I just got back from the dealership where I asked about the valet key. One of the Service writers joined me at the parts desk and they both said that I needed another new key if I wanted 2 keys, and that the old keys could not be reprogrammed. They saw the Orange key in my zip lock parts bag, and said if I wanted to turn it over, it was recyclable, but no refund. (same as they told my Indy) As they said this a supervisor of some sort was walking by, told them they were wrong, and that there was a $60 refund to my credit card if I wanted to turn in the key.

The 3 of them explained that the old keys were not hardware or software upgradable to the new lock. The factory computer had only displayed "software version incompatible" for the old keys, but the dealership said that it was the old key firmware/hardware as well. "A new key will work with the old locks, but the old keys won't work with the current replacement EIS" is what they claimed.

They said the valet key worked with the new lock because the "limited" info used by the valet key was provided by the new lock after it was programmed to my car. But the old keys didn't have the capability of receiving "all the additional security info from the upgraded portion(s) of the new EIS, which is why they won't work. Salvage the metal emergency door key portions and batteries, but the rest is trash."

So that is the story. And to think we all used to complain about the cost and hassle about replacing the ignition on a 124!!!

__________________
John

2003 Firemist Red/grey leather SL 500
2015 Palladium Silver/black mbtex GLK 350
1987 Smoke Silver/burgundy mbtex 300E Sportline (SOLD)

Click to see 87 300E