So, I stopped for breakfast at the local hang out & a friend asked if he could try my key. His is MIA. His lock works but no key. He needs electricity to run since the car is a gasser. Is there an easy way to get a key or bypass until he can get one? He would prefer to drive away instead of walk.

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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.

Go to the dealer with the registration and order one. Ride a bike in the meantime.

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1977 300d 70k--sold 08
1985 300TD 185k+
1984 307d 126k--sold 8/03
1985 409d 65k--sold 06
1984 300SD 315k--daughter's car
1979 300SD 122k--sold 2/11
1999 Fuso FG Expedition Camper
1993 GMC Sierra 6.5 TD 4x4
1982 Bluebird Wanderlodge CAT 3208--Sold 2/13

Dealer is fall back position. He doesn't particularly want to leave it where its parked or pay tow bill since home is 50 mi away and to move it a few blocks to better parking seems a waste if there is a work around.

I ride bikes. Most don't. A bike isn't an option in this case. Any other (useful) options?

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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.

The steering lock is quite secure and difficult/expensive to defeat. Call AAA or pay the tow to avoid worse problems in the future. And get a spare key. Cheers Dan

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It's always something simple
91 300D 603.960 (from japan) 194K
92 Toyota Diesel Landcruiser HDJ81-t 116K
02 Golf TDI new head courtesy of PO
87 300D
97 BMW 525 TDS Wagon 5spd
bunch of Onan and other diesel generators

Your friend is at fault for this dillema. Many times when purchasing a car there is only one key.

It can prove costly to not get a copy or two made in the first few days of ownership. Now he has the costly problem of paying more than simple copy prices and waiting for a matchup at dealer prices. If he has to pay to move the car in the interm is just more icing on the cake.

I hope he inquired if the car can remain where it is for a few days.

The only options he has are:
* Tow the car to the dealer and have them make a key.
* To order a key, make a physical appearance at the MB dealer with registration, proof of insurance, drivers license, and some dealers also require you bring the title.
* Destroy and replace the steering lock/tumbler assembly with a generic unit.

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ASE Master Mechanic
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Prototype R&D/testing:
Thermal & Aerodynamic System Engineering (TASE) Senior vehicle instrumentation technician.
Noise Vibration and Harshness (NVH).
Dynamometer.
Heat exchanger durability.
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Technical Quality Auditor.
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1985 300SD
1983 300D
1984 190D
2003 Volvo V70
2002 Honda Civic

https://www.boldegoist.com/

Thanks, that's what I expected. I offered to store it here until he gets a key but don't know what he decided.

One locksmith offered to make a key for $250. He said he had to pay for an expensive key cutter. I asked him how much he'd make if the owner bought from the dealer. Too bad the locksmith wanted to pay for toe machine in only a few keys. He could have made something - probably more than the tow driver charges.

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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.

Hunter,

I DO have to Obverse you on this...

99.99% of the Mercedes Franchisees in CONUS [Or anywhere else] do not
have the Ability to "Make" Mercedes keysets.
1.Equipment is Uber Expensive.
2.Stuttgart would rather control all aspects of the "Security",ever since the
Interpol Threat.

The "Set-Up' here is in Texas ,and takes 2-3 Days for Logistical Turn Around.

Junkman,

That "Locksmith" is better classified as a Thief !

The Local Master Locksmith can produce Mercedes keys (For our older Chassis) for less than $20.00 per key.
(His "Security" requirements are Far and Away stricter than M.B.'s.
If He doesn't personally Have Prior Knowledge/Proof of your ownership
of the Chassis...You don't get Keys,you get Handcuffs.)

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'84 300SD sold
124.128

I agree with most of that.
I am told only three USA dealers have the key cutter and dedicated skilled techs to run it.

I was trying to explain that Daimler has a new policy in North America regarding replacement key sales.
Dealer violation of the policy = lose your franchise + pay Daimler millions for damage to MB reputation..

Don't waste your time looking for an MB dealer willing to sell a key, without you making a physical appearance with the correct documentation.

My local dealer that I visit weekly and speak with several times per day, makes me run the same gauntlet every time...

Hi dude,.
when all keys are lost i always recommend the licensed locksmith to replace a new key,.
Because i thinks only licensed locksmiths are better to replace a new key,.
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car key replacement

I lost a key the second the PE dropped off the car for me. It was the only one. I did find it buried in the car somewhere after hours of searching. Another time the key broke in the lock the first day. Best rule of thumb, bring a lanyard to the car pickup meeting and hang it from your neck until spares are made.