M-bENZ

It is a good deal bro. I paid $200 for non-keyless one already.

CLK320skr

I'm a bit in shock reading this thread. I thought replacement keys were $150?!

The CLK I just bought only came with one remote, no valet key. Now I'm looking at well over $200 for a new key? Holy smokes that's a rip off.

eddieo45

I've heard some crazy numbers for Ferrari and even Audi keys too. I just bought an old Lexus for my daughter and their keys are reprogrammable. They sell used on eBay for about $50 and there's a process that reads like a prank, with multiple key-on, key-off, power-lock/unlocks to match it to the car. The blades themselves are like $27 aftermarket so you can have a key for about $75, which is $167 less than I just paid for a Keyless-Go key for my CLK......

Rudeney

FYI, there is no "valet" key for the W209. The infrared SmartKey (DAS3) system never had that capability. Valet keys were only available on the old switchblade key (DAS2) system.

Yes, the retail price of a new key is well over $200. Plus, some dealers will add on labor for "programming" it. In reality, you probably don't need "programming" unless you want to make sure that any missing keys are locked out and cannot be used. Otherwise, just go to the parts counter with your proof of ownership and have them order an additional key for you. Sometimes you can negotiate with the parts counter staff (they are not on commission like the service advisors) and they will give you a better price, maybe 10%-20% off. Also, the key comes from the factory programmed and ready to use - no programming needed.

eddieo45

really? I had a valet key for my W202 (the only one I've ever had, and I think I still do) and that had an IR key....

edit: I DO still have it:


...and if you don't have the key code (which any dealer will tell you) it can be laser cut to order from a digital photo!!

Rudeney

Ah, that's a "DAS2b" key. I think it wasn't IR, but RFID. Those were pretty rare. There was a transition of about two years where they were moving from the switchblade to the IR SmartKey. I know the W163 ML was the last model to move from the DAS2/DAS2b switchblade as of MY2006. The DAS2 valet keys that came with switchblade cars and had the "Mickey Mouse" head were actually more than valet keys - they were the equivalent of the "green key" for DAS3 in that they were used to program the DAS module for its 8 possible key codes.

Moedy

Make sure to shop around a get price quotes from different dealers. After paying for mine from one dealer I had another call me back and quoted me $50 less than what the other charged me

CLK320skr

Ah, ok.. I just thought that's what those little metal keys that popped out were called, and what they were for. But having had some difficult opening my trunk and locking my car, I know now that it's just as useful to me to physically lock/unlock my car, lol.

I don't really have the ability to shop around for prices, since there's only one MB dealer near me, however thanks for the tip for going to the parts counter.. I'll be sure to do that and try to get the lowest price possible.

It's such a shame that website is no longer up and running and we can't get them for so cheap anymore.

Rudeney

You're in Ventura? There are 7 MBZ dealerships within 50 miles. I'd call all of their parts departments and get a price - and don't be shy - ask for a discount!

http://www.mbusa.com/mercedes/dealer...rcedes%2Findex

CLK320skr

Oh crazy, I had no idea there were that many.... I wasn't looking to drive too far, but if it saves me $50-100, it's obviously worth it to drive an extra 20 mins each way for it...

Thanks, I'll check em out after I get everything else in order.

Rudeney

What do you mean you don't want to "drive too far"? Don't you Southern Californians just live in your cars?

Patton001

I think the dealers have gotten together here in Orange County and fixed the price because I called 5 surrounding dealers from Long Beach to Laguna Hills and got the same $250 answer at all of them.

Clueless clk320

Lolo
Where did you get yours I was quoted $466.73 for replacement for my CLK 320