Maximum # of Smart Keys?
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Joined: Mar 2002
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From: SF Bay Area
C240
Maximum # of Smart Keys?
I recently acquired a year old C240. The previous owner had some trouble with the bad keys but they were taken care of under warranty - only problem is that the car came with one smart key. When i called the dealer to order a spare they informed me that all 8 keys were made and that they could not make any more - probably due to all the repairs that had been made to the system. So, anybody know how i can solve this problem? given the nature of the Smart Key i feel very uncomfortable having only one key given the failure rates out there and that i would have to replace a lot of parts of the car to get a whole new system. Can Mercedes make an exception to this rule given the well documented problems with Smart Keys? So far everything works great but im getting nervous!
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From: Sri Lanka
I didnt know there was a limit to the number of keys that could be made.... did you ask the dealer what happens if the key that you have right now doesn't work... are they going to tell you that you are SOL?
have you asked the previous owner if they have the other key??
have you asked the previous owner if they have the other key??
Thread Starter
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Joined: Mar 2002
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From: SF Bay Area
C240
unfortunately i don't know the previous owner and don't have a way to get in touch with him. The Mercedes dealer i tried to purchase the spare said something about having to put in a whole new system that operates the smart keys and control modules (anybody know what that is and how much it would cost?). This would be a drastic last step - I want to gather some information and then approach Mercedes about making a new key since the original problems with the smart key required all the replacements to be made.
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From: Bloomington, IN
1997 Toyota Tacoma 4x4
There are 8 different SmartKeys available for your car, along with three duplicates of each key, for a grand total of 24 different possible keys. Once all 24 keys have been used, you will need a new Electronic Ignition Switch. I have yet to see a customer go through all 24 keys. When your car is new, it is supplied with Keys number One, Two, and Three. One and Two are the main keys, Three is the emergency "valet" key.
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From: SF Bay Area
C240
MBTech, so given what the dealer told me i can't have a "new" key made but it sounds like I should be able to have a "duplicate" of my current key made. Is that correct?
Thanks - this is the kind of info i don't get from Mercedes!
Thanks - this is the kind of info i don't get from Mercedes!
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From: Bloomington, IN
1997 Toyota Tacoma 4x4
Since all 8 original keys have apparently been used (something I have yet to see), you can start with the first set of duplicate keys. I'd order Duplicate key number One.
And yes, the emergency key is a SmartKey too, it just doesn't have the remote entry buttons or the panic button. When the car is new, the emergency key is key number Three.
And yes, the emergency key is a SmartKey too, it just doesn't have the remote entry buttons or the panic button. When the car is new, the emergency key is key number Three.
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From: Sitting behind thing freakin desk of mine. Dreaming I was playing my Taylors, and driving my Benz. Long Live The VRAA!!!!!!
C230 Sports Coupe
When I got my new C230 it only can with 2 keys. No valet key to my knowledge, wasi supposed to get one?
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From: S. Fla., U.S.A.
2002 C230K Sport Coupe
TimmyC230Boy,
Check your owner's manual under keys. The valet keys are cleverly locked into the smart keys.
Point of clarification: I referred to the mechanical keys as "valet" keys because of the terminology used above "emergency, mechanical, valet...." Apparently the C230K comes only with two smart keys, each with a mechanical key inserted. At least that is what I got.
Deb
Check your owner's manual under keys. The valet keys are cleverly locked into the smart keys.
Point of clarification: I referred to the mechanical keys as "valet" keys because of the terminology used above "emergency, mechanical, valet...." Apparently the C230K comes only with two smart keys, each with a mechanical key inserted. At least that is what I got.
Deb
Last edited by Deb; Mar 31, 2002 at 05:54 PM.
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From: Bloomington, IN
1997 Toyota Tacoma 4x4
Actually, those are just the mechanical keys. You should have gotten a third SmartKey which is thinner than the normal SmartKey, and is missing the buttons for remote entry. This is your valet/emergency key.
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From: Southern California, USA
2003 CL55 AMG
Originally posted by Lynn
I only received two keys.
I only received two keys.
I smell a cost saving measure!! 
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Re: Smart Keys
I have a 2001 CLK 320. Just recently my key would not turn. I drove myself crazy trying to figure out why.
I didn't know you could only get 8 keys issued before you would have to have the entire EIS/Computer replaced. Estimated cost $4000.00
I found an interesting website http://www.fazmiclaw.com/mbzkey.html
Check this out if you have gotton the maximum replacement keys.
This is a Law Firm investigating ELectronic Smart Keys, once you've reached the replacement limits Mercedes will have to replace your control/computer unit which is expensive.
I hope this helps the fellow who found out the maximum was reached for his Mercedes replacement keys.
I didn't know you could only get 8 keys issued before you would have to have the entire EIS/Computer replaced. Estimated cost $4000.00
I found an interesting website http://www.fazmiclaw.com/mbzkey.html
Check this out if you have gotton the maximum replacement keys.
This is a Law Firm investigating ELectronic Smart Keys, once you've reached the replacement limits Mercedes will have to replace your control/computer unit which is expensive.
I hope this helps the fellow who found out the maximum was reached for his Mercedes replacement keys.
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From: Near Worcester, MA.
2013 E350
[QUOTE=jewllzs;
I hope this helps the fellow who found out the maximum was reached for his Mercedes replacement keys.[/QUOTE]
If this fellow hasn't been helped yet, he's in trouble. This thread is only
about 5 years old. LOL
I hope this helps the fellow who found out the maximum was reached for his Mercedes replacement keys.[/QUOTE]
If this fellow hasn't been helped yet, he's in trouble. This thread is only
about 5 years old. LOL
