Desperately need help figuring out how to use the programmer key for new ignition
 

I bought a new ignition switch from the dealership for my 2000 C230. The new switch is installed but I have no idea what to do with this blue programmer key to make it all work
I'm dead in the water unless someone can walk me thru the process

Stick it in and wait. Once the led goes out you should be able to remove it and stick in your regular key..... and wait. Once you hear the steering lock cycle that key should be good to go. Repeat with other keys.

IIRC you'll still need to have the EIS assigned permanently with an SDS, but you'll have a generous amount of starts before it gives you grief.

After the steering unlocks, I'd seriously consider disabling the column lock.

This is on the left lower portion of the column. With the column unlocked, use a 10 mm wrench to remove a nut then push the lock bolt out. Zip tie the unit to something and you now will have a column that does not lock. Be aware that the locking pawl will still actuate to take that into account when zip tying it.

Someone en e bay even sells a column lock eliminator that fools the rest of the system to thin the locking unit still exists.

please put the car on a battery tender or put jumper cables on it from another running car so the system voltage never goes below 12.6V when the key does its write.

You lost me with EIS and SDS
please explain

Thank you all so much

EIS-electronic ignition switch. SDS- star diagnostic system