mobinakhtar

Hi all,

I read multiple posts on people getting keys off ebay etc. and throwing them away because they are useless. I got my car with only one key-remote. Tried a locksmith to have one made that unlocks but does not start the car as it has no transponder.

here is my question: can we have a key made for our cars from aftermarket with a remote, or does someone make blank smartkeys for mercedes?

I guess stealer is the only alternative but $200 is too steep for just a key and remote.

Any Ideas.

rob_fed

As you have found, there have been a lot of people buying useless "Smartkeys" from various places.

On this board and benzworld.org, no one has provided any type of "hack" for the "Smartkey". Which is a good thing, if you think about it.

I am sure that there is something out there, but it would not be posted on a users/owners forum like this. Try searching in the darker side of the web.

From previous posts, MBZ will provide 8 Smartkeys per car (I am not sure if that includes the 2 the come new). The vehicle VIN and proof of ownership are needed to obtain or order a new key.

Incidently, my '99 came with only a single key. I broke down and purchase a new one from the dealer. I noticed that there are 2 part numbers for the key. I am not sure if you could break the set up, meaning maybe you can only order the remote or "smart" part. I will double check to see if I can tell which part was more expensive. Logic tells me the electronic part is, but I could be wrong.

Corp DL

How much did you pay for your new SmartKey & did you just order it thru the dealership? How long does it take--can they produce one right away or must it come from Deutschland?

I bought my benz used and only ever had one key. The more I think about it, if I lost that one, I would be stuck for days with no car!

I also need a new key as I think I'm getting a poor infrared signal to the ingnition to actually start the vehicle. (I have a '99 E430)

cobac

Speaking of smartkeys, can you fit the newer (smaller size) smartkeys to vehicles that have the older technology larger smart/infrared keys? Is this just a replacement item?

ViKTORiOUS

Its impossible to retrofit...

and if it was, expect to pay mondo bucks and modifications.

raymond g-

Your best bet with smartkeys: if you're lucky enough to have extended warranty coverage (or insurance) which covers lost key replacement, this may be just the ticket. So pull out that policy and read the fine print. Mine ended up costing me $35.

The Godfather

I got my smart key for $125. I bought two (one for the w210 and one for the w202) and it was $250 total for both.

You can buy the metal valet key for $20 or so separetely if you want. But for $125, you get both smart key, and valet sliding key.

GDawgC220

We were told when we were delivered our S500 that the smart key was $250 and the valet smart key was $200 for replacements.

cobac

Really? The technology in the car between these two keys is that different? I thought this was just a newer "improved" style..

JohnCL

I too only had one key and my dealer accidentally ordered 2 replacements, so I got one for free!! I was charged $165.00 for both and it took about 4 weeks for them to arrive. I was told when they were programming the keys that 8 was the max including what shipped with the vehicle, and if you ever hit that point all of the ignition electronics will need to be replaced. Sounds extreme, but who would lose 8?

nguyensteve

The Doctor

could you post where and phone # on where you get the smart key for $125, so that all of us can get it at that price. Because the cheapest I found is $165.

Thanks,
Steve

Ernie T

A friend sent me to this site. I've never used it.
http://www.keylessride.com/

DFW01E55

I called the Dallas location and they said it's a rolling code system and available at the dealer only.

Ernie T

That's what the keyless ride website says. $74 for the pad and $24 for a blank key. AND, the dealer has to program the pad and cut the key. It may not be worth the effort for a $20 savings. But I posted the website thinking that maybe it could be of use with other cars that you might own.

rob_fed

FYI - I have a '99 E320. Purchased it 2nd hand. Came with one Smartkey. It was the old style, looked likethe larger Smartkey in the picture.

When I got the 2nd from the dealer (please see previous post), I was the newer style. Both keys work on my car.

rob_fed

Sorry for the f-upped spelling, I was trying to rush before going to lunch

cobac

Oh sweet...must be an updated design then, was reading about the "newer" looking key having better RF capabilities.... with my "old style" key I have to be close to the car to unlock/lock it... Next time the car is at the dealer I'll check about getting a new key...

thanks

Corp DL

FYI, I bought a new SmartKey. In the DC area they were charging $200, at my dealer in Richmond, VA only $169 total (the actual smart key & metal blade--can be purchased separately). The parts guy said either key would work (new vs. old style). I got the new style, ordered it via phone, took a fax of my Lic. & Reg. and was at the dealer pre-programmed in 3 business days. The parts guy just checked my Lic. at the counter & let me go. The key worked perfectly but they said sometimes they do not and there is a procedure they use to clear it up.

Part of the reason I got a new key was I had trouble sometimes starting my car...it would "cough" if you will upon ignition sometimes and I would have to remove the key and start over. I have not had this problem since using the new key. I've been told that it's an issue between the key & ignition...I originially thought it was a more serious problem...so if anyone has trouble starting their car could be a bad/old smartkey.

Petmerctech

Yep. If you have the old style smartkey and need to replace it, you'll only get the newer, smaller smartkey as a replacement. The old ones aren't available anymore.

MB AMG

Now my dad is on his way on buying an E320 wagon (2002).
Can you tell me how many keys a brand new W210 should come with?

BenzVince

I can't imagine those smart key aren't reliable. Don't they have batteries in it to unlock and lock the car? Would that apply to the infared frequency to the ingition? I just had to ask cuz one of you said it doesn't start that it cough. So my thought, the batteries on the key. Thank god I just have those old key, the blade flip type.

GDawgC220

even with the switch blade type key, they more than likely (the ones '98 and up at least) have a computer chip that communicates with the ignition as well, so if no battery in that, you could unlock the car but possibly couldn't start it...