Steel key blanks? - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

Ra_ · #1 11-18-2005, 10:18 AM

Does anyone have a source for these?

I've contacted a whole slew of eBay sellers...
and they all have brass keys.

Tangent · #2 11-19-2005, 03:52 AM

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=7555497557&category=67031&refid=store

Ra_ · #3 11-19-2005, 06:10 AM

I was told that the Ilco blanks are brass.

I have also already contacted that seller
and was told by them that their keys
are valet keys and will only work on my doors,
not my ignition.

Thanks.

Rick Miley · #4 11-19-2005, 07:29 AM

The best place to get a replacement key is from the dealer. But since you're asking this and you live in the keys, I assume that is not a convenient option. You might try www.calibermotors.com - they're an authorized dealer in CA that does a lot of internet business. BTW, its Mercedes corporate policy to require proof of ownership to purchase a key. So you'll need to provide a copy of your driver's license and registration. With any luck, Caliber will let you fax it.

Ra_ · #5 11-19-2005, 09:09 AM

Gracias.

I see that the googlemonster, in it's infinite wisdom,
has put an ad for key blanks at the bottom of this thread.

I checked it out but they show Ilco for my model.
I emailed them.

Ralph69220d · #6 11-19-2005, 09:13 AM

Call one of your local locksmiths. They have the reference books that will say if there are steel blanks made for your car.

Ra_ · #7 11-19-2005, 10:22 AM

Thanks. I'll try that.

I just got a response from one of the online key specialists:

According to the book, you need this blank.
http://www.mysecuritypro.com/index.asp?PageAction=VIEWPROD&ProdID=1161

This key was, and still is nickel plated brass. It is not steel as you were told.

Hope that helps.

Harry Williamson
My Security Pro
877 767-2337

TheDon · #8 11-19-2005, 10:36 AM

the keys i get from mercedes will be authentic ones ? the correct blank to go with the car and all

Rick Miley · #9 11-19-2005, 03:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TheDon

the keys i get from mercedes will be authentic ones ? the correct blank to go with the car and all

I don't quite understand the question. But if you order a key through an authorized dealer, it will be cut based on the VIN for your car. If the locks haven't been changed, then it will work perfectly.

Rick Miley · #10 11-19-2005, 03:34 PM

Ra_, the price on that blank is $36.45, plus you'd still have to get it cut. That's ridiculous - a dealer cut key would be less than $25.

Ra_ · #11 11-19-2005, 04:26 PM

Rick,

I think that's the price for 5 blanks?
They are brass though.

I told the person at that website my concerns about brass keys.
They responded with the following:

Being a locksmith by trade, I have never heard this story. If it is sticking,
the duplicate key was either cut incorrectly or you have a mechanical problem
with your switch.

Rule of thumb. A duplicate should work as well as the original. If you original
does not work well, your duplicate won't work either. Check your key. I bet
you will see some brass showing through where the key was cut. The silver casing is the nickel plating
over the brass. They stopped making steel keys years ago because they were
tearing up cutting wheels. Very few keys today are made of steel.

Ken in NC · #12 11-19-2005, 04:42 PM

A magnet will easily determine if the key is ferrous or non ferrous material.

Rick Miley · #13 11-19-2005, 04:45 PM

OK, here is a picture of the crappy brass key that came with my 240D, and the new MB made key that came when I replace the key switch. Even with the poor focus, you can easily see how much the brass key wears. The second picture shows the edge view so you can see that the new key is not brass.

Ra_ · #14 11-19-2005, 05:13 PM

Wow, that is dramatic.

When you replaced the ignition tumbler,
did that mean that you now have to use
different keys for the doors and for the ignition?

Thanks.

Rick Miley · #15 11-19-2005, 05:18 PM

No, I ordered a VIN matched tumbler from the dealer. It came with two new keys that fit the other locks perfectly. I don't need the old key for anything, but just kept it for the heck of it.