Key Replacement
 

got an easy one for you...
can't find anyone to duplicate my 240d key...
I know it's only a matter of time until I lose it...
thanks much,
Dave

Had a bad key in the 300D. Had to bring proof of ownership, title etc.. as well as vehicle o local MB dealer so they could order a new one from Germany based on the VIN code of the vehicle. Might as well get you a new ignition tumbler assembly as well, it's just as worn as your old key.

key
 

I have a 72 280 se could not find anyone to cut a replacement

until ... i found a quality locksmith - he had a storefront and large selection of everything involving security and locks

Call around and find one that has "TAYLOR " blanks

My "72 uses a TAYLOR - M79 T key blank
They were relatively inexpensive $3.50 a key.

I 'm with on the fear of losing the key - I had him cut 3 .
So I promptly lost one ......:rolleyes:

My understanding is that they produce replacement keys locally (within the US), you should be able to get one within a few days. I don't remember the cost of the older keys, but a new tumbler and two keys was less than $150. I just paid about $250 for a spare key for the E500.

The guy at the MB dealership told me the keys come directly from Stutgart. And though you can find a replacement key, remember the tumbler is worn as well.

When our keys decided they didn't want to auto-roll the windows up from the door tumbler followed by not wanting to start the ignition we opted for a set of newbies and an ignition tumbler, all was around 120.00 from MB. And as an added bonus the express up/down window feature started to work in both the driver and passeger doors again.

I thought my dealer talked about ordering them from their "key center" in the US, but it doesn't really matter. I agree with replacing the tumbler the moment it starts feeling funny, you don't want it to fail in the locked position.

This guy knows what he's talking about. They will fail you in the lock position, my key was going bad for a while then froze itself into the tumbler, i was lucky enough to get one last turn after some fiddling and the tumbler popped right out. If i remember right the procedure for a locked up key is MUCH MORE of a pain in the rear.

It frequently involves lots of time, money, and power tools.

X2 - I had the W124 bad cylinder/worn out key sticking and about to lock up. I ordered the pair through the dealer with my registration. It was $88.00 in 2008.

The parts counter guys said the keys and locks are assembled in a place in Texas.

Well, my service counter guy was full of balogna i guess. Could have swore even the writing on the box the cylinder and key came in were written in German. But, i stand corrected.

I assume the parts do come from germany, but it's my understanding that the key is cut and the tumbler is set-up in the US based on your VIN. It really doesn't matter, except you probably get it quicker if it's done in the US. When I pick up my new E500 key (maybe today), I'll ask.

Is it easy to change the tumbler or do you have to have the dealer change it for you?

I needed a set of keys for my 1993 ce convertible. On 7/19/2011 I ordered them from the dealer -master and valet for $78.00. It took 3 days and the keys came from TEXAS.

I purchased a duplicate master key for my W124 and duplicate key for the W123 also. The W124 cost me $75.00 and W123 cost me $25.00 and the parts man at the dealer told me they cut the keys in Texas.

I just had one cut in Atlanta. Took one day. Cost $35 for one key for my W116.
Odd thing, though. The counter guy said that you have to bring in the car to verify the VIN. If it won't run, you have to tow it in. I asked how could I have it towed if the steering and tranny were locked. I guess disconnect the driveshaft. He said that a parts guy could deliver the key and check the VIN for $100 when they had time and a spare employee.:eek:
He waived that requirement when he saw what car it was for. I guess 30 year-old models are not stolen that often.:rolleyes: