JeT

There's a guy selling a 4 button key fob on ebay...

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eB...tem=1871504832

He says all you need to do is take it to the dealer and they will reprogram the key for you? This can't be right can it? Its alot harder to do than just waltzing up to the dealer and telling them to do it!

antonio

your best bet would be to call the dealer and ask them directly. only then you'll know if this guys for real.

pocholin

Not bad, I still have the invoice on the extra I ordered from MB $177.55 plus the metal key $42.00, ouch!

It came programmed from the factory, so I don't kow if dealer can do it for you and if they will charge you, just watch out on those hidden charges.

JeT

I remember reading in another thread that there are only 7 keys programmed for each car. If you blow all of them, its a big deal as they have to replace your whole ignition assembly (That actually sounds a bit far fetched but I remember reading it)....It begs the question though: where did he get this key? Maybe from a MB thats been wirtten off?

MB-BOB

Maybe it's his own second SmartKey and he's having trouble making his next lease payment, LOL!

JeT

What next? The cup holder should be good for the following lease payment!!

avlis

Don't forget the contents of the first-aid kit. Band-aid by band-aid it could add up!

oggle

I think it's more likely the guy either stole it or found it on the floor. Just read the description: "what appears to be new".

Limited Edition 190E

I wonder if I could get this to work on my car? :p Another Remote Key Auction
It looks alot cooler than my regular key

Regards,

Don

trench

Probably the latter - people have posted complaints about losing the SmartKey after it's been accidently pulled out of the ring.

Also, that key will only work for the car that it was originally intended. No reprogramming possible for another car.

- BT

pocholin

That is the new style key, I have one old and one new.
in the old I like the fact that the metal key can be pushed down to manually open the door, on the new one you have to take the metal key out of the keyfob

in the new one I like the sleeker design and the chrome star.

Lockbuster

On the 2002 Mercedes Benz their are seven programed keys for the vehicle. You have to order it by the VIN and you do not need to have the dealership program it. Now I have been studying the Mercedes Benz keys system and I have been told by the Mercedes Benz technicians (and I have read) that their are only seven keys for the Benz and when all are used up you have to replace the unit and it cost $$. From what I read when it comes to replacing the unit Mercedes sets up the new seven keys at the factory using the VIN so when another key is needed it is ready to be used. Now I do not know about programing a key except I am told by the Mercedes technicians that they about 200.00 to program a key. The key is less than 200.00 programmed to your vehicle (I had a 1997 Benz that needed a key and the dealership had to program one for that vehicle, that is where I got the cost from). So it may sound farfetched however it is what I deal with every day working as a locksmith dealing with high security vehicles.




I was also told that the infrared keys will only start five thousand times before it has to be replaced, however that is a rumor and I am still checking into that aspect.

CitronC230K_03

my VW has the flip style key like MB used to have. i took my car into the dealer for service and when i went to pick it up, somehow the key was missing. they gave me a free rental in order to give them time to ask around to see if a tech may have gone home with it. the key was never found and a new one was made, i had to bring all my other keys in, in order to reprogram the locking system, and the invoice came up to almost $250. i didnt have to pay, but for a VW that seems kinda high, so i could beleive that MB would be alot more.

session

that's a complete lie.

5000 / starting the car twice a day = 2500 days

2500 days / 365 days/year ~= 6.8 years

they wouldn't make keys that only work twice a day for 7 years.

however, microsoft would.

Lockbuster

Session,
I did not say that was the truth, I said RUMOR ...so it cannot be a lie just rumor and I am still checking into that.

trench

I've also heard that the key has a finite life-cycle. I can't off the top of my head recall how many "starts" it's good for, but it was on the order of tens of thousands (25,000-100,000).

Cheers, BT

oggle

Maybe it was engineered in to prevent people from brute forcing it to find a way around the security system.

Lockbuster

It would be interesting to see someone try to mess with the ignition (infrared port) on a 2002 Mercedes, the only outcome is major damage to the Benz and it still would not start. The older ones from the early 1990's-1980's, etc., were made by Benz to be extra tough to remove (the Ignition key tumbler) if you did not have a key. They were mechanical and not electronic so once you removed the key tumbler you could start the vehicle.

vadim

Thank god, it's bimmer onwers that will be cropping that harverst

BrabusPower

WOW, $219.55 for a replacement key!!! I should stop throwing the keys around!

pocholin

No kidding!!

Greg_S

I just had to buy a new smart key and metal key. It was about $150.00 for both. I had a unused Smart Key that Carlsbad Hoehn Benz said could not be reprogramed. They will need the car for about a half hour to final program the new key. If people still think they can be re-programed, I will take any offers and am taking deposits on a BIG bridge in San Fran.

Greg

pocholin

They ripped me off!!!

Lockbuster

When I got the infrared key (#3 by the VIN) it worked the first time with no special programming. The dealership stated it would start without any problems. Now that is weird!



Now some older Benz's may need to be programed by the dealership and some spare infrared keys may be be used just for that????

pocholin

That's right, when I got my key they didn't need to programm anything.