why the plastic key head?
 

Can anyone here tell me the reason why MB used that replaceable plastic key head on the keys? I replaced mine about 6 months ago now it's torn again. I can't think of a good reason why they did that.

what's a key head? :o where you attach the keychain?
i never knew they could be replaced... i need one too

I ordered a replacement 123 key head from the dealer. Frickin thing was $30!! :eek: I could have ordered a complete new key for the same $$.

I have two keys for my 300D, one is the original plastic headed key, the other is a one with a head that's part of the key, sort of like the Ford and GM keys from the 70's and 80's.
-Joe

I hate to say it, but you got ripped off. Maybe they charged you for a complete key by mistake. I bought one a couple years ago and it was only a few dollars. I also bought a complete key and it was only $20.

ripped off Not! things have changed. The USD is weak (actually not as weak as it was 4 - 5 months ago!) but the old prices have been replaced by substantially higher ones. The resellers are getting $13 to $14 for the head alone. I just checked. I used to pay $4 about 5 years back.
I don't know what a factory code-cut key is selling for but I suspect it has gone up too.

they must have wanted to meet some safety goal OR they wanted to find a way to come up with the profits to pay executives bonuses?
FWIW, I use a dab of Krazy glue (the gel kind works best) and have repaired several key heads. Put it in a clamp for a few minutes while it sets. I kinda think that the keys should have some adhesive in them from the beginning, maybe they wouldn't tear as easily.

http://catalog.eautopartscatalog.com/mercedesshop/sophio/wizard.jsp?partner=mercedesshop&clientid=catalog.mercedesshop&baseurl=http://catalog.peachparts.com/&cookieid=1K812OO9M1K812OYOC&year=1982&make=MB&model=300-TDT-001&category=All&part=Key+Blank+Head

Dave

How do you get the plastic part off? On all of my keys the plastic seems to be molded around the top of the key. I have some of the old red dot keys for my car and the plastic is worn but still in fine shape.

MB plastic key heads
 

d.delano,
Last summer, I went thru the same problem when a car-wash lost my key ring with all my keys on it. I went to the dealer, gave him the VIN, my licence and registration, and he ordered one from afar. Only, when I got it, the key didn't work. Either the locks had been changed, (which I doubt) or the VIN-key-code-ordering process was messed up. At which point the stealership offered to replace all the locks at $110 apiece! Instead, I went to a locksmith, one of only 2 in town who could, (or would) make a door/trunk/glovebox key from scratch. It took over an hour to do it, and with 3 keys, cost me $135. I felt the most important thing about having the locksmith do it was he gave me the key 'code', for my own future reference. The MB 300SD keys are HIGH-security, with multiple-level cuts on all 4 edges. Really sophisticated, mechanically. After seeing him try to make one, and he knew MB's, I realize no one has a 'master key' to open my car. And, the idea of having a different key for the ignition just makes it that much more unlikely someone could 'borrow' your car if they found one or the other of the keys. I also removed the black plastic from the keys, and had a friend solder my ignition key between two gold Sacajawea dollars, and my door key between two silver SB Anthony dollars. They look and feel different even in the dark, are ergonomically superior, should last as long as the keys, and make nice pieces of 'jewelry' on my keyring.

SteveKaa
---------------------------------------------------------------

1982 300SD 348k miles

plastic head
 

is for safety. in case of an accident the top of the key if contacted by flailing body parts will not rip a hole in your body.

I've got so many freakin keys I have worn down the plastic to a small strand. I need to order a set of keys for my 240D. BTW, I officially own the 240D this week! I'll give the guy his last $50 payment to total $600 and I'll have the title in my hands! :dj: