ML500K

I wanted to save some money and gambled. I got a non-keyless go chrome key. ( key-less go has three antenna/transmitter) and non-keyless only has one. My key, we can only use non-keyless go boards in the chrome case. I found a guy who soldered off the chip from my spare and put it on the new board, it was really amazing seeing him do everything by hand and he said this was a piece of cake, "take a look at another chip that has hundreds of leads..." He has a machine that can read from the key to check if everything is soldered correctly and also see how many times the key has been used to start the engine. I got the almost new chrome key from ebay. Everything works, infrared pointed at the door ( open/close windows), trunk release and of course starting the car.

ScottW911

So, what was the total cost of that vs. purchasing a new key from MB?

loungn14

+1 Very interesting!

02C32guy

Definitely, "A" for effort. Does your old valet key fit in the new slot?

MIKESV8

i found a key just like that chrome one you have laying around somewhere. pretty much brand new. it's sitting at my house and if anyone wants it to try to do this, make me an offer. both of the keys for my car are the ones from the 2010 mercedes. the one after this chrome one. both free due to warranty.

14cue

The chrome key is a big improvement from the old one but I hate the valet key. It does not come out very easy compared to the old. Quite annoying.

thtguy

I thought that was the latest key. what is the difference in the newer key?

post a pic please.

Also the Dealer quoted me $139 for a new key $190 if I also needed the Valet Blade. I would think someone doing a one off soldering with a surface mount machine would have to be more than that, if you include the price of the key.

ML500K

The guy said the 2010 keys have a lot of plastic in it and is very difficult to do a transplant. So for 2010 keys he said he doesnt bother doing it. I personally haven't seen a 2010 key and its internals so I'm just taking his word at face value.

The cost of the key was 50 dollars from eBay.
And he charges 100 for the handy work. He also gave me a free uncut blade but I also saw that someone is selling that on eBay for like 5 bucks. Search mb key blade. or http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/07-09...#ht_1491wt_936
Just make sure you get the non-keyless go and he can do the transplant.

The old blade doesn't fit. Need the get a new blank. Our dealer charges over 500 for the keys plus a 200 dollar "programming fee" if your car wasn't purchased from them.

pic of the blade that came with the key (cut) and uncut.

ML500K

but didn't quite expect the MB plaque on the back...( seller didn't even take a pic of that...)

MIKESV8

this is the new key http://planetluxus.com/blog/2010/11/...-mercedes-key/

besides those gems of course. the buttons are "seperate" i have 2 of these keys for my car.

ScottW911

Could it be that your dealer is raping you with a $200 programming fee? I have always heard that MB cuts and programs the keys at one central location (factory?). Sounds like your dealer is double-dipping.

MIKESV8

true, programming consists of putting your key in the ignition and leaving it there until computer is done programming it. 2010 models come directly from the factory programmed so you don't go throught his hassle. scott, i thought your pic. was the lebanese cedar at first i was like "ahh no way!" lol

MercedesFTW

LOL...I paid $75 total for a new chrome keyfob and blade a few years ago from the dealer...someone is getting had.

M-bENZ

bought mine new key for $185 (programmed and everything).

Andy

ML500K

Yup, dealers here sucks!

JonMBZ

Keys usually vary by dealer in the upwards of 300 I cant imagine one selling it for 700, that's just crazy. Instead of buying a blade off ebay just get one at the dealer for about 10 bucks. You need to have it in case you want to lock the trunk in valet mode or if the key batteries die then you will not be able to get into the vehicle.

part # for the first generation chrome key you are getting is

203-766-50-06

JonMBZ

It's probably malfunctioning. Those keys are hit or miss half of them are difficult to eject some of them spring right out with little effort.

SteveoAMG

i got my *** handed to me and payed $240 for one wow

Newzchspy

Speaking of keys, how do I change the batteries in the 6 sets that I have for my cars/truck??

ScottW911

On a uplifting note, I just purchased a used chrome key on ebay for under $20 because my chrome key unlock button cracked.

It took all of 3 minutes to swap the innards from old to new and I suddenly have a brand new key. Very cool. All for $20!