W140 Key Coding
 

Customer has two keys for his S280 1997, one is ok but the other refuses to work. Is there any way this duff key can be recoded back to its original state without going to the dealer who wants 75ukp to do it?
Cheers
Clive

The batteries should be checked/replaced. Then the key should be syncronized.

To syncronize point the key at the receiver, depress the button two times (momentarily) and turn key in sterring lock to position "2" within 30 seconds.

Hi Clive, long time "no talk".
My little Sprite is coming along well, got the body back from the body shop a couple weeks ago, got the doors back today, and a few other odds and ends. Seems like it'll take a year total before I have all the body parts restored. Transmission is apart, I believe I have all the parts required to reassemble it. It's the original "smoothcase" 4 speed.
On the 140 chassis key, just as a cross-reference, the owners manual will have the resynchronization procedure. Steve is probably right, but it seems they did change the procedure occasionally. If Steves way doesn't work, check the manual.
Gilly

W140 Key Coding
 

Thanks both for your help. Nice to hear from you again Gilly, pleased to hear your Sprite is progressing. How did it go with the instruments & wiring?
Don't think that this is the correct owners manual with the car as I was looking for a quick refresher on resetting the service interval indicator but that isn't in there either and the picture indicates a mechanical speedo & mileage with no display. I presume this reset is the same as the C class?
Regards all
Clive

Clive:
I have a like-new speedo for the Sprite, still not sure if it's correct. Well, I'm sure it's not correct. I'll have to deal with it later. I think when I was messing with the gauges, I should have been concentrating my efforts elsewhere.
I'm not sure at all if a S class synch procedure is like a C class. I should have a 97 S class owners manual at work, I can check there for you. Hopefully I can get on the net at work and post the answer from there shortly.
Gilly

Gilly,

Just for reference, I rent my original shop to a good friend who does a lot of MG work. He has about ten Sprites and Midgets for parts. There all Florida cars (no systematic rust) in case you need something for underneath.

Clive:
I can't find a 97 owners manual. I have a 98 manual, and the procedure on a 98 is as Steve described.
Steve: Thanks for the offer, I'll sure keep it in mind. Do you know if he has any early early Sprite or Midgets? I need parts for either a Sprite Mk2 or Midget Mk1 (same basic car, made in 61 or prior to about mid-year 62), or some parts I need would be the same as a "Bugeye" Sprite (58-61)
Gilly

Gilly
Thanks for that, I will also keep my eyes open for Sprite bits. Perhaps you could e-mail any bits you may have difficulty obtaining in the US.
Regards
Clive