Went to the Palm Springs dealer yesterday. Showed registration and drivers license. Price was $250 less discount. I paid $204 and helped fill out a form for the parts guy. Key/fob will be here in a couple of days. Parts guy said he had to have the car here to check out the key. Asked about "programming". He said he only had to try the key in the door or the ignition to set it up.
Anziani
'97 CL600 51K

After reading all the workarounds, the dealer option sounds like a bargain.

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2008 E350 4matic / Black/Anthracite

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Gone but not Forgotten:
2001 E430 4matic, 206,xxx miles, Black/Charcoal
1995 E320, 252,xxx miles, Black/Grey
1989 260E, 223,00 miles, Black/Black

This isn't always possible. If the only key is lost or faulty the car is dead in the water. This is why my shop allows the delivery drivers to go to the location of the vehicle to verify key function......

that's correct...and is written into the MBUSA's theft relevant policy

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-- raymond~
47º 34'N 122º 18'W

Eric,
That is what I thought. I ordered out a fob from eBay but it was a 3 button and my older Benz had only a "one" button fob. I then contacted the eBay guy and he said the single wasn't available. And even if I found one since the PO had "gorilla glued" mine together, there was no guarantee that I could assemble a new one. With a new dealer key assy, I know I have all new electronics and the MB batteries.
Anziani
'97 CL600 51K

Picked up key at the dealer yesterday. He tried it in the door and then the ignition. He verified that is opened/closed with the button and we were good to go.
Anziani
'97 CL600 51K

And they give you the shiny new metallic ones, correct?

A couple of years ago, my current old-style plastic fob cracked over the "lock" and "unlock" areas and I was concerned about it failing (due to moisture) like the previous one did.

My fix was to cover and seal the cracks with snippets of industrial velcro -- simply because the adhesive is so strong. It has held up ever since.

__________________
2008 E350 4matic / Black/Anthracite

------------------------------------
Gone but not Forgotten:
2001 E430 4matic, 206,xxx miles, Black/Charcoal
1995 E320, 252,xxx miles, Black/Grey
1989 260E, 223,00 miles, Black/Black