Replacement Keys
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 5,939
Likes: 178
From: Seattle WA
99 E320
smartkeys are interchangeable. the only incompatibility would be if it was set
up for keyless go, I believe. currently all smartkeys cost about the same unless
the dealer jacks up the price. average is $200-300. AMG Smartkeys may cost
2x that. the metal bladed key runs about $20
depending on which generation of Smartkey you currently have, you may be
able to cannibalize the Smartkey enclosure off Ebay et al, and place the circuit
board from your key inside the preowned shell...for the cost of around $40
i would suggest using the SEARCH function to pull up threads of what your
repair options are
up for keyless go, I believe. currently all smartkeys cost about the same unless
the dealer jacks up the price. average is $200-300. AMG Smartkeys may cost
2x that. the metal bladed key runs about $20
depending on which generation of Smartkey you currently have, you may be
able to cannibalize the Smartkey enclosure off Ebay et al, and place the circuit
board from your key inside the preowned shell...for the cost of around $40
i would suggest using the SEARCH function to pull up threads of what your
repair options are
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 5,939
Likes: 178
From: Seattle WA
99 E320
oh, i forgot to include this:
yes you can get the chrome key. there are 2 versions of the chrome key. one
is a single front panel which includes the 3-4 keys. the newer chrome key has
segmented buttons for each function (which i like). cost will approach $300
when you order a new one, it may be wise to ask that the new key be an
"addition" to the one you already have, thus giving you potentially 2 working
keys.
otherwise, you may end up getting a "replacement" type key in which it is coded
to prevent the old key from working and only the new one will work
cheapest would be to find a decent looking Smartkey (of the same generation
and design) on Ebay and move your working circuit board into it.
yes you can get the chrome key. there are 2 versions of the chrome key. one
is a single front panel which includes the 3-4 keys. the newer chrome key has
segmented buttons for each function (which i like). cost will approach $300
when you order a new one, it may be wise to ask that the new key be an
"addition" to the one you already have, thus giving you potentially 2 working
keys.
otherwise, you may end up getting a "replacement" type key in which it is coded
to prevent the old key from working and only the new one will work
cheapest would be to find a decent looking Smartkey (of the same generation
and design) on Ebay and move your working circuit board into it.
