Recently bought a 99 E430 sport with a broken key. I may part it out or try to get it running. To make sure that I don't waste $$$ on programming the key alone and then finding out that it's not compatible w/ current EIS and ECM, should I get used parts from a different car and get it all done at the same time? Is the ignition lock programming also necessary/required? There are some used parts on ebay that may work but I'm unsure of total compatibility. Any resources to check? Thanks in advance...

Bill

Don't waste your $$$ on used Drive Authorization parts.......they won't work

Buying parts from random cars won't work. If you got the key / switch / column lock / ECU all from the same running car it should work. Problem here is the VIN in the ECU will reflect the donor car. This could be a problem if your state has emission tests.

I didn't mention that there is a key that came with the car. The business end is broken off/crushed and is non-functional. In doing some research, it was suggested that I contact Beckmann Technologies (specialists). I spoke with Bob, a very helpful rep who suggested opening up the back of the current damaged key, remove the "board" and placing it into an undamaged, functioning key (which he has) and see what happens. He will do it all for $50. Obviously if that works...problem solved

If that's a no-go, my trusted friend is a MB Tech. He suggests that if we can get an ECM, EIS, steering lock (not ignition lock as I previously stated), along with the VIN from a donor car, he can program/code a new key to the donor parts, fire this thing up and see what we've got...

Yes, no, maybe...or is it simply a parts car?

Just get a new key from the dealer for $200 or whatever and call it good.

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1998 C230 330,000 miles (currently dead of second failed EIS, yours will fail too, turning you into the dealer's personal human cash machine)
1988 F150 144,000 miles (leaks all the colors of the rainbow)
Previous stars: 1981 Brava 210,000 miles, 1978 128 150,000 miles, 1977 B200 Van 175,000 miles, 1972 Vega (great, if rusty, car), 1972 Celica, 1986.5 Supra

Bill, I am wondering why you bought a car that wouldn't start and had a damaged key. That is a real leap of faith. Typically a MB automobile comes with 2 keys. Any chance of locating the other key?

I second the approach of purchasing another key for that specific VIN from a MB dealer.

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Fred Hoelzle

I bought the car dirt cheap. My original intent was to part the car out if I couldn't get it functional without spending big $$$...and it still may be. The Sport wheels and the as new tires will more than recoup my original investment, not to mention the Sport bumper covers, rocker panels, etc. along with a solid interior and anything and everything else...and then get more at the crusher. The new key from MB would be $250 or so, but as I stated previously, I sent the original damaged key to Beckmann Technologies for "repair" ($50) and I will get it back tomorrow. If the key works, I'll evaluate the car as a potential keeper. It came with only one key and the history on the car is sketchy at best, all of which i knew going in. If it is more involved (i.e., replacing the EIS, ECM, etc.), I will most probably just strip and sell. I'll make that decision when I put the key in the car tomorrow...

Bill, thanks for the detailed reply. Good luck with refurbished key. Your purchase makes perfect sense.

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Fred Hoelzle

Can you send pictures of the wheels to sousat123@gmail.com mayb I can take them off your hands for a good price ?

daphatch...thanks for your interest, but I haven't decided which way I want to go yet...drive it or part it out, but I am attaching a pic to show you the style of the wheel. I don't have any close-ups as the car is 100 miles away, but I can provide them as necessary. It is a 17X8 wheel specific to the E430 Sport and has 235/45/17 tires. PM me and make me an offer that I can't refuse . Maybe that will help me make a decision...

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daphatch...this is the thread where you inquired about the wheels.