southernbmw2005

1. Can a SmartKey from another Benz be reprogrammed by the dealer to work with my current Benz?

2. Can a Keyless-Go card from another Benz be reprogrammed by the dealer to work with my current Benz?

Justinius7

i have heard two different things on this... which is true

i lost my smart key... the dealer ordered one for me, and i had to park the car in the garage for 1 hour with the key in the ignition so the car could program the key...

i then (same key) ran the key through the clothes washer, which shorted the key out... went to the dealer, they gave me a loaner car for 3 days, while they ordered a key with the VIN number from the factory...

StapleGun

NO on the first. You must obtain another NEW key. I dunno about the second....

southernbmw2005

I called a local dealer yesterday and they told me that they can REprogram ANY smart key with the same SEQUENCE for my car. They told me that the sequence makes this key compatible with my car and they CAN reprogram it. They said it will cost me one hour of labor which equated to $70. This, of course, does not cover the metal blade which is specifically cut for each car. I never use the blade anyways so I can get any blank and slide it into the housing to hook the key on my keyring.

My Opinion:
I think Benz is making up this crap that the keys have to be ordered to match your VIN. If this key can be programmed then I am sure that it can be reprogrammed. The whole idea of technology today is to make things easier and reusable. The idea of this key having to be ordered from the factory is not easier for us or Benz. I would even bet that the microchip in the smartkey can be reprogrammed. Benz is probably saying this to cover up their security glitch with this new smartkey technology.

MarcusF

Sounds like you mean flash memory. EEPROM. Electrically-Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory. That's memory which can easily be rewritten. Or possibly EPROM, Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory, which can be erased with a special UV light. If Mercedes-Benz uses PROM for part of the key, Programmable Read-Only Memory, then no, it's write once and if you change your mind then you have to start with a blank chip. In reading the press kit, it appears that part of the SmartKey system is either EEPROM or EPROM, because the some of the codes on the key are changed each time the car is started. Having another part of the code on a PROM would lesson the odds of owners accidentally clearing a key. The challenge for Mercedes-Benz was to create a key that THEY could make, but could not be easily duplicated by anyone else. Personally, I'm neither defending nor condemning, just explaining.

vinamg

Smartkey has been in existance for almost 10 years now.

TECHNICIAN

no and no

whynot

#1. no
#2. no

The key fobs have to be flashed. When they get flashed they are married to that car and that car only.

southernbmw2005

So, how is the blank key programmed (technically) by the car??????

This means that the car is writing information to the key which means that information CAN be written to the key.

southernbmw2005

I got a smartkey REPROGRAMMED today. The key came from another benz that I used to owned and I had it reprogrammed for my SL for $70.

Karl

I sure would like to know how they did it!!!

D_TECH

Probably told him what key on the track it was, and maybe got a green key from benz to reprogram it?

csumt76

Here's what I know of SmartKeys.

8 total key tracks. 3 total keys per track so effectively you can use 24 keys before replacement of the EIS is required.

Key tracks one and two will be the keys supplied with your vehicle and support all of the memory functions, etc. Any key from track 3-8 is an additional key.

When you replace the key, new key is programmed for the vehicle at the PDC. Once you insert the new key into the EIS, The eis itself recognizes the new data and the led on the key will illuminate. The eis will then erase the entire remaining starts/codes from the replaced key so that the new one will be active. The first thing you will notice is that the key will turn in the ignition. If you are able to depress the brake and remove the shifter from park, it is complete. Some cars display, 'computing data' in the cluster.

A replacement "additional" key will most likely be the first key of the given track so it will almost program immediately. In some cases, replacements of original keys require connecting a charger b/c it takes so long. Also, on older 220's they recommended using das the switch on circuit 15 of the ESM.

The "green key" just personalizes a new EIS. Meaning at the time of install, it gives the EIS, once installed and powered all of the vehicle specific data/VIN info. Well, not all of it. Specific components are then coded using SDS.

Keyless go chip cards are a nightmare to get to program most of the time. I don't know what the issue is... software or what. The KG smartkeys are not so bad....

Alright, now I just don't know what the hell I'm talking about.

Karl

Nothing wrong with what you wrote. 100% correct.

I wanna know how they got some old used smartkey to reprogram to another car for 70 bucks!

csumt76

Yea, I don't believe that... honestly.

SUNILP

[MB]CRS has written everything correctly. I don't believe the dealer reprogrammed a used preprogrammed smartkey. I have done extensive research on this when i retrofitted my keyless go system and it is NOT possible.

TECHNICIAN

Agreed

tonysemi

I was told by my local MB dealer that they can reprogram any smart key also..I just bought one off ebay..so is it able to be reflashed or not? I want facts please, no opinions. THANKS

amdeutsch

Well if your local dealer told you so I hope he'll refund your purchase once he finds out he can't do it.

And why ask here if you believe your dealer and already bought one? Don't you trust your dealer? Let us know the outcome. But be forewarned; members will want undeniable proof.

tonysemi

YOU CANNOT REPROGRAM A SMART KEY!!!! I bought one off ebay under the impression it could be reprogramed, my service writer said it could be done, HOWEVER when I took the key to the dealership they were unable to link the key to the car. The power door locks and trunk...YES. But NO ignition! DO NOT BUY SMART KEYS OFF EBAY!! OR USED KEYS< THEY WILL NOT WORK. Thanks

tonysemi

And NO I dont trust my dealer, that why I asked you (the community) because ive worked for a dealer, and they are not always trustworthy or knowledgable. As in this case in point.

1054boston

As long as the FCC Id# matches and the Var is the same as your key it will work. The Var is numbered Var5, Var7, Var9, Var 11.

Usually dealerships will not touch those keys it comes down to $$$$, However there are locksmiths that have bought the equipment to reprogram new and used MB keys. There is one I use all the time located in the Cocoa Beach Florida area...again the FCC Id# and the Var # needs to match the original smart key

mjhowley

1054boston - Could you tell me who the locksmith was in Cocoa Beach? I have a duplicate keyless card with all the matching numbers and would like to have it programmed. Thank you.

smallist82

Also interested in having a spare programmed if it is possible when I'm in Florida. Anything to avoid paying my dealer $1,500.

chipmjohnson

I just had a replacement key ordered and programed from Orange Park MB in the Jacksonville FL area and I believe the grand total was approx $450. Its still a lot of $$ but nothing close to what you quoted.