bigian

I got in a pretty bad wreck last friday night, a rental car, and I'm still trying to pick up the pieces. I lost my only key to my car, a 2002 c240 and I need to get a replacement. The local dealer, I'm in Santa Barbara so they're definitely not on the cheaper end, wants $250 for the key and $100 to program it which includes making the physical metal key fit my car, at least that's what he said.

Can anyone suggest a place to get it for less or is that going rate? I did a search but only came up with multiple year old threads and I figure by now there may be some more solid answers.

Any advise on the matter is appreciated!

EuroDriverSD

I am no expert on the subject but from what I have read, the electronic portion of your key needs to be programmed to the car's coding via Star. The dealer may be not only your best option, but your only option. I don't know where you are, but for my region, that quote seems like a bargain.

The physical, metal key you can probably have cut by any competent locksmith. Since you need the whole ball of wax though, you might as well have the dealer do it all.

Glad you are okay.

[EDIT: You are in Santa Barbara - definitely a good price]

SoCal208

$250 is the going price here in Orange County, CA. The key work out of the box, no programming need. $100 program is BS. Go down to LA to get it.

EuroDriverSD

SoCal208 might be right on this one. I've never gone to MBZ dealer for a key but now that it's been mentioned, the Nissan dealership here in San Diego included the programming in the price of the key (also ~$250). Taking in my own key would cost about half of that to have it programmed.

You should call them on it, or go to another dealer.

quip11

Got mine from Keyes in Van Nuys for $250 + $75 for the metal key that I had to wait for in a day for laser cutting. Your price seems to be fine. Btw, I've tried to purchase a used fob with the intent to have it reprogrammed later, the dealer nor my Indy will NOT reprogram it. So I ended up getting it from te dealer. Good luck.

Russell Ormerod

Used or old keys cannot be reprogrammed by a dealer. They only supply new programed keys for your vin number. The metal slide is a separate order and takes a bit longer to arrive

mtnman82

I've been thru the process of getting a new key 2X. First when I bought the car used and wanted a 2nd key, and the second time when I had one of those Free $100 coupons and wanted the newer chrome type key. The 'dealer programming charge' is bogus. Call them on this - i.e. tell them you know the key comes preprogrammed from the factory based on the VIN # and the only thing you have to do is stick it in the ignition to pair it with the vehicle. The first key I got was somewhere in the neighborhood of $350, the second one was 'only' $250. That was over 5 years ago, and was the best price I could find at the time.

bigian

right on guys, $250 doesn't sound too bad, I'll call them on the programing BS.

Thanks!

Russell Ormerod

Yes. No programing needed if you replace just a key. Only when you Renew eis or esl. Programming will be needed if you lost or had a key stolen and you want that key disabled from the key track.