myinternetsucks

My SA told me that if you have cracks like the first pic (left), you can have your keys replaced under warranty and get the new 2010-11 keys like in pic #2. He told me that since these cracks ran along the corners Merc will warranty them, but if they run along the top or side, which he states "are usually caused by womens finger nails" then they will not be replaced. So if you're under 50K and or four years (which shouldn't be the case for W204) and have cracks in your keys like this take them back. I did heres the my old and new ones.

sorry crappy iPhone 4 pics.

jctevere

That's funny, my cracks are in the same exact spot and my service advisor said that "Mercedes won't replace it under warranty, because I can do that by just pushing my finger through it." Complete bs, I hate my dealership, I am going to a new one for service, thanks for the heads up. Would you mind scanning your service document that shows they replaced the key (you can black out any personal information) so that i have some "proof" to show my SA if he asks. If not, its not a big deal.

Samieee

I think I'm going to "crack" my key to get the new one

Blazeitup123

Lol, me too. Mine are quite new tho...

K-A

M-B must have used super cheap material on the '08 style of keys, because most that I've seen start getting that cracked/flat/"greasy" type of look already. The pre-'07 keys didn't age that bad, and the new ones seem to be tougher.

C300Kid

Interesting. I feel like most dealers won't do this.

jctevere

You're telling me that most dealerships won't replace it. Mine still won't do it, even after I have bought 4 Mercedes from them, and combined with my immediate family we have bought 6 from them in total, and they still won't replace it for me. I am not going to pay $300 to fix the crack, such B.S. Obviously it was a design flaw if they completely redesigned the key after only 2 years of use... I'm not saying do a complete recall, but replace the ones that are broken. Stupid stuff like this gets me so frustrated... You have no idea, haha.

Anyone know if it is possible to just buy the outer housing and swap out the "inners"?

joshg1001

lol how are you guys even getting those cracks? finger nails? I dont seem to have any problems with my 09 keys. Anyways, I kind of like the old style better....

mattbta

How much are new keys anyway? We bought used and only got one.

I am Jeff

Come by my way and I'll get my SA to replace it for you. :p

justthinking

Mine had the exact crack like the OP, dealer wouldn't replace the key so I end up getting a brand new key fob for like $20 and swap out the inside myself..

myinternetsucks

Here's the pudding...

Basically I emailed my SA outta curiosity to see if the keys would be covered under warranty. He went to his supervisor with my pic (the first one in the OP) next I'm taking my car in for new keys. done deal.

Oh and I got my rear locking knobs replaced too...


sorry crappy iPhone pics...

Samieee

Which dealership do you go to? I want a new key. Just gotta crack it sometime soon

omgitselaine

Wow ..... had used the same fob for 3 years and though I do have long nails I have never cracked my fob like that I'm wondering what kind of women does that dealership has !!

Rapsteady1

how did OP get it replaced?

I called and asked about it and they straight up said "NO." It is not considered to be part of the warranty.

myinternetsucks

See post #12.

Niti24

Tried replace mine. They said it is broken and MB doesnt cover that. I don't see how its broken. It is cracked the same as pic one! They suck at this warranty stuff

AkaSigFreak

I just noticed they listed your car as:
08/MERCEDES-BENZ/C300/2 DOOR SEDAN
Maybe that's how you got yours replaced- they are not that bright

Niti24

After some yelling, I got it done. I yelled at the SA and the foreman and tomorrow I will be picking it p. Try it guys, it is part of the warranty one of the workers told me while I was there.

NickCats

Not sure if you had seen this or not :

https://mbworld.org/forums/miscellan...hrome-key.html

Nick

kowyzg0moo

I just told Penske that my keys were feeling not as responsive as before and demonstrated how it didnt necessarily register the first time I clicked. miraculously they gave me not just one, but two of the new ones (replaced both originals). Hope that helps anyone and thanks OP for the heads up!

aprince2die4

IMO the new keys feel like cheap plastic compared to the older ones with a bit of weight to it...

K-A

I still think the best ones were the first gen smart key, which was all black with a nice star on it. Felt light, and quality. The second gen (first chrome key) seems to get oily and worn fast, and always seems to have a bronzed star (cheap "chrome" I guess). The jury is still out on the new one, but I think that it's a durability-improvement tweak from the previous chrome one, not to mention, seemingly smaller and lighter.

jctevere

I actually just had Mercedes contact me and leave me a voicemail based on some complaints I talked about on generation benz. They wanted to speak with me about them, but I don't know about exactly what yet. But in my post, I talked about three things: 1)My key being cracked and not being covered under warranty/offered a cheaper repair solution than getting a new key for $300. 2) The pre 2010 c-class (w204) not having the ability to display the actual tire pressure on the infotainment screen while the 2010 and newer display the actual numbers. 3) The new diesels not being as robust as the old w124 diesels.

NickCats

I wondered if you had your key replaced yet ( I also wish my car displayed the actual tire pressure ) - let us know what happens...

Nick