bigdogtx

Trying to find somewhere to get a replacement for the electronic key for a 1999 E320. Local dealer wants $250. Is there somewhere to get one for less than this?

Thanks for your help. Jim

TMAllison

Is a dealer only item coded to your specific vin. Order is supposed require proof of ownership.

eBay keys are neat paperweights; regardless of what sellers may claim.

bigdogtx

Can the ebay keys be "coded" at the dealer for my car, or is this a "gotcha" program from MB?

tirona

bigdogtx, find an indy shop in your area and ask them how much they charge, it's gonna be cheaper than the dealer because they buy the key way cheaper than what the dealer charges, i think is around $150. you have to give them your vin number and when you get the key in 1 day or 2, you have to leave the key in the ignition for a little bit (can't remember how long, i think is less than 1 hour) to be programmed by itself, then you can start the car.

TMAllison

Not a MB gotcha but an eBay seller gotcha. The only value ebay keys have is if you need a repacement case for your keys guts.

All keys are ordered, coded and shipped out from the east coast.

bigdogtx

Thanks, Tirona,,,,but I am not a "car" guy,,,,exactly what is an "indy shop"?

E-420

"indy" = Independent repair shop.

Look in the "yellow pages" and you'll likely find local repair shops that specialize in mercedes Benz service.

find a good one and you will pay less than a dealer for service and get better service IMHO.

My local Indy doesn't mess with Keys, they concentrate on normal maintenance and repairs. They have a shop bigger than the local dealer and are booked weeks in advance. It's fun to walk around and look at the classics and rarer models they have in for service.

tirona

if you cannot find any mb mechanics in your area that won't sell keys, than you might want to look online at mb dealers like "duval motorcars" in florida that will sell parts for a little cheaper. i remember reading on the benzworld site that a few guys were buying the keys from duval. their number is 352-332-7571.
by the way where in texas are you? maybe some members in here live close to you and can tell you where to go.

mercedesshopdotcom has listed a lot of good shops by state. you might want to take a look. http://www.mercedesshop.com/shopforu...splay.php?f=14

bigdogtx

I'm in Plano.

E420,,,,thanks.

usaims

I called Duval. They won't do keys by mail anymore, you must physically bring the car and there key cost $280. Call the various MB dealers in your area for the cheapest one. In my area, it ranges from $200 to $285. You have to eat it up if you want a replacement key, apparently.

johnjzjz

i just went to my local dealer in jersey and they wanted $495.00 for a spair key for my 97 E420 what a deal you got -- jz

Air Marshall Eldritch

I can get keys for Jersey guys for under $150. Car must be registered in Jersey. I'd need a copy of your proof of ownership and I think they want driver's license copy as well.

Or, if you want to make the order yourself, I can tell you where to go in South Jersey. It's somewhat East of Cherry Hill.

manchild

Anyone know a good place to go in the Northern Virginia or Dc-area?

wirelessmouse

The key for my 2005 C230 just bit the dirt. Is there anywhere in Hampton Roads area of Virginia that will sell a key for less than $250?

JimPurdy

What isn't the key doing? Won't open the door? Won't start the car?

Wess

My spare just cost me $174.00 from the dealer. I faxed him my a copy of my registration and Drivers license. I then called him with the credit card number.

wirelessmouse

JimPurdy,

The key will open and lock the doors but will not start the car. Is it toast?

JimPurdy

Wirelessmouse,

Remotely locking and unlocking the door utilizes the radio transmission from the key to the receiver in the car. The end of the key is a red plastic that allows the ignition switch to read the code on the inside of the key and to send an infrared signal to the door to open or close the windows. Starting the car does not require any batteries (MB used to provide an emergency ignition key without the electronics to remotely open the door). It sounds like either the end of the key has been damaged or the ignition switch has failed. Do you have the other key? Does it work?

wirelessmouse

JimPurdy,

The other key does work. I left the broken key in the ignition for a while to see if it would reprogram but no luck.

JimPurdy

Is the red plastic on the end of the bad key scratched or broken? If scratched, I would try to polish it.