direk

Just bought a used 2001 SL500. Salesman tells me that MB quit delivering these cars with a valet key. Can anybody confirm?
Thanks!

SilverSL500

I got an '01 two weeks ago and mine came with a valet key. I'd make them provide one.
Good choice of wheels

orcberg

To my knowledge, MB has never done this. I think it's just the dealership trying to weasel out of giving you a valet key.

Karl

Early 2001 models came with a valet. Until the US government passed a law to protect people from getting locked in the trunk by carjackers.

Open your trunk and look at the inside of the lid. Do you see a blinking green button? If yes, that is the trunk release button. If you have it, you CANNOT have a valet key/valet lock.

Know the facts before you guys think your dealer is BSing you

orcberg

Karl, is that only with the SL500? Because I know of plenty of post-2001 MB models -- including my own 2003 C240 -- which has a valet key.

Karl

Are you referring to your metal key blade as a valet key?
If yes, that is not the valet key. It is a backup key to get into the car
when either the remote fails or the car battery dies. It will not start the car
or turn the ignition switch/EIS.

The real valet key on 2000 [very early 2001] and back cars allowed you
to physically lock the trunk and then you could give the remote minus the blade key to a valet.

Try physically locking your trunk lid [IF you have the blinking green button
on the inside of your trunk lid] with the blade key while turning it left.

orcberg

h0h0, I have always called it a valet key (mistakenly). Embarassing of me
Thanks for the clarification, Karl.

SilverSL500

My valet key, or blade key, whatever, will unlock the door and start the car. It will NOT unlock any of the internal storage or trunk, and is the key given to Valets or service.

Karl

What year is YOUR car??

SilverSL500

2001, as in my post above.