So...maybe a dumb question but, is there any other way to get a spare key other than spending a fortune at the MB dealer?
2004 320 CLK

Thanks

Did you get an actual quote from the dealer? You could look on E bay, get a chinese programmer ( ~ $ 400 last I saw ) and blank key fobs ( $ ? ) . A locksmith might do it but it is still $.

I had a locksmith make a key for my '87 300E years ago. Obviously it didn't have the IR system. However, as good as this locksmith was, it took him two tries to get it right. I just wanted a spare key, just in case I lost the only one I had.
I now need a IR key fob for my Cl600 and expect to spend over $200. My mechanic gets a 20% discount from the local dealer and will give me the discounted price. Something else I learned was that MB supplies their own batteries with their keys. They have higher voltage rating than the ones you buy at Walgreens or Radio Shack.
Anziani
'97 Cl600 51K

I think the short answer, for any models made the last 15 years, is NO...

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mpolli,
You sir are correct! We are doomed. In my case the car only had 2 previous owners. The manual had never been opened along with the demo disc explaining the sound system. You would have thought that the keys would have stayed with the car. To make matters worse, I have the IR key fob with a key but the retract spring is kerfurken and then someone gorilla glued the key halves together!
Anziani
'97 CL 600 51K

Your 97 CL should have DAS X. There is a RFID chip in the housing that communicates with a small black box behind the instrument cluster. This box sends a signal to the engine computer allowing the injectors to operate. The car will start before the key is pinged so there isn't a delay in normal operation but will shut off in a few seconds with an incorrect key.

Once the car is running, the system writes a new code to the key and looks for that code next time.

For this system, there are china readers / burners in the sub $ 100 last I checked. They require unsoldering the MCU chip to read the memory. You will also need to get blank PFC 7930 chips.

The key housings are on e bay too ( $ 12 ? ) The housings come apart because someone turns the key from the end rather than at the key bit side.

Thanks for the info 97 SL320. I tried eBay for the housing but mine is a 1 button housing. The only ones available had three buttons. I'm just going to spend whatever it takes to get a new one from Mercedes. I will get a discount and hope that my new key will have the latest upgrade. Besides I don't buy chinese unless it is "take out"
Anziani
'97 CL 600 51K

The single button ones exist, I bought one just dig around a bit. A complete unit from MB is ~ $ 150 ( can't get the housing ) you will need to provide title / owners card and your picture ID. Some MB dealers need to see the car also through I don't think this is MB policy.

I try to buy non China but they seem to be the only ones willing to put an effort forth to make key programmers , key housings and the like. I won't buy china bearings or something I can get in the US.

My parts counter manager who I deal with (wholesale account) tells me as of the past couple of months this has become MB policy. Some dealers asked for it before, but now MB wants the dealers to program the new key. Eliminate any lost keys off of the cars key program, and send back a form to Mercedes showing they deactivated any lost keys and show what keys remain active. That's only for the key in like my E55 and my CDI. Obviously the W124 keys he still just hands me over the counter.

Could be apocryphal. But that is what he told me.

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Nissan GTR - Nissan Skyline GTS25T - Toyota GTFour - Rover Mini - Toyota Land Cruiser HJ60 - Cadillac Eldorado - BMW E30 - BMW 135i

There's lots of confusion regarding MB replacement key policy. Yes, ownership must be proved, ID verified, and the key pre-paid by the OWNER of the vehicle. The only surrogates allowed are indie service providers. In any case, an authorized dealership employee MUST verify that the key works. My dealership has authorized the parts dept. delivery drivers to make things simple. De-programming lost/stolen keys is NOT required by MB but the client can choose to do this at their expense. Hope this clears things up.......

I'm going to MB this AM to order a new key. I'll let you know the costs and whether it needs programming (don't think so)
Anziani
'97 CL600 51K

$230 for Key and IR
$33 for the "flat Key"

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The parts lady at my dealer told me that the car has to be at their dealership to allow you to get a key.

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Jim

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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