Replacement key fob ~$700
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Feb 2016
Posts: 56
Likes: 5
C300 W204 4MATIC
Replacement key fob ~$700
So i just picked up a CPO W205... and of course it only came with one key. But add to that, the key that I DID get is missing the valet key (SMH). No way of getting the originals (trust me i've tried).
Anyway, i went to my MB dealership today and was told that in order to get a new key it would cost me ~$500 and another $200 to program the thing. I know this is the cost of doing business in this segment, and i'm willing to pay it if it's the only route to go.
Has anyone else heard the same?
Should I try another dealership?
Anyone have any alternatives or workarounds?
Anyway, i went to my MB dealership today and was told that in order to get a new key it would cost me ~$500 and another $200 to program the thing. I know this is the cost of doing business in this segment, and i'm willing to pay it if it's the only route to go.
Has anyone else heard the same?
Should I try another dealership?
Anyone have any alternatives or workarounds?
Member
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 146
Likes: 30
From: Memphis, TN
I too picked up a CPO C63S that only had one key a few months ago. Since the car was CPO'd you should get two keys it's part of the CPO checks. After a few weeks of complaining my selling dealership reimbursed me for the key and programming..
Senior Member
Joined: Apr 2018
Posts: 402
Likes: 128
From: Houston
2018 C43 sedan
So i just picked up a CPO W205... and of course it only came with one key. But add to that, the key that I DID get is missing the valet key (SMH). No way of getting the originals (trust me i've tried).
Anyway, i went to my MB dealership today and was told that in order to get a new key it would cost me ~$500 and another $200 to program the thing. I know this is the cost of doing business in this segment, and i'm willing to pay it if it's the only route to go.
Has anyone else heard the same?
Should I try another dealership?
Anyone have any alternatives or workarounds?
Anyway, i went to my MB dealership today and was told that in order to get a new key it would cost me ~$500 and another $200 to program the thing. I know this is the cost of doing business in this segment, and i'm willing to pay it if it's the only route to go.
Has anyone else heard the same?
Should I try another dealership?
Anyone have any alternatives or workarounds?
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Feb 2016
Posts: 56
Likes: 5
C300 W204 4MATIC
I'll go back in and talk to them. I guess i better not lose whatever keys i do get though... cuz that's a hefty replacement cost!
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Joined: May 2008
Posts: 1,101
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From: MA
Mosselman 190E 16V+ C63S+ Abarth 595
The $200 for programming is a scam. The keys come programmed and thus the need for license and proof of ownership to order one. The $200 “programming” charge is the dealership charging you to make sure their guy typed in the right info on the computer ordering the key. After the key arrives all they do is press the buttons to make sure it is in fact the correct key to your car. I had no issue getting them to waive the fee as I just asked real quickly to see the key (Parked in lot instead of service line*dont forget to do this*!!!) Then walked over to the window and hit unlock & lock. Then I just said “Wam, Bam, you guys ordered for the correct VIN so all set! Let me grab my wallet real quick.” I then went out and started the car so they could not say “The programming is to start it, notnfor locks” or any BS.
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Feb 2016
Posts: 56
Likes: 5
C300 W204 4MATIC
The $200 for programming is a scam. The keys come programmed and thus the need for license and proof of ownership to order one. The $200 “programming” charge is the dealership charging you to make sure their guy typed in the right info on the computer ordering the key. After the key arrives all they do is press the buttons to make sure it is in fact the correct key to your car. I had no issue getting them to waive the fee as I just asked real quickly to see the key (Parked in lot instead of service line*dont forget to do this*!!!) Then walked over to the window and hit unlock & lock. Then I just said “Wam, Bam, you guys ordered for the correct VIN so all set! Let me grab my wallet real quick.” I then went out and started the car so they could not say “The programming is to start it, notnfor locks” or any BS.
So, they dont order blanks and then program them? They come good to go from factory when they plug in the VIN + info?
Member
Joined: Jul 2018
Posts: 99
Likes: 17
From: Cayman Islands
SL65, Raptor SVT, Mustang Cobra SVT, Datsun 510, Mustang Mach-E GTPE, HD-Fat Boy, Triumph Rocket 3
I just got another OEM key from my Indy repair shop and they charged me $425 to order the key (they said it came pre-programmed) and another $75 for a notary to review my documents and go through the Anti-Theft process.
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Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Feb 2016
Posts: 56
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C300 W204 4MATIC
But as far as i understand it, the keys in your SL don't have the same chip or whatever circuitry inside it that would require any "programming", right? I mean, i clearly dont know if this is actual programming, fictitious programming, or just a dude going to the back and grabbing a coke while he rattles his bench top a little before he comes back asking for another $200.
Honestly though, $200 seems like a petty fee in the grand scheme of things if it's not actually required, no? They can't actually be making any money off this if thats the case. Idk. Just thinking out loud.
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Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Feb 2016
Posts: 56
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C300 W204 4MATIC
But i see your point. Nickel and dime is the name of teh game with these stealerships.
