Key replacement cost.
Junior Member
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 55
Likes: 0
From: Ventura, California
bicycle
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.
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.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 3,124
Likes: 223
From: Milton/Westport, MA USA
me: 2015 SL400 & 2015 ML400; wife: 2022 GLC Coupe; daughter: 2017 GLC SUV
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......
Last edited by eddieo45; Jun 25, 2013 at 07:28 AM.
MBworld Guru
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 10,782
Likes: 1,011
NO LONGER ACTIVE
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.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 3,124
Likes: 223
From: Milton/Westport, MA USA
me: 2015 SL400 & 2015 ML400; wife: 2022 GLC Coupe; daughter: 2017 GLC SUV
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!!
Last edited by eddieo45; Jun 25, 2013 at 01:19 PM.
MBworld Guru
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 10,782
Likes: 1,011
NO LONGER ACTIVE
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.
Junior Member
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 55
Likes: 0
From: Ventura, California
bicycle
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.
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.
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.
MB World Stories
The Best of Mercedes & AMG
6 Mercedes Models That Did NOT Age Well (But Are Somehow Still Cool)
Verdad Gallardo
Manual Mercedes? 6 Times Sindelfingen Let Drivers Have All The Fun
Verdad Gallardo
Mercedes SLR McLaren 722 S Is Extremely Rare Example Modified by McLaren
Verdad Gallardo
8 Classic Boxy Mercedes Designs That Have Aged Like Fine Wine
Verdad Gallardo
Flawlessly Restored Mercedes 190E Evo II Heads to Auction
Verdad Gallardo
Electric Mercedes C-Class Unveiled: 11 Things You Need to Know
Verdad Gallardo
Mercedes EQS Gets A Major Update: Everything You Need to Know
Verdad Gallardo
5 Underrated Mercedes-Benz Models That Don't Get the Love They Deserve
Verdad Gallardo
Mercedes 300D Has Pushed Well Past 1 Million Miles and It Ain't Stopping
Verdad Gallardo
MBworld Guru
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 10,782
Likes: 1,011
NO LONGER ACTIVE
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
http://www.mbusa.com/mercedes/dealer...rcedes%2Findex
Junior Member
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 55
Likes: 0
From: Ventura, California
bicycle
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.
Thanks, I'll check em out after I get everything else in order.
Member
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 249
Likes: 4
From: Huntington Beach, CA
2006 CLK350
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.
Newbie
Joined: Dec 2023
Posts: 2
Likes: 0
From: Liberty MO
2001 Mercedes-Benz CLK 320
Lost my key
Where did you get yours I was quoted $466.73 for replacement for my CLK 320
