyring to get leverage :)

There are two independent functions in that key (not counting the mechanical blade). The RF transmitter (IIRC) and a transponder. The transmitter is battery-powered and serves the locking system. The transponder takes no battery power and is responsible for identifying the key to the computer. The transponder is powered by the ping from the car, and responds back. I assume that this part is hermetically sealed.

Buy two, you should always have at least two keys on hand. Then you wouldn't be walking...