Why is it such a pain in the A** to get a key cut!
 

Called my local dealer about getting a key cut for the 73 280SEL and the 79 6.9.

This is what they want.
1. Me to go there
2. Bring my Title and Drivers license
3. Pay them $35 / key
4. Go home for a couple of days
5. Come back when the key arrives
6. Bring my Title and drivers license
7. Collect the key.

For a start, $35/key is highway robbery for a non security key but to add to this....
Having to go there in person twice to get the key is just stupid. Why not just call it in, pay for it and then turn up with your title when its time to collect. It's already paid for so its not like they lost out on selling a $35 key if I turn don't have a title.

Buy a key on Ebay for $12 - go to local locksmith or key shop pay a few bucks to have key cut:confused:
I assume you have the original to make a duplicate.

Most "keyshop" cut keys are made from softer metal blanks than the OEM key. The OEM cut keys are hazardous because they tend to be really sharp when you first get them. I have no problem with the key policy. It shouldn't be easy to get the keys to a Mercedes.

Tried that, but ended up with the wrong key blank. I can go to a local locksmith and have a key cut for $1.50 for a brass key. I am having real issues with why it costs 30 (thirty) times that price at a dealer.

AL:

Try jaggraveyard on ebay. I bought keys for 6.9 from them.
Had them cut at the hadware store. They are plain, without the black rubber but they work fine and they are not that soft metal that screws up your ignition tumbler.

Ken

Hah!

Had a Jag that had a broken glove box lock. The lock was $120...took 18 months to get the lock to match the ignition key I had...required shipping to and from London. They got it wrong the first time, hence the additional wait! :mad:

I bought 2 new keys from my local dealer for $25.00 for my w124 and it is the security key.

So try another dealer. I don't see why it should cost more than $15.00 per key.

Some dealers charge more than others.

Which dealership did you go to?
 

I am not happy with the two dealers that I have used here in Atlanta. When I lived in Dallas, we had park place which was an excellent dealership that was very supportive of the club. I don't see that here.

You left out the 8th step. Write into an online Mercedes Benz Forum and complain about it. Your right that does seem like a lot of work.

Hear my sad tale.

I had one made at the local locksmith for $35 (best deal I could find) but thought I'd try the dealer option of 'VIN driven' new key to MB specs.

Went in, parted with around $50; the key came back -- was clearly not the right key for my locks. My existing key(s) fit in doors, trunk, and glovebox. The parts man sent it back in to see if there was a mistake, but no, there wasn't. (!?!) He says maybe the locks were changed during its 24 years of service before I saw it. I said "even the glovebox?" He said that when a dealer replaces the locks, they get a kit that has all four locks.

I asked him if we could send in my existing key and they could scan it and find what code it represents, so I could have some combination number to store so I could have a key made if all of mine were stolen/lost.

He said, no sorry, it has to be an OEM key. Oh boy. A $50 lesson. No refund was forthcoming, and I guess that's understandable. But, the inflexibility on searching for another solution was not, IMHO.

I could make a joke here but I'll refrain. :D

Thanks a lot, looks like they have what I need.

Mine only charged me $20, didn't think it was to big of a deal. Its a good thing they want some proof you own the car. Then you could just get the vin off some random MB you like, have a key cut and go for a ride.

I will never complain about paying $20 or so for a key for one of our old cars, because the keys for the new ones cost $200. Want another remote key thing for youe W211? Bend over!:D