Motorsport3

Hey guys, is there anyone have newer style remote key working with the c43???
I'm wondering if this is possible at all. The car looks mint and drives like new, but the key is beat up and dirty.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eB...=STRK:MEWAX:IT

Someone said that the key learns the code and it plugs and plays on its own, but I don't trust some random article on internet. Please let me know if anyone has done this already!!

503C43 ////AMG

Yup, go to the dealership and tell them what you want. My buddy has a new type of keyless for his C43. Not cheap though, $200+.

Motorsport3

Wow, thats awesome I was thinking it needs $100 or more for programming. IMHO, key is as important as the car asthetic wise. I think I'll get one soon or later.

tasho3

I have the key that was standard on all 2000+ Mercs, do you guys have that or do you have the longer one that came on the C230K's in 98-99?


this is the one i have
http://imagehost.vendio.com/a/350839...3ltt3w___1.JPG

This was standard in most cars in 98-99
http://cdn3.iofferphoto.com/img/item...1/sam_0689.JPG

DRBC43AMG

I have one of each for my 99' 43, but the shorter one is all worn out but still works. Doesn't have the 'panic' button though
Asked at the dealer for a new one..... at least $300 equivalent. That's a bit too steep for me at the moment for an electronic key

503C43 ////AMG

I have the one for 98-99. My buddy has one that looks different from the first one you have listed. His is more of an oval and is metalic silver...

Steve155

I've got one of each - same as the photos tasho3 put up - use the shorter one exclusively fits better into my pockets.

importfan21

Lies

Also, to get the new-style key from the dealer (this is the only style you can get for our cars now; they don't make the original style anymore), it'll cost you at least $200. I had to pay cash, give them my registration, license, etc etc.

I have 1 original key and 1 new key. Had to buy the second key when I got the car since the previous owner only had 1 key.

Saaboteur

I'm fortunate, I bought my car from the second owner. I have both original keys (the shorter, older type), plus the thin backup key that can fit into a wallet. This has the metal portion too, which slides out. I also have a normal key, which I thought was supposed to open the glovebox and doors only, but it doesn't work.

Speaking of keys...when it's cold out, ie. all bloody winter and in the late fall and early spring too, my trunk will just pop open on its own. I have to manually lock it with one of the slide out keys or the metal portion from the backup key. This is a pain because if I wash the car, then water gets in and freezes up the mechanism so I can't unlock it. I have taken to carrying a bottle of lock de-icer for such a purpose. Also, I have now reverted to an old trick I learned in my Saab days (before remote locking was prevalent) - before washing the car, I chew a piece of gum and then stick it over the keyhole, thus preventing water ingress into the mechanism.

I was told by the independent Benz specialists that the whole latch mechanism would have to be replaced. Called up the dealer and the part is a whopping C$650. Therefore I will continue to lock the trunk manually and chew gum.

tasho3

My car came with 2 Short ones like the first pic i posted, and i have a 3rd in mint condition that i got from somebody and it has never been used. And the trunk think it has happened to me couple times too, wtf!

Motorsport3

Mine are the longer ones and both of them are pretty beat up. It's really funny my c43 is like new as it only has 47k miles on it, but the keys look like 12 year old keys

StapleGun

Spend some time searching online for many 'discount' MB parts - these often are actual dealers, call several of them I purchased the new style for under two hundred, it was 'round $140 w/shipping. You WILL have to email/fax copy of registration and D/L - the keys ARE NOT programmable. Also, you can swap the innards of your key into the old elongated housing of another without any problems. I purchased an old key (to use its housing) on ebay for $13

Motorsport3

Do you remember which dealer you get the key from???
$140 sounds like an awesome deal!!!!

StapleGun

LINK

Sunmotorcars.com - was it, at the time. Again, shop around.

ohlord

years ago when you could get a smart key from that dealer or even an online company that took a faxed vin as proof. One guy had keys for about $125
Those places and even dealers like Duval no longer can sell keys.
Go to the local dealer and bite the bullet. If you have a few dealers in your area shop them all.Prices now vary from mid 2 bills to however much the dealer feels they can screw you for

elijah

PEOPLE HAVE TO KNOW THAT ALL THESE KEYS FOR SALE ON EBAY ARE ABSOLUTELY USELESS UNLESS YOU'RE BUYING IT FOR THE CASING FOR ONE SIMPLE REASON THEY CANNOT BE PROGRAMMED TO MATCH AND FUNCTION WITH YOUR CAR!!
If you want a new style key you have to go to the stealership who will order one from MB headquarters in Germany according to your VIN and it will come ready to be used with your vehicle.
Honestly when I see these keys going for 100$+ I consider it to be theft. People buy them because they simply have no idea.

There is one member who managed to retrofit the electronics inside the key from his old CLK key to the new style key fob.
https://mbworld.org/forums/clk-class...key-cheap.html

elijah

^^Oh well the thread was deleted due to mbworld.org violations.

dark knight

New official DIY:
https://mbworld.org/forums/audio-ele...-retrofit.html

Motorsport3

Wow, you got some talent!!
I'm afraid to do this myself

503C43 ////AMG

I know I have the ability to do this I am just scared I will ruin the IC that I switch from my key to the new one. I only have 1 key so I would be seriously screwed if it didn't work. I know it would be one of those times where I did something to save money ($200 on a new key) but would wind up spending even more money (tow fee to get the car to the dealership to get a new key programmed + $200 for the new key + any other expenses they would get you for reprogramming a new key).

I think I'm just gonna bite the bullet and buy one from the dealer ship.

illmaticnyc

any new updates on this? just curious. wanted to replace my old key. is it necessary? probably not. wanted to see if you guys still replaced by going to dealership rather than just swapping shell out

JohnnyRock

OK, so I started having starting issues with my original (14yo) key. I'd put the key in the ignition, turn it and nothing. Not a crank, or hesitation. Almost like the battery was drained (except all of the dash lights would cycle and come on like normal). Since I could tell I had power, I grabbed the slim valet key and the car fired right up.

Not wanting to be stranded without a working key, I bit the bullet and ordered a new key from the dealer. Very fast turnaround time, ordered Monday and delivered Tuesday. The new key is super sexy and works very well. According to service reps at my dealer, it's very common for our keys to start, "going bad", since they are 12-14 years old. I replaced the housing last year since mine looked like it had been a chew toy for a small dog.

New key next to old:

99CEEFOURTHREE

I recently purchased a replacement updated key as the one shown in previous post.Nice looking and more modern than the old black fob...Paid $125 from dealership here in N.J. Morristown M.B.Provided my vin with proper REG/INS CARD AND DRIVERS LICENSE.Had key next day worked perfect.

Teh Pope

the two dealerships here in town quoted me 295 and 248 for a new key remote. i ended up just soldering a ground cable to the batteries and super gluing the remote back up lol. works perfect now. and yes im aware that i super glued the case shut so what about when i need to replace batteries? i figure by that point i would have ordered a new key remote.

JohnnyRock

Dude, you scored a great deal! I got mine for about $225 out the door. I would have called around, but living here in Mizzou doesn't leave me much room for options. I also heard that most dealers will not ship keys to out of state residents even with the proper documents.