My darn wife can't keep track of the only key we got with the car!!!!! Spent 15 minutes looking for it this morning!!!! How do you get a spare key??? Its one wierd looking key for sure!!!

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2003 Ford Crew Cab 6.0 Powerstroke Diesel 6 spd 4x4(For Sale)

1981 MB 300SD 190,000 miles Gray with cream interior.(sold)
1981 MB 300SD 239,000 miles Cream with Brown interior.(sold)

I figured I would have to go to the dealer... but when I walked into my local Ace Hardware they actually had one... so try the standard generic places before you shell out big money for one...

And good lockshop.
The dealer out here want $55 for an original factory key.
And he didn't even have a gun.
Charlie

I once tried getting a key at a Lowe's but to no avail. I've read that you MUST get them from the dealer (for newer cars, absolutely!) and that's where I got them. I think $55 got me a set of OEM "Hufs" with the removable key-blank cushion (which wears out about every 4-5 years... I would go to the dealer on this one.

I went to a local locksmith here in New Jersey. He was able to cut the "laser cut" security key for my 1983 300SD for about $30.00. Most locksmiths did not have the machine.

My 81 SD had a key with exposed teeth. San Jose, CA dealer charges ~$17 for a replacement key made to the car's VIN. But any locksmith should be able to duplicate such a key. Of course if you don't have one to duplicate... Later cars have keys with a flange to shield the teeth. These require special equipment to duplicate so the dealer price is competitive.

My 83 SD door locks are so worn that any MB key will get you in. The starter tumbler is more discriminating. No one come over and part out the pretty nice interior now

Sixto
95 S420
91 300SE
87 300SDL
83 300SD

I got a engine/lock key copy from AutoZone. The door key worked fine but the engine key woulden't turn. They were only $0.89 each. Since the engine key didn't work thay gave me a refund but let me keep the key since it was made for my car.

Is the key one of those that one side is cut on a different plane than the other side? Apparently that takes a special type of cutter, so not just 'any' locksmith can do it. This is supposed to be a security feature, so it's not easy for a theif to get a key cut and steal your car. There was ONE locksmith here that had such a double cutter, and it cost about $25 for a key (vs about $4 for a flat key). Ordering if from a dealer was a bit more expensive, but if you buy a new tumbler set, you get a key 'free'.

A cheaper solution might be a little hook by the door. :p

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Natalie

When I got my 240D I quickly found out that it a Master key/Valet key system. The owner only had the valet key. If your car was originally purchased in the USA then the dealer's parts department can get you the codes to cut new keys. Most good locksmiths can cut a key from the code.

At the dealership be prepared to prove ownership.

My car was a grey market car so to get a new key I took it to a locksmith. He removed the trunk lock--fortunately it was unlocked--any cut a key for that. The trunk only opens with the master key. If you can pull the trunk lock and take it to a real locksmith he can make a key for it.

BTW--I only go to locksmiths for new keys.

M.

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He's wild and free and so close to it only Gunk will clean his fingernails!

If you have the security key (I believe they were optional) it will have a flat bar down the middle with cut metal down both sides. With that key you need to go to a locksmtih that is knowledgable, or a dealer to get it replaced. The locksmith told me they must remove the lock to try the newly cut key, or risk having the shop get the key stuck in there, with no way to get it out again. That is why the security keys cost more and are harder to come by.
The everyday MB keys are usually available readlily and at far less cost.

I've found that, at least for 123 keys (I don't know if 126 keys are different, but I know that 124 keys are), you can use a blank intended for a Honda. You have to cut the shoulder back a little bit for it to work, but it does.

Note that this will work as a valet key only; it'll open the driver's door (and activate the vacuum lock system) and operate the ignition but it won't unlock the passenger's door, the trunk, or the glove box.

My dad has a key-cutting machine (I learned how to properly cut keys when I was 10 or so ), so I had the opportunity to experiment a bit shortly after I got the car. I just wish I could find some "master key" blanks...

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2001 VW Jetta TDI, 5 speed, daily driver
1991 Ford F-350, work in progress
1984 Ford F-250 4x4, 6.9l turbo diesel, 5 speed manual
Previous oilburners: 1980 IH Scout, 1984 E-350, 1985 M-B 300D, 1979 M-B 300SD, 1983 M-B 300D
Spark-free since 1999

I wouldn't go modifying keys from a lesser source really, you're compromising the tumblers if you do IMHO. My theory is, if you can get OEM or factory, go with it!

You can buy them on Ebay. Here's a couple of examples.
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=40016&item=2431570612

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=40016&item=2431532091

I'm not sure exactly what you're looking for, but try there.

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Natalie

Key is about $20, depending on markup, at any shop that services MBs, or the dealer (may be more). Aftermarket keys are almost always brass rather than steel, and will both wear out fast and leave brass shavings in the tumblers. Not good, door latches are expensive!

Stick with the Benz keys, they are cheap at the price. I have one that is worn out, but it's 31 years old!

Peter

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1972 220D ?? miles
1988 300E 200,012
1987 300D Turbo killed 9/25/07, 275,000 miles
1985 Volvo 740 GLE Turobodiesel 218,000
1972 280 SE 4.5 165, 000 - It runs!

That's the key i have! Figures it's expensive!!!

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2003 Ford Crew Cab 6.0 Powerstroke Diesel 6 spd 4x4(For Sale)

1981 MB 300SD 190,000 miles Gray with cream interior.(sold)
1981 MB 300SD 239,000 miles Cream with Brown interior.(sold)