Cost of the flat (spare) key?
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Cost of the flat (spare) key?
I just checked with my local MB center, and they've quoted me nearly as much for the spare as for the standard smartkey for my 2000 E320. I thought I had read elsewhere that the spares (no buttons, flat smartkey to start the car, with mechanical key) were far less expensive. Am I misremembering what I read? Is the cost nearly the same elsewhere, too?
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99 E320
flat key p/n #2107661706 - called the MASTER KEY in the MB price list. it was $25
this key is no longer supported by MB, nor is it available for purchase.
this key is no longer supported by MB, nor is it available for purchase.
Last edited by raymond g-; Jul 31, 2013 at 09:56 PM.
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Raymond, when I asked for the "flat/spare key", Skyland Automotive (Asheville, NC) quoted me $170. They correctly referred to it as not being a remote, so I'd assumed they were actually quoting me the flat key from the picture you posted.
I'd hate to find they're not available, even more than I'd hate to find they cost $170.
I won't be able to make it to their store for at least a couple of weeks. I'll update this post when I find out whether he's quoting the right key.
I'd hate to find they're not available, even more than I'd hate to find they cost $170.
I won't be able to make it to their store for at least a couple of weeks. I'll update this post when I find out whether he's quoting the right key.
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From: Colorado
E55, 2001 Silver.
Just got one "flat" metal key (no remote) through my dealer here in Colorado (MB of Loveland) for my 2001 E class. Part number 203-766-01-06-9999, price $13.30. They just took my VIN number and had me fill out the security form, took about a week. This info is from the sales receipt. I think Skyland is taking you for a ride. The dealer in the bay area quoted me $42.
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I got a response today about the "flat" key:
"I have attached a pic of what MB calls a emergency smartkey. It is not as rotound as the remote, & has no buttons or a blade. It is definitely not flat like a credit card."
I've looked for other images, but can't tell how big this is (or isn't). Does anyone out there have any other info? If this isn't the battery-less thin key, I will just go ahead and purchase two fobs (retiring my original to "spare" status), since that's only $40 more. I'm hoping this "emergency" key will be a good spare for times when I don't need the remote, or when the key may be in danger of getting wet (no battery or buttons means little chance of real damage from water).
"I have attached a pic of what MB calls a emergency smartkey. It is not as rotound as the remote, & has no buttons or a blade. It is definitely not flat like a credit card."
I've looked for other images, but can't tell how big this is (or isn't). Does anyone out there have any other info? If this isn't the battery-less thin key, I will just go ahead and purchase two fobs (retiring my original to "spare" status), since that's only $40 more. I'm hoping this "emergency" key will be a good spare for times when I don't need the remote, or when the key may be in danger of getting wet (no battery or buttons means little chance of real damage from water).
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99 E320
you also could have Googled the part number shown in the photo showing
the single key and you'll see that it is for a Smartkey...with buttons, batteries,
remote capabilities, etc.
so no, they do not have a lead on the flatkey aka master key aka emergency
key aka valet key which is .25" thick and fits in your wallet.
the single key and you'll see that it is for a Smartkey...with buttons, batteries,
remote capabilities, etc.
so no, they do not have a lead on the flatkey aka master key aka emergency
key aka valet key which is .25" thick and fits in your wallet.
Last edited by raymond g-; Aug 1, 2013 at 12:12 PM.
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you also could have Googled the part number shown in the photo showing
the single key and you'll see that it is for a Smartkey...with buttons, batteries,
remote capabilities, etc.
so no, they do not have a lead on the flatkey aka master key aka emergency
key aka valet key which is .25" thick and fits in your wallet.
the single key and you'll see that it is for a Smartkey...with buttons, batteries,
remote capabilities, etc.
so no, they do not have a lead on the flatkey aka master key aka emergency
key aka valet key which is .25" thick and fits in your wallet.
You had a previous post (it seems to have disappeared, or at least isn't showing for me) referring me to your images for comparison. The key I posted actually doesn't match any of them - note that the keyring would go through the loop in the plastic (as is the case in the "master"), rather than the loop in the inserted mechanical key (as is the case with the full-function keys in your photo).
I'm as confused as ever about what he's referring to.
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Just got one "flat" metal key (no remote) through my dealer here in Colorado (MB of Loveland) for my 2001 E class. Part number 203-766-01-06-9999, price $13.30. They just took my VIN number and had me fill out the security form, took about a week. This info is from the sales receipt. I think Skyland is taking you for a ride. The dealer in the bay area quoted me $42.
You are talking about the mechanical key, which does not start the car. The one I was talking about was the "master" in Raymond's photo.
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From: Colorado
E55, 2001 Silver.
Apologies for the mistake - that is the one I originally wanted too, but the dealer said that according to his records they are not available any more - sorry. I think he called it the Emergency key. It has the chip to start the car but no battery and no remote fob. I used to have one with my 1998 E430 so I know which one you are talking about now.
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Apologies for the mistake - that is the one I originally wanted too, but the dealer said that according to his records they are not available any more - sorry. I think he called it the Emergency key. It has the chip to start the car but no battery and no remote fob. I used to have one with my 1998 E430 so I know which one you are talking about now.
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99 E320
gp
the p/n i provided above for the 'flatkey' which used to show up on the MB
price list as the "Master Key" is the .25" thick key
- #20376649069999 in your photo refers to a Smartkey in the
$200 range as I've already cross-referenced this in an MB price list
the photo in post #6 is the back side of a key. so far, it isn't matching up with
any 210 keys which were issued, making me a little suspicious want wanting
to investigate this more. however it doesn't do any good w/o getting a photo
of the front side of the key.
i am suspicious because the oval hole is for key ring. the notch is normally
where a battery release of some sort is located. they may be calling it an
emergency key but one thing for certain, it really is the p/n of a standard
Smartkey, with buttons, with batteries, and with removable metal bladed key
the flat key for the 210 has p/n 2107661706
---
p.s. from my notes and invoices this is the p/n for the 210 Smartkey
211-766-36-06 (for the Smartkey)
(though the key now may end in '9999' to denote latest version which
is now the chrome key, of which 2 different versions were manf'd)
203-766-50-06 (for the metal blade insert)
the p/n i provided above for the 'flatkey' which used to show up on the MB
price list as the "Master Key" is the .25" thick key
- #20376649069999 in your photo refers to a Smartkey in the
$200 range as I've already cross-referenced this in an MB price list
the photo in post #6 is the back side of a key. so far, it isn't matching up with
any 210 keys which were issued, making me a little suspicious want wanting
to investigate this more. however it doesn't do any good w/o getting a photo
of the front side of the key.
i am suspicious because the oval hole is for key ring. the notch is normally
where a battery release of some sort is located. they may be calling it an
emergency key but one thing for certain, it really is the p/n of a standard
Smartkey, with buttons, with batteries, and with removable metal bladed key
the flat key for the 210 has p/n 2107661706
---
p.s. from my notes and invoices this is the p/n for the 210 Smartkey
211-766-36-06 (for the Smartkey)
(though the key now may end in '9999' to denote latest version which
is now the chrome key, of which 2 different versions were manf'd)
203-766-50-06 (for the metal blade insert)
Last edited by raymond g-; Aug 2, 2013 at 02:07 AM.
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I'm not arguing with you, Raymond. I have no idea what that key is. I don't see that it's obviously the back of a key, but it may well be. The notch doesn't look like the battery release notches I've seen - it actually looks more like the notch for the mechanical key on the chrome smartkeys, so I'd assumed it was precisely that.
I've looked through literally hundreds of pictures online, and can't find a single MB key that even remotely resembles this, so I'm wondering if this is a new part (might we dare to hope it's a new "master"?). Do you have any way to see in the parts lists you're referring to when this part was added to the lists? The lists I've seen only label it as "Key", which is pretty flippin' useless.
I'll see if I can get further clarification. The parts guy I've been corresponding with clearly said it's a smartkey with no remote, and that it's slimmer than the full-function smartkey. I'm hoping he's right, but would be very surprised to find this key made it on the market without anyone else on here having heard about it.
I'll also check with another MB center to see what they have on this part.
I've looked through literally hundreds of pictures online, and can't find a single MB key that even remotely resembles this, so I'm wondering if this is a new part (might we dare to hope it's a new "master"?). Do you have any way to see in the parts lists you're referring to when this part was added to the lists? The lists I've seen only label it as "Key", which is pretty flippin' useless.
I'll see if I can get further clarification. The parts guy I've been corresponding with clearly said it's a smartkey with no remote, and that it's slimmer than the full-function smartkey. I'm hoping he's right, but would be very surprised to find this key made it on the market without anyone else on here having heard about it.
I'll also check with another MB center to see what they have on this part.
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Raymond, I just realized you've been differentiating between the "master" and a "smartkey". Are we using the terms the same way? When I say "smartkey", I mean a key that can start the car (whether it has a remote or not) - as opposed to a mechanical key, which can only open door/trunk/glove box.
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From: Seattle WA
99 E320
Smartkey - aka 'electronic main key'
Master key - listed in MB parts list, aka electronic reserve key, aka flat key, aka wallet key
In various forums, some folks have referred to the flat key, master key, as the
'valet key'. this is incorrect. the valet key is any key which serves as the
ignition key. before handing it over to the valet, remove the mechanical key
and lock the glove and dbl lock the trunk lock (to 3 o'clock position). keep the
mechanical key on you.
here is something which may give you a clue how to proceed
- remote control for windows/roof (IR)
- remote control for door/trunk un/lock (RF)
- ignition key
- panic button which triggers siren and lights
- removable, metal bladed key for mechanical locks (door, trunk, glove box) aka 'mechanical key'
Master key - listed in MB parts list, aka electronic reserve key, aka flat key, aka wallet key
- no remote capability
- ignition key
- removable, metal bladed key for mechanical locks (door, trunk, glove box) aka 'mechanical key'
In various forums, some folks have referred to the flat key, master key, as the
'valet key'. this is incorrect. the valet key is any key which serves as the
ignition key. before handing it over to the valet, remove the mechanical key
and lock the glove and dbl lock the trunk lock (to 3 o'clock position). keep the
mechanical key on you.
here is something which may give you a clue how to proceed
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99 E320
I'm not arguing with you, Raymond. I have no idea what that key is. I don't see that it's obviously the back of a key, but it may well be. The notch doesn't look like the battery release notches I've seen - it actually looks more like the notch for the mechanical key on the chrome smartkeys, so I'd assumed it was precisely that.
I've looked through literally hundreds of pictures online, and can't find a single MB key that even remotely resembles this, so I'm wondering if this is a new part (might we dare to hope it's a new "master"?). Do you have any way to see in the parts lists you're referring to when this part was added to the lists? The lists I've seen only label it as "Key", which is pretty flippin' useless.
I'll see if I can get further clarification. The parts guy I've been corresponding with clearly said it's a smartkey with no remote, and that it's slimmer than the full-function smartkey. I'm hoping he's right, but would be very surprised to find this key made it on the market without anyone else on here having heard about it.
I'll also check with another MB center to see what they have on this part.
I've looked through literally hundreds of pictures online, and can't find a single MB key that even remotely resembles this, so I'm wondering if this is a new part (might we dare to hope it's a new "master"?). Do you have any way to see in the parts lists you're referring to when this part was added to the lists? The lists I've seen only label it as "Key", which is pretty flippin' useless.
I'll see if I can get further clarification. The parts guy I've been corresponding with clearly said it's a smartkey with no remote, and that it's slimmer than the full-function smartkey. I'm hoping he's right, but would be very surprised to find this key made it on the market without anyone else on here having heard about it.
I'll also check with another MB center to see what they have on this part.
would go a long way towards clarifying things.
i tried to cross check various dealers which offer mail order services via
part # and key word descriptions. unfortunately, part descriptions and names
are all over the map so we're no closer to solving this.
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here is something which may give you a clue how to proceed
I'm going to go ahead and spring for what it costs to order this, and I'll post real pics when I get it.
You mentioned dealerships that do mail order - are there any that will mail-order keys? I'm working hours from the nearest MB center, and would love to be able to get these ordered ASAP, before I manage to lose the one key I own.
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99 E320
i organized a group buy for Smartkeys several years ago. within months,
MBUSA shut down this practice at all their dealers, requiring each to adhere
to a strict policy. customers must produce ID and/or in person when
picking up the key. at that time, we were able to get the $200+ key for
$60. that group buy helped put the spotlight on a practice which MBUSA
frowned upon therefore it was corrected
http://www.nastf.org/files/public/tr...ac003_5feb.pdf
no, you should not be able to purchase any keys from an MB dealer via
mail order.
MBUSA shut down this practice at all their dealers, requiring each to adhere
to a strict policy. customers must produce ID and/or in person when
picking up the key. at that time, we were able to get the $200+ key for
$60. that group buy helped put the spotlight on a practice which MBUSA
frowned upon therefore it was corrected
http://www.nastf.org/files/public/tr...ac003_5feb.pdf
no, you should not be able to purchase any keys from an MB dealer via
mail order.
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Ah, that's a shame. Sounds like you guys managed to get a great deal on the keys back then.
It looks like I'll be near a dealership in VA on Monday. I'll check with them and see what my options might be. Because of my work schedule, I can't actually get to the one that's 20 minutes from my house (Skyland in Asheville, NC). Maybe I'll get lucky and the Roanoke center will have lower prices than Skyland.
It looks like I'll be near a dealership in VA on Monday. I'll check with them and see what my options might be. Because of my work schedule, I can't actually get to the one that's 20 minutes from my house (Skyland in Asheville, NC). Maybe I'll get lucky and the Roanoke center will have lower prices than Skyland.
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From: Seattle WA
99 E320
be sure to shop around when calling dealer if you are going to pick up a
Smartkey. the price can range from super low of $180 to high of $300+.
then, if they allow, you place your order by phone and when picking up be sure
you have the requisite documents in hand. this way, you'd only have to travel
there once
also be clear that there are varying key configurations:
replacement (renders all your existing keys void and only use the new key),
addition (retains the security codes of the existing keys and adds
your new key to the stable), and
selective replacement (voids a specific key which you have ie lost, but
adds the new key....YET retains the use of another Smartkey you still have
in your inventory).
(those are my labels...i dont recall the exact names of these options)
Smartkey. the price can range from super low of $180 to high of $300+.
then, if they allow, you place your order by phone and when picking up be sure
you have the requisite documents in hand. this way, you'd only have to travel
there once
also be clear that there are varying key configurations:
replacement (renders all your existing keys void and only use the new key),
addition (retains the security codes of the existing keys and adds
your new key to the stable), and
selective replacement (voids a specific key which you have ie lost, but
adds the new key....YET retains the use of another Smartkey you still have
in your inventory).
(those are my labels...i dont recall the exact names of these options)
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Thanks for the tips, Raymond. Because of my schedule (and the fact that I actually have to make it to a parts counter when they're open), shopping around is a very limited option. Fortunately, my "home" center (which is known to be pricey for service) quoted $240 for the smartkey, so not too bad. I've contacted one other I can get to, and if their prices are lower, I'll be able buy from them.
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S500 4matic
metal key doesn't fit in key fob , why not ???
hi Raymond G,
i own a 2003 mercedes S500 4matic.
a week ego my key fob stopped working ( i think,due to rain getting into a small hole in key fob ). after researching the problem, i realized i needed to get a new key fob. i called around 30 places , who advertised that they can do key fobs , for german cars. after all the calling and running around, i realized that the MB dealership was the best way to go. i called my local MB dealership here in Brooklyn NY, and they gave me a hard time , as they INSISTED, i bring my car with my paperwork, to them, which i couldn't do, since my key fob wasn't working and i didn't want to tow it to them ( i believe they wanted my car , so they could over charge me on their diagnose checks and other services, that i didn't need ). i had friend , who is a car dealer, order me one , but since he lives in upstate NY, i needed to overnight him my paper work and he go to his local MB dealership ( there they didn't ask for my cars presence ). yesterday i got my CHROME key fob with the metalic key. even though both keys worked , on my car, the problem became , when the metalic key would NOT fit into the chrome key fob. in your NUMBER 3 response photos , i confirmed that the metalic key matches to the chrome key fob ( lower right hand corner ). so why can't i
get the metal key fit into the fob ??? the key fob part # is A16690562009999 and the metal key part # is A2037665006.
any advise ???
my second question, is there anywhere i can get my last key fob fixed ( its the upper right photo in your 3rd response ) ??? and will it work after its fixed ???
i own a 2003 mercedes S500 4matic.
a week ego my key fob stopped working ( i think,due to rain getting into a small hole in key fob ). after researching the problem, i realized i needed to get a new key fob. i called around 30 places , who advertised that they can do key fobs , for german cars. after all the calling and running around, i realized that the MB dealership was the best way to go. i called my local MB dealership here in Brooklyn NY, and they gave me a hard time , as they INSISTED, i bring my car with my paperwork, to them, which i couldn't do, since my key fob wasn't working and i didn't want to tow it to them ( i believe they wanted my car , so they could over charge me on their diagnose checks and other services, that i didn't need ). i had friend , who is a car dealer, order me one , but since he lives in upstate NY, i needed to overnight him my paper work and he go to his local MB dealership ( there they didn't ask for my cars presence ). yesterday i got my CHROME key fob with the metalic key. even though both keys worked , on my car, the problem became , when the metalic key would NOT fit into the chrome key fob. in your NUMBER 3 response photos , i confirmed that the metalic key matches to the chrome key fob ( lower right hand corner ). so why can't i
get the metal key fit into the fob ??? the key fob part # is A16690562009999 and the metal key part # is A2037665006.
any advise ???
my second question, is there anywhere i can get my last key fob fixed ( its the upper right photo in your 3rd response ) ??? and will it work after its fixed ???
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From: Seattle WA
99 E320
i can't give you any advise because the information posted above was from
a successful order several years ago. though it's understandable that we're a
little gun shy working with the dealer, having someone put eyes-on the 'patient'
does help confirm the application and parts needed. part numbers also have a
way of 'evolving' over time, with superseded numbers replacing others. This is
not uncommon with auto parts. I can't tell you why something so simple as a
metal key can be mucked up. by the way, the dealer cost for this key is only
about $10...which is often marked up to about $40+
insofar as your follow up question: is there anywhere i can get my last key fob fixed
there are outfits in Poland, Mexico and China who boasts for such repair. there
is a guy in the UK who claims to have successfully R&R the encoded chip. in
your case, the key has stopped functioning and you're hoping for a fix but not
knowing what you're trying to fix, i.e. solid state, moisture intrusion, short
circuit, chip replacement, dirty IR lens.....
a successful order several years ago. though it's understandable that we're a
little gun shy working with the dealer, having someone put eyes-on the 'patient'
does help confirm the application and parts needed. part numbers also have a
way of 'evolving' over time, with superseded numbers replacing others. This is
not uncommon with auto parts. I can't tell you why something so simple as a
metal key can be mucked up. by the way, the dealer cost for this key is only
about $10...which is often marked up to about $40+
insofar as your follow up question: is there anywhere i can get my last key fob fixed
there are outfits in Poland, Mexico and China who boasts for such repair. there
is a guy in the UK who claims to have successfully R&R the encoded chip. in
your case, the key has stopped functioning and you're hoping for a fix but not
knowing what you're trying to fix, i.e. solid state, moisture intrusion, short
circuit, chip replacement, dirty IR lens.....
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S500 4matic
metal key doesn't fit in key fob , why not ???
i will try contacting the dealer tomorrow, as its a major holiday here in the U.S today. and try to find out the reason / instruction / replacement solution . regarding the old fob, it stop working right after a huge thunder storm here in brooklyn, plus i had the batteries 2032 instead of 2025, inside the fob .
but they worked for a year . so maybe the combination of water getting into the fob and the wrong batteries, who knows the reason ? but i think any reputable car electronics professional should be able to fix problem.
both 2025 and 2032 r 3 volt batteries, just the 2032 is a little bit thicker and was more of a tight fit into the key fob
but they worked for a year . so maybe the combination of water getting into the fob and the wrong batteries, who knows the reason ? but i think any reputable car electronics professional should be able to fix problem.
both 2025 and 2032 r 3 volt batteries, just the 2032 is a little bit thicker and was more of a tight fit into the key fob
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From: Seattle WA
99 E320
waitasec, now that i had morning coffee, i need to ask you: what do you mean
when you say the key doesn't work? it helps readers who are trying to help if
you are descriptive rather than translating and generalizing.
the key uses induction, RF, as well as IR features. batteries are *not* required
in order to start the vehicle.
when you say the key doesn't work? it helps readers who are trying to help if
you are descriptive rather than translating and generalizing.
the key uses induction, RF, as well as IR features. batteries are *not* required
in order to start the vehicle.
