How do you like my new key? (and besides that it's a three button for my coupe) It seems that this style key is going to be phased into all models, and pretty soon the dealers will be offering them for sale to people that have older cars.

If you go to a dealer today and try to get one of these, be prepared for some resistance, esepcially since these are theft relevant parts. But, in the end it can be done.

By the way, don't forget to order a blade key to go along with it - it has a slightly different way of attaching to the key itself, so an old style blade key won't work.

-ADDED-
Here are the part numbers, so that you don't have to search through the thread:
Smartkey - 211-766-36-06
Blade - 203-766-50-06

woah! that's really nice! I like it... I think I'm going to go to my dealer soon now!

how much did it run you? how long does it usually take?

thanks!

Mmmm - nice. Have always wanted the three-button one for my hatch as well.

What's the price on that, around $130?

The price is going to cost whatever the dealer decides to charge you. It's all up to them.

When the key is ordered, make sure you ask for an "additional" key, that way the ones you still have will continue to work. They will ask for your VIN number, and of course proof that you own the car.

When the key arrives (in a couple of days, usually) it will work straght away. Just make sure that you put it in the ignition first, so that they EIS (electronic ignition switch) will recognize it. After you do that, it will work fine. Don't try to use the key to unlock or lock the car before you put it into the EIS, because it won't work till you do.

The Coupe keys, though showing only two pressable buttons, actually has three. Press the blank trunk button hard enough and it'll pop out.

That's a real thumb killer, though. I did it once, and didn't ever want to do it again. Yes, I'm that girly.

lol I used a pair of pliers so you're ok

Ok...so who in So Cal will find a dealer that will give us a decent price on the keys

So you don't need to bring your car to the dealership at all? Once I was told that if I lost my key, I have to bring the car to the dealership so that the dealership can program it Also, any idea about cars with keyless go option? :p

They probably want you to bring the car in as part of verifying that it really is your car. They do not need the car for any other reason, however. The new key is programmed at the parts depot (Ft. Worth in the USA) and will work straight away. As long as it's an additional key.

If you buy a replacement key, say if you lost one then it's a little more complicated, and they would need the car. But only for a replacement key.

Enri,

I'll check my dealership today. It's in there getting the bi-x re-aligned (of course, until I get the front swaybar in with Mike's help )

Most likely it'll be expensive as hell (cuz it's MB of Beverly Hills), so I'm not too confident that it'll be a "good" price.

Called my dealer and he was clueless when describing the key. Is there a name for it or part number? I might have to drop buy and show him the picture.

The key is part number: A 221 766 09 06 9999 (about $210 MSRP)

The blade key is part number: A 203 766 50 06 (about $4 MSRP)

The part number is actually a keyless go key, but it will still work no problem on a non keyless go car.

that key looks cool - can you post pics of the other side?

Ok cool

There you go!

Thanks! This will save time.

Good Lordy! $215 is like 4 good lapdances, and a happy ending thrown in for good measure.

I don't hate my key that badly.

I know - and personally I would never spend that much myself!

LOL, I'm willing to bet its the same internals as our keys just in a new fancy case. Get a part number for just the case, not the key.

I thought of that myself - but no way. It is a very different shape, it's not going to work and no one is going to sell you a "case"

Now, if you had a Maybach or SLR key, you could do that - but that's it. The new one is too different.

Wow, what kind of lapdance are you getting for $215?!?!

After finding out the price, I'm just going to save my money for lapdances.

4 lapdances $80, new car key $215, happy ending for lapdances = PRICELESS!

Just as I suspected, my service advisor straight up said "no" it's not possible. Didn't even get a quote from the parts dept.

LOL...Funny how they always say it's not possible. I'll see what I can find out from my other dealer.

Try a different service advisor, or like you said a different dealer. Maybe one that isn't so obtuse!

very nice key FOB Mike.
Looks very much like those SLR keys you showed me.

I've got the 3-button FOBs for my Coupé. Had them swapped out under warranty about a year ago. The hatch button just unlocks the hatch; doesn't pop it up like the sedan trunk.