Smart (?) Key
 

New owner of a 98 300D, I now find myself looking for a spare smart key, you know, just in case. But is there such a thing as a spare smart key?
I am under the impression that the onboard computer generates a new recognition code everytime the key is removed, and lets you start the engine when the key is inserted back in the slot where it delivers the new code. So, even if I had a spare, it would not be programmed with the new code, or am I missing something?
Plus, I am told that if lost, a spare costs about $200 and it may take up to a month to get one. (Still chocking on this piece of info!)
Is there a trick to get a spare fast and cheap if the original is lost or should I glue it to my right thumb and hope no one cuts it off while I sleep?
Pearls of wisdom welcome.
Thx.
Francis

Go to the dealer and order an additional key. Don't get a replacement key if you want your original key to keep working.

If you don't already know, a used key from another car is useless to you. You see them for sale on ebay often.

Since you can't get it fast, you might as well get it early.

I won't (can't off the top of my head) explain all the ins/outs of smartkeys. But your car came with 2 smartkeys and one somewhat limited function valet smartkey (it will start the car). If you are down to one smartkey you have to use a MB dealer for an extra key (very common). I have never heard of this taking 30 days. The most common (universal) scenario is 2-3 working days. You will need to show the dealer a vehicle registration with your name on it for the car (proves your the right guy getting the key) and a drivers license. They can be as high as $200 dollars or more. MB dealer key prices do vary, I got a new smartkey w/steel key insert from MB Carlsbad a year ago for $145.Personally I would resist paying $200 plus and shop it a bit. 30 days has got to be incorrect as all smartkeys in USA come from the same place (Texas, I think), and no MBUSA dealer would take all that time.
Good luck,
Paul
98 E300

I think I read somewhere that Mercedes allows for two additional/replacement Smart Keys per vin code over the "life time" of the vehicle. Beyond that you have to have the whole ignition socket and matching Smart Key replaced by an authorized dealer, which cost alot more than just the key.....
Maybe someone can verify that?

This is copied from a post Gilly wrote late Oct. If I am following along correctly it looks like he says you can have up to 8 keys at a time.

Thanks Terry! So if you can order Smart Keys twice over the life of the car and up to 8 Keys each time.... that would be a possible 16 Keys total. In Gilly's quote it says 24 keys total...was that a typo? Not that anyone would ever need 16 or 24 Smart Keys.....;)

I think the cars came with three keys, two reg and one valet? Not certain of this as I did not get mine new and only got one key.

I have two keys currently.