Mercedes key - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

mbzman · #1 06-04-2010, 02:23 PM

I've noticed that my main key was a bit sticky in the ignition as well as door and trunk locks. It felt as if I had to overcome a bit of resistance when I went to use it. I decided to take out my spare master key which hasn't been used at all since I ordered it from the dealer last year. This key works fine in all the locks as well as the ignition and doesn't appear to have the same problem. How long do these factory keys usually last? I believe the one I'm experiencing problems with it only about 8 years old.

I'm a bit disappointed that it is already worn to the point where it does not work as well as it could, especially considering the cost to replace it. Is it possible to get new valet and wallet keys made from the dealer?

DCINSU · #2 06-04-2010, 05:42 PM

When I went to the dealer to have a second key made they ordered one from another dealership and charged me 16 dollars per key. I am not sure if this is common but if you have a key with no electronics hopefully the dealer can do a similar thing for you. I was told not to have a key made by anyone else due to the quality of the cutting.

mgburg · #3 06-04-2010, 05:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DCINSU

When I went to the dealer to have a second key made they ordered one from another dealership and charged me 16 dollars per key. I am not sure if this is common but if you have a key with no electronics hopefully the dealer can do a similar thing for you. I was told not to have a key made by anyone else due to the quality of the cutting.

It not so much the "quality" of the cutting...it's more related to the "quality" of the metal in the key itself.

Some "Aftermarket" (AM) materials are softer than the pins in the tumblers of the vehicle...so therefore, the ridges on the keys themselves wear down and shave off...and that stuff ends up in the lock cylinder, causing further wearing down of the pins and gumming of the works.

Whereas...

The MB keys are of the same metals/materials that the current set of tumblers/pins are and therefore, both have a tendency to "wear" at a slower rate due to the fact that they are of the same "hardness" and therefore, should not shed particles into the locksets.

That's the "quality" issue...material vs. workmanship (or the lack thereof).

mgburg · #4 06-04-2010, 05:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mbzman

... Is it possible to get new valet and wallet keys made from the dealer?

Yes, but they don't come from the dealer, the keys are made and come from MBUSA themselves...

First, take your title to the car, or insurance card (current) and your Drivers License to the Parts Dept. of your local MB Dealership. (The keys are made based on your VIN. And you won't get any keys made unless you can prove you own the vehicle...it's for your protection as well as the dealership's...)

They'll make a photostatic copy of your paperwork and give your stuff back to you, then they'll have you fill out an order form.

You let them know what you want and within a week or so, your new keys will be awaiting your pickup.

Some places may have you pay up front, others when you pickup the keys.

Mine? When I picked them up...they were around $19.50 each and they worked as if the car was brand new...

I ordered 2 Masters and 2 Valets...they worked as advertised.

Good luck!

mbzman · #5 06-05-2010, 12:39 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mgburg

Yes, but they don't come from the dealer, the keys are made and come from MBUSA themselves...

I do realize that they are made elsewhere and then shipped to the dealer. What I meant is if they could be ordered from the dealer. I like the idea of the key without the conventional head to put in a wallet in case of being locked out or an emergency. Do you know if they can still order those style of keys? My car came missing both that key and the valet. When I ordered another master key last year I believe it was upwards of $40.

mgburg · #6 06-05-2010, 10:28 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mbzman

I do realize that they are made elsewhere and then shipped to the dealer. What I meant is if they could be ordered from the dealer. I like the idea of the key without the conventional head to put in a wallet in case of being locked out or an emergency. Do you know if they can still order those style of keys? My car came missing both that key and the valet. When I ordered another master key last year I believe it was upwards of $40.

As far as I'm aware, ordering the keys from the dealership is, really, the only way it's suppose to be done. I know of two locksmiths in my area that can make "dumb keys" for Benzs, but those keys are the cheaper metal versions of the original and they do wear out a bit sooner than using the originals.

I have the "dumb" keys (no chips) so I'm not sure if the $40 you were charged for your key is an area/dealership pricing (for "chip" keys) or not.

As for the wallet version...I took the one key from the PO and used it as my wallet key. Once I had the new keys, I took the old key (which WAS an original MB Master) and "shaved" the rubber/plastic head down so it would fit nicely in the wallet. I never asked about a wallet key...but if you've had the experience with getting one in the past, it wouldn't hurt to ask if it's still available...I can't imagine it being any more expensive than a regular cut MB key...as in the way their pricing goes.

All I know is that the original key that came with my car was a functioning original...after getting 2 new sets of working keys, I was able to take that "orphan key" and make a wallet unit out of it...for my own use...it's not pretty, but then again, I SHOULD be the only one in my wallet looking at it...right?

Here's a different thought...maybe you can have a "dumb key" made at an area key shop...a "once in a great while" use type of thing. Just used to get you into the vehicle in an emergency...like if you managed to lock the originals in the trunk or passenger areas of the car...and that's all you're using that key for...

tbomachines · #7 06-04-2010, 05:45 PM

Its cheap! You might as well order a replacement, but if I were you, I'd swap the "spare" with the everyday one until you get a new one.

Crazy_Nate · #8 06-05-2010, 10:32 AM

I asked about a wallet key when I did my ignition cylinder a little while ago. The dealer said they don't make those any more. I settled on just a valet key, as a master comes with the new cylinder. If I really wanted a wallet key, I'd do the same as above - get my dremel out and make one