Replacement key only from dealer? - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

benhogan · #1 10-15-2009, 12:19 PM

I need a new key made for the 90 350sdl. Is the dealer truly the only alternative?

I called and they want $50 for a key. One key.

GregMN · #2 10-15-2009, 12:22 PM

Yes.

You need your title and DL as proof of ownership. I just ordered a new tumbler set and key. Came from TX overnight.

Jeremy5848 · #3 10-15-2009, 12:23 PM

There are a few locksmiths that can come up with a duplicate. When I checked in my locale, the price was even higher. I suspect they are simply buying from the factory and adding 10%. So yes, the dealer is pretty much the only source. IMHO, that's good, reduces theft risk.

Oldwolf · #4 10-15-2009, 01:05 PM

My MB dealer charged about $18 for the flat key. Where in NC are you?

benhogan · #5 10-15-2009, 01:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Oldwolf

My MB dealer charged about $18 for the flat key. Where in NC are you?

Chapel Hill

Ian White · #6 10-15-2009, 01:38 PM

Yes I had duplicate keys made from Phil Smart Mercedes-Benz in Seattle, WA. $95.00 USD for 2 "red dot" keys... The joys of owning a mercedes.....

matthias08 · #7 10-15-2009, 01:40 PM

mine for my '87 300D was just $22 from Mercedes Benz of Cincinatti, but I didn't get a red dot...

sasquatchgeoff · #8 10-15-2009, 01:57 PM

Mercedes Benz of Portland charged me $24. Money well spent because my old one was starting to wear out.

benhogan · #9 10-15-2009, 01:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by matthias08

mine for my '87 300D was just $22 from Mercedes Benz of Cincinatti, but I didn't get a red dot...

what is the difference between the red dot and no red dot?

daw_two · #10 10-15-2009, 02:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by benhogan

what is the difference between the red dot and no red dot?

The red dot --- I bought a new master key (no read dot) last year for Coda from the dealer for $12.00 plus taxex. I did not buy a new "valet key" (usually no red dot) since it was going to be $4.50 more.

pawoSD · #11 10-15-2009, 02:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jeremy5848

There are a few locksmiths that can come up with a duplicate. When I checked in my locale, the price was even higher. I suspect they are simply buying from the factory and adding 10%. So yes, the dealer is pretty much the only source. IMHO, that's good, reduces theft risk.

How could they do that if they need the Registration/License to prove ownership in order to buy a key.....

Crazy_Nate · #12 10-15-2009, 02:13 PM

I have two red-dot master keys (one as a backup, the other, I don't use because it's pretty worn). My new master key that came with the tumbler, didn't have a red dot. I can't really see any physical difference between the keys. The two valet keys I have appear to be identical to the master key, except that they lack the groove down the center.

When I compared the old keys (master and valet), the valet appears to have different ridges (it's also different from the new valet key). It's too much material difference to be wear (especially when noting that valet keys don't get used much). When I bought the new valet key, they tried it in the door to confirm that it matched the chassis (after confirming the VIN and my registration), so, I know it works... Interesting, huh?

I'd post pictures...but, that's not really a smart thing to do on the internet for obvious reasons

benhogan · #13 10-15-2009, 02:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by daw_two

The red dot --- I bought a new master key (no read dot) last year for Coda from the dealer for $12.00 plus taxex. I did not buy a new "valet key" (usually no red dot) since it was going to be $4.50 more.

What's the name of the dealer? location? Maybe they can do it for me long distance.

Jeremy5848 · #14 10-15-2009, 02:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by pawoSD

How could they do that if they need the Registration/License to prove ownership in order to buy a key.....

What I meant was that you can't just walk into any key shop and buy a key and go out and steal a Mercedes. Even a dealer won't sell you a key if you provide the VIN (which is typically visible through the windshield) without proof of ownership, as you say. I do not know what the independent shops do, only that they are few and far between. For all I know, they may require proof of ownership too. Once I learned that the indy charged as much or more than the dealer, I lost interest.

Clearly this makes it hard for the person who has just bought a car, especially from a private party, a semi-abandoned relic with no keys, when it takes awhile to come up with the correct paperwork. OTOH, it probably isn't your daily driver.

New Mercedes come with several keys but by time the car is a few years old, some keys are lost and not replaced. This is one of the things that should be in the "Mercedes for Idiots" book: always make sure you have spare keys and that they work.

matthias08 · #15 10-15-2009, 02:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by benhogan

What's the name of the dealer? location? Maybe they can do it for me long distance.

nope.

they have to see registration, and form of photo ID and they looked at my car when I did it, just to make sure all the ducks lined up.

they're overnighted (usually) from texas, and they CAN NOT, WILL NOT ship a key