Bought an '01 E320 at the insurance sale (Hurricane Ivan flood, welcome to Florida!) but only got one key... I'm keeping this car to haul kids but need spare key around this house!! The local dealer just said 'Bring it in'... What's the story? Can these keys on Ebay or from salvage be 'reprogrammed'? Can it be done with the VIN by a reasonable priced parts-house (FastLane)? If it's dealer only, what's a reasonalbe price? What's the lowdown on this not uncommon situation?

Thanks for your time,

abh3

The keys are coded to the specific car. If you purchase a pre-owned key
off Ebay, you'll be disappointed when you find that the dealer is unable to
reprogram these...contrary to popular belief. Go to the dealer only. Sad
thing is that they're going to run you about $150. Your insurance policy
may have line item regarding key replacement so take a look.

__________________
raymond-
47º 34n 122º 18w

The "smart key" is a dealer only item!!

Pricing isnt that BAD at most dealers, around $160.

Had to get new key for FORD truck & it cost $130 & didn't even have a remote.

__________________
MERCEDES Benz Master Guild Technician (6 TIMES)
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44 years foreign automotive repair
27 Years M.B. Shop foreman (dealer)
MB technical information Specialist (15 years)
190E 2.3 16V ITS SCCA race car (sold)
1986 190E 2.3 16V 2.5 (sold)
Retired Moderator

The keys are coded to the VIN #, all the remotes on E-Bay (smart-keys) are useless except for repacing the outside case or to impress people on your key chain.
When the car is mfd. the remotes are #1, #2 and the emergency electronic (very slim with no buttons but shape of remote)key#3. The dealer can read your key and see which one you have, and then either order the replacement or an additional key. The replacement will disable the previous key, the additional will add a key (up to eight) after that some items will have to be replaced and you can start all over with new remotes and engine control module. There is a maximum of actions 24 per vehicle. A replacement key will unlock the doors but will not turn for up to 90 minutes after inserting in lock, it will then turn and possibly go another 90 minutes before the car will start and keep running, while it "communicates" with the computer. The MB parts depot keeps a record of the key assignments and programs the key according to the VIN and the request is filled usually within a couple of days. The key also draws its power from the car so if the batteries are dead you can start the car.
Remotes can be deactivated by the dealer but never "coded or recoded", as a matter of fact if the system is replaced it is shipped with a "workshop" key that transferes data to the computer and then each new remote must be inserted while data is transferred before anything works. My warning about E- Bay stands!