thanks for the suggestion.
Based on the fact the old key never faulted, this just started with the arrival of the new key last week so I assumed it was the key.
I also plan to pull the OBC history to see if there's any hint there.

__________________
'95 E320 Wagon my favorite road car. '99 E300D wolf in sheeps body, '87 300D Sportline suspension, '79 300TD w/ 617.952 engine at 367,750 and counting!