that, I could not tell you, especially given the variances of international
marketing. It does see a little bit odd that a dealer would 'backfill' and
replace a key with an older design. usually, the practice is to use whatever
the standard part is until their parts list or inventory is updated with a
new design or part number.

i have a 1999 E320 USA model and it was equipped with the 1st generation
Smartkey. As the years passed each owner asking for a replacement key
could have been issued one of the newer designs. Several years ago, I
wanted the newest chrome design and picked one up for a great price ($60 US).
those deals have become history and no more, unfortunately.

__________________
-- raymond~
47º 34'N 122º 18'W