Hey all. It has been a long time since I have been in this area. My C230, that I have had since 2011, doesn't see a lot of use anymore but my wife loves it so it is going to stay. I have both keys but 1 quit working a few years ago and the one that does work is looking a bit rough. I decided I need to get another just in case. I have always read that replacement keys have to come from MB. I called my local dealership and was told they can no longer get them. Has anyone bought an aftermarket key and successfully gotten it programmed to work?

 

When I bought my 2005 C230 it only had one key. I searched for options other than the dealer and couldn’t find any. Samcrac recently posted a YouTube video that included a promotion for Car Key Express. He claimed that they offered keys for many cars, but when I entered the information for my car, the only product available was the emergency key. It doesn’t look like they can provide a replacement remote.

Have you called any other dealers to confirm what your dealer told you?

 

This popped up on my YouTube feed. Even if they are not in your area, they may be able to provide guidance on the equipment needed to make a key. You could then find a locksmith in your area with the required equipment and expertise.

 

Honestly I'd try bringing the key to someone who knows how to solder. Unless a critical component has fried, the issue you're having is probably caused by a crack in the solder. The outer cases can be purchased online.

Yes, a true replacement key can only be purchased at the dealer. My understanding is that every car has 8 codes available, and the codes are stored on the MB servers in Germany.

The pairing procedure also requires sticking a new "empty" key into the ignition and waiting some 4h. I imagine this is an intentional timed lockout designed to prevent casual theft, much like a safe at a convenience store. A key that has already been programmed cannot be wiped (not using conventional methods at least), which is why a used key purchased online won't work.