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Old 01-31-2006, 04:03 PM
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cmac2012 cmac2012 is online now
Me, Myself, and I
 
Join Date: Dec 2004
Location: Redwood City, CA
Posts: 36,988
Quote:
Originally Posted by alabbasi
Called my local dealer about getting a key cut for the 73 280SEL and the 79 6.9.

This is what they want.
1. Me to go there
2. Bring my Title and Drivers license
3. Pay them $35 / key
4. Go home for a couple of days
5. Come back when the key arrives
6. Bring my Title and drivers license
7. Collect the key.

For a start, $35/key is highway robbery for a non security key but to add to this....
Having to go there in person twice to get the key is just stupid. Why not just call it in, pay for it and then turn up with your title when its time to collect. It's already paid for so its not like they lost out on selling a $35 key if I turn don't have a title.
Hear my sad tale.

I had one made at the local locksmith for $35 (best deal I could find) but thought I'd try the dealer option of 'VIN driven' new key to MB specs.

Went in, parted with around $50; the key came back -- was clearly not the right key for my locks. My existing key(s) fit in doors, trunk, and glovebox. The parts man sent it back in to see if there was a mistake, but no, there wasn't. (!?!) He says maybe the locks were changed during its 24 years of service before I saw it. I said "even the glovebox?" He said that when a dealer replaces the locks, they get a kit that has all four locks.

I asked him if we could send in my existing key and they could scan it and find what code it represents, so I could have some combination number to store so I could have a key made if all of mine were stolen/lost.

He said, no sorry, it has to be an OEM key. Oh boy. A $50 lesson. No refund was forthcoming, and I guess that's understandable. But, the inflexibility on searching for another solution was not, IMHO.
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