what year got the laser keys ?
 

I'm curious when mercedes switched to the laser keys in the w210 and the w220 models.
I want to have a remote starter installed but the laser keys dont let that happen. atleast not as of now with the technology in place by the remote starter companies.
So if someone would be kind enough to give that piece of info.. i know the 96, 97 w210 had the regular key...

The radio frequency "Smart Key" was new in 1998, but 129, 140, and 163 still used the older Infra-Red system.

CORRECTION: The 129's, and 140's changed from IR to RF in the mid-nineties, but never switched to the smart key system. The 163's used the RF system from the start of production.

Yes. My 1999 model 140 still has the old flip style key. Did they ever switch the 129 to the smart key? It was produced until 2002.

The R129 and W140 never used Smart Keys. They did however, switch from infra-red, to radio frequency central locking in the mid-nineties.