My brother lost the key to my 1982 300 sd. Now, MB will kindly make me a new key for 26 bucks. But, they won't give me the key unless I also bring them the car as well. I'd like to save the cost of a large tow bill. Does anyone know if i can start the car and drive it to the dealership without the key. Say, by taking the ignition switch out and starting it with a screwdriver or some such. Then re-assemble everything later.

thanks
Allen

The steering's still LOCKED.
You'd have to remove the Wheel lock. (NO FUN! and Damn near impossible without the key)

[I "see" you're looking @ one of the W124 "Lock Cylinder Replacement Threads.]
( I believe on your car without the key,tumbler and lock removal ,Impossible)

Call the Clowns @ the Stealership and ask to speak to the Franchisee (Owner)
Throw yourself on whatever's left of her/his cold dead heart's mercy.
Damn,If they've got the New Key from Texas for you...
Couldn't their tech come out under the RoadSide Assistance,and just happen to bring your new key .
(Your BATTERY is DEAD and you need a Jump start [FREE],
BUT the TECH needs your new key to Start the Mercedes...Unnerstand?)
(Then he could verify that the key fits your lock and you're not stealing the Mercedes .Which is all Stuttgart cares about)

AND if this dealer is pissy about helping you,call another one.

In all of this New Security,implementation is totally the Dealer's discretion.
DB in Stuttgart facilitated an "Arrangement" between Interpol and MBUSA.
It seems that,Unfortunately,certain nefarious agents in Europe were obtaining
keysets for European Mercedes from Dealerships in the United States AND
then stealing the Mercedes...Transporting them further East for resale...
(Can you say "Москва" or "Bejing" or "Konstantinopolis" ?)

The penalty for delivering a security device (Keys,Locksets,Wireless ,Etc.)
WITHOUT verification is dismissal from employment.

__________________
'84 300SD sold
124.128

I just checked with Nashville MB. I only have the valet key.

Procedure there to get a new key is:
Go there with registration in your name with your photo id.
They want the names to match.

Pay for it .. its only $16 in Nashville
Return in a day or two and pick up your key.

My issue which maybe a fax machine will solve is its a ~120 mile
round trip for me.

__________________
1985 300D 198K sold
1982 300D 202K
1989 300E 125K
1992 940T

"If you dont have time to do it safely, you dont have time to do it"

"The democracy will cease to exist when you take away from those who are willing to work and give to those who would not."

You don't need to bring the car, just your license and Registration. That's it.

__________________
-diesel is not just a fuel, its a way of life-
'15 GLK250 Bluetec 118k - mine - (OC-123,800)
'17 Metris(VITO!) - 37k - wifes (OC-41k)
'09 Sprinter 3500 Winnebago View - 62k (OC - 67k)
'13 ML350 Bluetec - 95k - dad's (OC-98k)
'01 SL500 - 103k(km) - dad's (OC-110,000km)
'16 E400 4matic Sedan - 148k - Brothers (OC-155k)

Unless this is a new M/B policy, it's probably just the dealer being a DB.

Most dealers will provide a new key within 24 hours if you present proper documenation (title, registration, and license).

When I got a key from MB they jsut wanted the title and registration to prove that the car belonged to me. I'd ask if you can just bring in the title and registration.

__________________

Find a locksmith that works the auctions. One of the guys that is on another make car forum said that he could make a key for my SD. Unfortunately, he has gotten into another business & sold most of his equipment.

__________________
85SD 240K & stopped counting painted, putting bac together. 84SD 180,000. sold to a neighbor and member here but I forget his handle. The 84 is much improved from when I had it. 85TD beginning to repair to DD status. Lots of stuff to do.

Second this. They've never wanted anything but the paperwork when I ordered them. Both a replacement key and a replacement whole lock cylinder.

__________________


~Michael S.~
Past cars:

1986 300SDL
1987 300SDL
1982 240D
1982 300SD


Current:

1987 300SDL

If someone has not mentioned it join one of the Auto Clubs and get free Towing.
The AAA claims you can join on the internet and aftewards call for you Tow.

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84 300D, 82 Volvo 244Gl Diesel

thanks I had considered most of the suggestions already. I'm gonna try to reason with the GM. If that fails then I'll call for AAA roadside assistance.

I did call MB and they said because my car is a classic Benz the car did not have to be at the dealership when I picked up the key. MB said only the newer cars have to be at the dealership so the key can b sync'd with the car.

However the parts department was adamant. They even made another dealership bring the car over to them for a replacement while I was waiting order my key. 'I'm gonna try to talk to the GM but I think I'm gonna get shot down. Looks like a job for AAA

i got one five months ago. My dad got it for me actually I guess they just looked at the last name, unless i co-signed with my dad when i got the car

__________________
1981 300SD 512k OM603

The last time I ordered a tumbler and key, I Faxed my drivers license and a copy of the registration to them. then they mailed it to me.
I have bought from the dealer before and talked to the parts guy, so they have me on record I guess.
beat driving 40 miles to Monterey.

Charlie

__________________
there were three HP ratings on the OM616...

1) Not much power
2) Even less power
3) Not nearly enough power!! 240D w/auto

Anyone that thinks a 240D is slow drives too fast.

80 240D Naturally Exasperated, 4-Spd 388k DD 150mph spedo 3:58 Diff

We are advised to NOT judge ALL Muslims by the actions of a few lunatics, but we are encouraged to judge ALL gun owners by the actions of a few lunatics. Funny how that works

I called MB customer care. I was given the same line. The car must be brought to the dealership, NO EXCEPTIONS. I asked to speak to the next person up the ladder and was given the same line. So I asked to speak with someone else. Rich at customer care told me he'd see what he could do.

After 2 days Rich called me an said I could just pick up the keys and I wouldn't have to bring the car in. The rule at Mercedes is: If a MB uses a mechanical key system then the keys can be handed over when the correct documents are presented. If a MB has an electonic keyed system then the auto needs to be brought to the dealership.

Because they get so many new cars that need keys, few people are aware of the addendem to the Key replacement policy.

The dealership gave me the keys, apologized for not knowing the correct policy and gave me an outstanding key fob for my trouble. I'm just glad the replacement works perfectly and that I now have a spare. It took a week of phone tag but it all worked out in the end.

By the way, the first time I called Customer care, the representive was aware of the Mechanical key replacement policy. No one at the dealership; parts manager, sales manager or General Manager would believe it until I found a VP at Mercedes who was willing to make a call on my behalf.

All's well that ends well.

Great job! Now, just think of the smooth path you've laid down for those poor, keyless souls that come after you at that dealership.

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too many w123's
84 280 SL 5 speed

Your story seems to be an epidemic in the USA. Customer service is no more.
They seem to have opted for an attitude of .. Im king .. you the customer is just dog sheeet.

I am surprised at MB's superior attitude. Nashville WILL accept my faxed docs or MB America will be telling me why.

The only way to deal with it is to just not accept it and demand satisfaction regardless of how far up the ladder you go !

__________________
1985 300D 198K sold
1982 300D 202K
1989 300E 125K
1992 940T

"If you dont have time to do it safely, you dont have time to do it"

"The democracy will cease to exist when you take away from those who are willing to work and give to those who would not."