Misplaced the only key to my 2008 E320 Bluetec - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

bhehmann · #1 04-25-2016, 10:17 AM

Good day all.

I have misplaced the only key to my 2008 E320 Bluetec. Is it possible to buy a new key from the MB dealership and will it automagically work or is there a special procedure to unlock and get the car started?

Regards,
Bjoern

Mölyapina · #2 04-25-2016, 10:25 AM

Yeah, you can get a key from the dealer. You'll have to present something like a current title or registration to prove that you own the car.

As far as ways of breaking into the car, I'm not sure how that would be done.

jay_bob · #3 04-25-2016, 11:51 AM

You will have to get it towed to the dealer. They have to physically see the car and you and your documents together.

They will make you a new key (maybe in the workshop or it has to come from Texas?) that will have the flat metal key inside. They know the pattern for this metal key based upon your VIN.

They will use this metal key to gain access to the vehicle. Once they are inside then they will use Xentry to delete the existing keys and program the new key into the DAS (drive authorization system).

There are two parts to the key electronics. An RFID chip (for the DAS) and the IR/RF (convenience lock/unlock/trunk). The DAS module in the car has to be programmed to the serial number of the RFID chip before the car will recognize it. Then they have to program the convenience feature so you can unlock the doors with the remote.

Hold onto your wallet, these keys are not cheap. And I would definitely get 2 while you are at it so this doesn't happen again...

bhehmann · #4 04-25-2016, 01:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jay_bob

You will have to get it towed to the dealer. They have to physically see the car and you and your documents together.

They will make you a new key (maybe in the workshop or it has to come from Texas?) that will have the flat metal key inside. They know the pattern for this metal key based upon your VIN.

They will use this metal key to gain access to the vehicle. Once they are inside then they will use Xentry to delete the existing keys and program the new key into the DAS (drive authorization system).

There are two parts to the key electronics. An RFID chip (for the DAS) and the IR/RF (convenience lock/unlock/trunk). The DAS module in the car has to be programmed to the serial number of the RFID chip before the car will recognize it. Then they have to program the convenience feature so you can unlock the doors with the remote.

Hold onto your wallet, these keys are not cheap. And I would definitely get 2 while you are at it so this doesn't happen again...

Thanks Jay. I was afraid it would be more complicated than I originally thought. To compound the problem, the car is locked and I never lock it when I park in my garage.

Can these cars lock by them selves?

bhehmann · #5 04-25-2016, 01:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mölyapina

Yeah, you can get a key from the dealer. You'll have to present something like a current title or registration to prove that you own the car.

As far as ways of breaking into the car, I'm not sure how that would be done.

Thanks Mölyapina.
I'm sure the title would suffice, however, Jay below states it's more complicated than simply purchasing another key.

jay_bob · #6 04-25-2016, 05:59 PM

Ok if the car is in your garage then chances are the keys are somewhere on your premises.

By chance do you have small kids? Maybe they found daddy's (or mommy's) keys and pushed the buttons to lock the car. Hopefully the keys are in the bottom of the toy box.

BTDT a long time ago...my kids are almost 18 and 21 now...

TylerH860 · #7 04-25-2016, 06:35 PM

I have never had to bring the car in to get a key made. They just need proof of ownership. And the keys do not need to be programmed with the car. They work "out of the box".

jay_bob · #8 04-25-2016, 07:39 PM

This is true for older models that have a metal key. The key used to be able to be ordered from the Classic Center with a scan of the title and owner's drivers license. BTDT. However, the policy I have linked below is dated March 2015, and I did this back in 2012. So I wonder if this is even still possible. I thought I remembered Tom Hanson (Classic Center parts supervisor) posting on MBCA forum that he could not do this anymore.

The policy is here. http://www.startekinfo.com/StarTek/outside/219812/?requestedDocId=219812

It's a locked pdf so I can't snip it, but check paragraph 3. A. i) on page 5.

engatwork · #9 04-25-2016, 07:48 PM

I had a 98 E300 in the shop not long ago that had an issue with the alarm system. Seems that the car would roll up the windows and lock all the doors all by itself after you shut the drivers door

.

Removed the fuse for the alarm and all is well.

vstech · #10 04-25-2016, 08:23 PM

So... The key might be IN the car?

jay_bob · #11 04-25-2016, 09:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by engatwork

I had a 98 E300 in the shop not long ago that had an issue with the alarm system. Seems that the car would roll up the windows and lock all the doors all by itself after you shut the drivers door

.

Removed the fuse for the alarm and all is well.

That sounds like soaked PSE pump syndrome.

The 210 PSE is not like on the 124/126 that is a dumb pump. The 210 PSE is the nerve center for the rear end of the car. It manages all interface to the door switches, interior lights, the alarm, and even contains the power relay for the rear window defroster since it's right next to the battery. Most of the interaction with the remainder of the car is via the body CAN bus. Most notably to the overhead control panel, where the IR (96-97) or RF (98+) receivers for the key fob and sunroof controls live, and the door modules that handle the window motors and door IR receivers (98+). The locks themselves are pneumatic.

Anyway, the well under the seat floods from a leak and soaks the printed circuit board on the base of the PSE causing all manner of mayhem.

But this is irrelevant to the OP, he has a W211 with electric locks and a completely different system. Only thing that is common is the key is the same part number.

bhehmann · #12 04-26-2016, 09:09 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by vstech

So... The key might be IN the car?

I don't think so, at least, it's not in the ignition.

bhehmann · #13 04-26-2016, 09:14 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jay_bob

Ok if the car is in your garage then chances are the keys are somewhere on your premises.

By chance do you have small kids? Maybe they found daddy's (or mommy's) keys and pushed the buttons to lock the car. Hopefully the keys are in the bottom of the toy box.

BTDT a long time ago...my kids are almost 18 and 21 now...

Nope, only my wife and I, my kids are also grown and living on their own now.

bhehmann · #14 04-26-2016, 09:17 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jay_bob

This is true for older models that have a metal key. The key used to be able to be ordered from the Classic Center with a scan of the title and owner's drivers license. BTDT. However, the policy I have linked below is dated March 2015, and I did this back in 2012. So I wonder if this is even still possible. I thought I remembered Tom Hanson (Classic Center parts supervisor) posting on MBCA forum that he could not do this anymore.

The policy is here. http://www.startekinfo.com/StarTek/outside/219812/?requestedDocId=219812

It's a locked pdf so I can't snip it, but check paragraph 3. A. i) on page 5.

Thanks for the info Jay.

GregMN · #15 04-26-2016, 10:47 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bhehmann

Thanks for the info Jay.

Except that his reply is wrong.
I have ordered extra keys for a 2007 ML CDI 320 and a 2005 CDI 320.
The keys arrive at the dealership overnight from TX. They are programed and work right out of the box. I pick up the keys at the parts counter, walk out to the car, and drive home using the new key.

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