ThanasisKaplani

Hello everyone, I am new to this forum and I own a 2002 E320. I would like to get the new 'chrome' key, but my dealer says it costs $250. That is way to expensive for a key, so I began looking around online for a possible swap.

I was thinking: Could I buy the new chrome key shell on eBay and then swap motherboards with the key my 2002 E320 came with? Has anyone tried it?

Another idea I had was: Could I buy a key on eBay which has already been programmed to a vehicle but then go to my dealer to re-program it?

Richard / E320

I'll probably try this at some point; I don't know the seller, so no recommendation one way or the other if this is worth it.

MERCEDES BENZ KEY REPAIR UPGRADE SMART KEY FOB REMOTE

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eB...ht_1025wt_1165

ThanasisKaplani

Wow, thats great but it seems a bit fishy. I have to send in my key for him to do it. I think he does exactly what I stated: that he replaces the motherboard into a new shell!

Richard / E320

Correct! The only difference is this person must have had some practice and offers a 100% guarantee. Anyone who has the nerves to open it up and transfer everything out can save $129. Unless you have my kind of luck, then you'll be out over $250 ordering a new key from your dealer.

ThanasisKaplani

Yes, you are definitely right! I just do not want to risk having the new key not work if I swap the insides myself.

illest

I have a chrome key shell I will sell for cheap. You can try it and if it does not work there is no major loss.

https://mbworld.org/forums/3477858-post6.html

JimPurdy

If your key has tha panic button on the end of the fob next to the metal key release, the circutboard is not the same shape as the newer ones as shown in the picture. The eBay ad for the upgrade states that they will work for 2000-2009 keys but I have a 2000 wagon with the older style key. Removing the circuitboard from a key is shown in some old threads on this forum and is an easy task if you have a replacement shell of the same shape.

ThanasisKaplani

Thank you for the offer, but honestly I do not want to mess with my key.
I feel like I will go with the seller on eBay. I want to make sure everything
works, and he offers "100% guaranteed to work exactly as your old FOB did."

ThanasisKaplani

I have read from other posts on this forum that it is actually possible to swap the longer version into the shorter one, thus giving a possibility to swap into the new chrome design. Check the attachment, I am just redistributing information I have aquired from this forum. I Fortunately, I have the small SmartKey, so I can upgrade it to the new one!

ejsheltra

The newer chrome key design will not work for the estate wagon for the W210.

ThanasisKaplani

Oh, well then I guess you know more about the long SmartKey than me.

classyS

even worse when u lose both keys, spent $239 after tax for this damn key at dealership.. buddy had the day off so i couldnt get the discount =(

ThanasisKaplani

That sucks, and the worst part is that you don't have the newest version of the chrome key.

Fabio D

Yes it has the newer version of the chrome key! is the latest chrome key produced. it comes with 212 part number

Fabio Daniel

raymond g-

yes, that is different from the version 1 of gen3 Smartkey

Fabio D

Yap this is now the 4gen key (3gen tend to broken the plastic button frames) this is why the 4gen comes with cutted buttons

Fabio Daniel

ThanasisKaplani

The 3rd generation key looks the absolute best. The 4th looks real ugly with the cutout buttons and triangular panic button.

raymond g-

i would call it gen3 v2.0 yeah, it looks less blended than v 1.0. fortunately
i still use the gen1 for daily use, whereas the gen3 is brought out whenever the
car is used for social occasions as a bit of flash. lol

ThanasisKaplani

Hahaha, REPRESENT!!! I am getting my v3.0 in 3 days...im so excited!

Richard / E320

Have you gotten your new key yet? If, so, can you post a picture and does it live up to the listing information posted on eBay?

Thank you,

ThanasisKaplani

Richard, I just received my new key in the mail today. Except, I shouldn't say 'new' because it has quite a lot of wear. Take a look at the pictures I have attached. I am upset because my old key had just about the same wear as this one. Nevertheless, the seller has offerred me to return the key and pay an additional $40 in exchange for a brand new shell. I forcefully will have to take that offer. However, the key works perfectly; he is by no means a scam!

raymond g-

that does look a bit used, doesn't it? something to consider when you get
your newer case is to also get an inexpensive leather case off Ebay. i think
I got 2 for about $10-15. helps protect that shiny case from scratches when
it's in my pocket with coins, keys, etc

ThanasisKaplani

No, I would never get a case for my key, that seems ridiculous for me.
Are you going to upgrade through this seller?

nemo22

Hi,I 'm from malaysia.Just got my new key with programing to my benz at RM1860.00.It is the latest design DAS3 crome key with the machanical key but without the PANIC buttom.This key is better than the old model because the old type I have to press slighly hard the buttom then the new key just have a soft press will do.

juve010

not true

I'm using one with my 01 e320 4matic wagon. Went to dealer and ordered it. They automatically gave me the chrome version saying the older style were no longer available. I asked about the trunk button and the service rep. said it was inoperable on the wagon. The key has been working now for several months with no problems!