$428 for ONE Smart-Key ?
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Sep 2010
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From: Raleigh, NC
2005 C230K, 2019 Honda CR-V, '74 Lotus Europa
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 1,434
Likes: 4
From: Raleigh, NC
2005 C230K, 2019 Honda CR-V, '74 Lotus Europa
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 1,055
Likes: 50
From: SoCal. Desert
'16 E350, gone: '03 c230k
I called around Southern California before I got mine in July. Priced ranged from $275 to $480, some place said they had to charge a 'programming fee' and others not (6 different dealerships). Of course I went for the $275 dealership, who instisted they had to program it to the car when I bought it. When I picked it up they just handed it to me over the parts counter - I went outside, plugged it in and it started right up. ~$200 sounds like a deal to me these days...
Thread Starter
Member
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 126
Likes: 1
C320, SLK230, T1N Sprinter
Go to Ewing MB. They don't charge the bogus $150 programming fee.
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Thread Starter
Member
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 126
Likes: 1
C320, SLK230, T1N Sprinter
The hassle is that without a key, if your car is financed (with the title at the bank), and your registration is in the glove box, you have to pay $200 for a locksmith to open the door so you can get the registration before they will order the key. That would make over $600 for the key total at Park Place. The alternative would be to get a duplicate registration ($25) from the DMV to prove ownership to avoid the locksmith.
I had to sign 4 times on various forms before ordering, and 2 more when the key came in.
I had to be present WITH the car when the key arrived (the next day!), and the parts guy verified that it worked and that the steel key opened the door as well.
Same "regulations" at both dealerships (Park Place and Ewing), except Park Place wanted an extra $150.
Bob
Super Member
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 506
Likes: 1
From: Argyle, TX
10 Tahoe LT, 07 Silverado Z71, 99 BMW R1100RT
OK. PO actually had the car serviced at Ewing, so I guess I'll go there. A bit further from me than Grapevine, but if I can save 150 bucks, I'm all for it.
I'll pay them a visit once my the title arrives.
I'll pay them a visit once my the title arrives.
Thread Starter
Member
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 126
Likes: 1
C320, SLK230, T1N Sprinter
Bob
Super Member
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 660
Likes: 3
From: Maryland
2006 C55, 1995 C36
Neither dealership in Dallas would order a key unless I had the title or registration AND the car was brought to them so they could inspect it to verify the VIN. (Those who lose keys must have the car physically towed to the dealership and left there until the key arrives).
The hassle is that without a key, if your car is financed (with the title at the bank), and your registration is in the glove box, you have to pay $200 for a locksmith to open the door so you can get the registration before they will order the key. That would make over $600 for the key total at Park Place. The alternative would be to get a duplicate registration ($25) from the DMV to prove ownership to avoid the locksmith.
I had to sign 4 times on various forms before ordering, and 2 more when the key came in.
I had to be present WITH the car when the key arrived (the next day!), and the parts guy verified that it worked and that the steel key opened the door as well.
Same "regulations" at both dealerships (Park Place and Ewing), except Park Place wanted an extra $150.
Bob
The hassle is that without a key, if your car is financed (with the title at the bank), and your registration is in the glove box, you have to pay $200 for a locksmith to open the door so you can get the registration before they will order the key. That would make over $600 for the key total at Park Place. The alternative would be to get a duplicate registration ($25) from the DMV to prove ownership to avoid the locksmith.
I had to sign 4 times on various forms before ordering, and 2 more when the key came in.
I had to be present WITH the car when the key arrived (the next day!), and the parts guy verified that it worked and that the steel key opened the door as well.
Same "regulations" at both dealerships (Park Place and Ewing), except Park Place wanted an extra $150.
Bob
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Sep 2010
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From: Raleigh, NC
2005 C230K, 2019 Honda CR-V, '74 Lotus Europa
Several posts ago I mentioned I was thinking about getting a new key for my car but that it wasn't covered under any warranty. Well, it turns out that it was covered under my CarMax (MaxCare) warranty. It was pretty much the same drill that my wife had to go through (don't remember their needing my credit card, though). My SA said he was always impressed with MaxCare but had no idea that they covered keys. Of course MaxCare requires a $75 deductible but still a good deal. The new keys are SO much better than the old ones!
Sidebar:
This is the second car I've bought from CarMax and I have to say I've been happy with my purchase both times. This is the first time I've bought an extended warranty and they been very fair with me. My only complaint is that I thought I was paying for 5yr/60,000 mile warranty. It is 5 years but the 60,000 was not added to the original miles - it is just up to 60,000. So far, it has pretty much paid for itself (air bag harness replacement, A/C compressor and dryer replacement, and new key).
Sidebar:
This is the second car I've bought from CarMax and I have to say I've been happy with my purchase both times. This is the first time I've bought an extended warranty and they been very fair with me. My only complaint is that I thought I was paying for 5yr/60,000 mile warranty. It is 5 years but the 60,000 was not added to the original miles - it is just up to 60,000. So far, it has pretty much paid for itself (air bag harness replacement, A/C compressor and dryer replacement, and new key).
Junior Member
Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 27
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From: DC Metro
Land Rover, Mercedes, Ferrari
Keys are coming from Alabama
The Initial keys are programmed in Germany. However, the replacement keys are coming from Alabama and is programmed there. This is according to my SA. It depends on which country you are. I believe the Alabama is in charge of North America while Germany is Europe and Singapore is Asia in terms of Key Replacements.
