Why can't a used remote key be reprogrammed??
Super Member
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 693
Likes: 1
From: Mansfield, TX
11 ML350W2 / 17 GLC300
No one has hit the reason that the key can not be reprogrammed. The ignition switch has the IR that reads a static code inside the key. The key will work without batteries. I had a C-class with the first round of smart keys and received a 3rd ignition key that didn't have batteries or any electronics in the key. If you want to reprogram something to use a different key, you have to reprogram the ignition switch and then your other key wouldn't work.
Senior Member
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 455
Likes: 1
From: Fl
92 500sel/01 320e wag
The key code is controlled by MB in their secure database, there are only 24 codes (keys) per vehicle. There can be no duplicates and only eight per vehicle which includes the origionals as shipped.
Super Member
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 529
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From: London, GB
RHD C200 Sport Coupe, RHD SLK-55, LHD SLK-350
How technical do you want to get? MB keys implement a rolling key code that is managed by a unique seed based on the VIN of the car they are married to. The keys are relatively unique in the industry in that they communicate with the car using the same code base over both RF and IR, and implement an induction power system so that the IR system can function without a battery when it's in the key slot.
There's a security PIC on the key that allows for a single "write" - when the key is married to a car, the PIC can no longer be programmed, so one use only.
The Chinese/Russian programmer's I've seen have the ability to both "clone" a functioning key onto a "virgin" key, and also to dump the base code onto a new security PIC. The only guys I've seen "reuse" a key float the security PIC off the key, replace it, dump the base code into it, and then program it.
The above is supposedly one reason why MB specifically disables a key in your car's DAS when you tell 'em it's lost. I'm not sure exactly how the Chinese software manages to clone a key, but helps to explain why MB maintains such strict controls around virgin keys.
EDITED : Above refers only to the SmartKeys.
There's a security PIC on the key that allows for a single "write" - when the key is married to a car, the PIC can no longer be programmed, so one use only.
The Chinese/Russian programmer's I've seen have the ability to both "clone" a functioning key onto a "virgin" key, and also to dump the base code onto a new security PIC. The only guys I've seen "reuse" a key float the security PIC off the key, replace it, dump the base code into it, and then program it.
The above is supposedly one reason why MB specifically disables a key in your car's DAS when you tell 'em it's lost. I'm not sure exactly how the Chinese software manages to clone a key, but helps to explain why MB maintains such strict controls around virgin keys.
EDITED : Above refers only to the SmartKeys.
Last edited by UK-C200; Jan 15, 2011 at 09:56 AM.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 5,939
Likes: 178
From: Seattle WA
99 E320
nice, concise recap, UK. 
folks should realize that the assemblage of components
in the Smartkey includes a PROM, and not E/EPROM. it is the latter which allows
the key to be 'reflashed' with new data, whereas the PROM only allows one time.
folks should realize that the assemblage of componentsin the Smartkey includes a PROM, and not E/EPROM. it is the latter which allows
the key to be 'reflashed' with new data, whereas the PROM only allows one time.
MBWorld Fanatic!
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From: Philadelphia area
2010 ML550, 2010 E350 4M, 1966 Corvette Convt C2
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 26
Likes: 0
From: Minneapolis, MN
W210 E430 4matic
I've had over a year to reflect on this thread I started and am still a little cranked, and still only have one key, but have come to a justification...
I guess only having to put gas and oil towards a 10 year old, 110K mile car in a year and enjoying driving it every time i get behind the wheel can make up for the cost of a key at the dealer...
I surrender. MB can bend me over for a new key whenever they'd like.
Where is OhLord at with that old diesel??
I guess only having to put gas and oil towards a 10 year old, 110K mile car in a year and enjoying driving it every time i get behind the wheel can make up for the cost of a key at the dealer...
I surrender. MB can bend me over for a new key whenever they'd like.
Where is OhLord at with that old diesel??
Member
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 113
Likes: 0
Zaporozec heavily modded 36HP
I gotta weigh in here. I am new to Mercedes. It is the most expensive car marque I have ever owned. I do most of the service and repairs myself. I only go to dealers when necessary. This is partly due to cost and partly due to the random quality of service and dangerous incompetence and/or deliberate tampering I have experienced first hand in my 25 years of driving. The Mercedes dealer I went to, in my suit, tie, and swiss watch to ask about a trans service on my single owner W210 E55 with 125K miles, was like putting chum into a shark tank. Safe to say, that the service writer at Cal Star in Glendale, CA promptly took me for a rich fool and went on to explain that dropping the pan and changing the filter was on special for $480. Mercedes parts counters also do not give out part numbers. Why? The ONLY reason can be to prevent competitive shopping- period.
Now I knew going in that Mercedes owners by and large are people of superior means so I was expecting things to be a bit more pricey but I was also expecting a higher caliber of service. I did not see it. Only more of the same like at other dealers- just scummy opportunists.
Now I have to separate people here. Parts counter guys are generally cool. When they know you do your own work, many times they cut you a break and give you shop or better prices. But service writers, by and large, are slimy people.
So it came as no surprise to me that while my fathers 08 Jeep Grand Cherokee Overland key FOB costs about half to replace, my 2000 Merc Key FOB costs more than double that for no good reason other than Mercedes owner can, and will, pay.
I know that this is the reality of owning a car like this but it doesn't mean I can't call it like I see it.
Now I knew going in that Mercedes owners by and large are people of superior means so I was expecting things to be a bit more pricey but I was also expecting a higher caliber of service. I did not see it. Only more of the same like at other dealers- just scummy opportunists.
Now I have to separate people here. Parts counter guys are generally cool. When they know you do your own work, many times they cut you a break and give you shop or better prices. But service writers, by and large, are slimy people.
So it came as no surprise to me that while my fathers 08 Jeep Grand Cherokee Overland key FOB costs about half to replace, my 2000 Merc Key FOB costs more than double that for no good reason other than Mercedes owner can, and will, pay.
I know that this is the reality of owning a car like this but it doesn't mean I can't call it like I see it.
If you think benz costs lots to run try a ferrari one day but they are lots of fun.
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Super Member
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 525
Likes: 0
From: the Netherlands
'01 W210 E320 CDI
What happens here in Europe, they simply break in and enter the house to look for the smartkey in your coat etc. and gone is the car while you are fast asleep upstairs. From where I live they drive it to Poland in less than a day and you'll never find it again. We always take the key to bed, lol! The spare key is in a safe that's also upstairs.
-edit- At least the point with these keys is that you KNOW without the key they CANNOT get your car!
-edit- At least the point with these keys is that you KNOW without the key they CANNOT get your car!
Last edited by Lancelot; Mar 5, 2011 at 03:16 AM.
Member
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 113
Likes: 0
Zaporozec heavily modded 36HP
What happens here in Europe, they simply break in and enter the house to look for the smartkey in your coat etc. and gone is the car while you are fast asleep upstairs. From where I live they drive it to Poland in less than a day and you'll never find it again. We always take the key to bed, lol! The spare key is in a safe that's also upstairs.
-edit- At least the point with these keys is that you KNOW without the key they CANNOT get your car!
-edit- At least the point with these keys is that you KNOW without the key they CANNOT get your car!
and take them out in the morning(make sure they all there).Flamethrowers to protect you at light.
Welcome to Brasil.
Senior Member
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 463
Likes: 8
From: Long Island, NY
01 E320
or just manage with one key. You've been doing it for a year now and it's not that difficult. My personal experience with my W210 is it's been the cheapest car to own I've ever had. 5 years and maybe spent $400 outside of oil changes which I do myself about once a year. Rides like new, looks like new, roomy, comfortable, safe and great gas mileage.
Last edited by 01BlackE320; Mar 5, 2011 at 12:13 PM.
