E-Class (W210) 1995-2002: E 200, E 220D, E 240, E 290TD, E 300TD, E 200, E 240, E 280, E 320, E 420, E 430 (Wagon, Touring, 4Matic)

Only one button on key not working! Any tips?

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Rate Thread
 
Old Oct 27, 2017 | 08:05 PM
  #1  
w21212pt's Avatar
Thread Starter
Newbie
 
Joined: Oct 2017
Posts: 3
Likes: 0
w210
Question Only one button on key not working! Any tips?

Hi guys!

My 2002 E-Class (one of the very last W210 models) has a problem with its key. Everything works very well except for the unlock button. It does not work at all. The red LED and the IR light don't light up at all when I press it. Everything else works. Any tips?

I already isolated the circuit board and tried to blow the dust off and do a gentle wipe with a soft cloth. Nothing changed.

Also, I need a replacement case for my key. Where is the best place to find one? (genuine). Can I retrofit the new style key from 2010 models (with metal sides) with the old circuit?

Thank you very much!
Reply
Old Oct 29, 2017 | 02:34 PM
  #2  
raymond g-'s Avatar
MBWorld Fanatic!
20 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 5,943
Likes: 178
From: Seattle WA
99 E320
probably would help if you identify which Smartkey you have first. the only way you can purchase
an authentic key is from an MB authorized dealer or locksmith. that will cost between $2-300.
it may be possible to retrofit and repair your key for about $100 but it depends on the model
Reply
Old Oct 29, 2017 | 02:41 PM
  #3  
kajtek1's Avatar
MBWorld Fanatic!
15 Year Member
Photogenic
Liked
Loved
 
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 9,225
Likes: 1,798
From: V E G A S
1922 Ford Model T / no OBD
Suppose lately dealers asking in the range of $400 for chrome keys, so shop around.
One test of infra-red is to look at it via your phone camera. This way you will see if the beam is emitting, or not. We had a member fixing those keys, but did not see him around for quite some time.
Reply
Old Oct 29, 2017 | 02:50 PM
  #4  
Paulmurphy's Avatar
Junior Member
 
Joined: Aug 2016
Posts: 52
Likes: 6
Cl 500 216
Get a 10 times loop and check the micro switch on the offending button prob just needs a dab of solder
Reply
Old Oct 30, 2017 | 11:19 AM
  #5  
w21212pt's Avatar
Thread Starter
Newbie
 
Joined: Oct 2017
Posts: 3
Likes: 0
w210
Thank you all for your feedback!

My key is the 2000-2006 model, same as the one on this picture (EU model without USA panic button).



The infra-red beam and the red LED always light up for the unlock and trunk buttons. Nothing happens when I press the unlock button though. This probably means that the problem comes from the button itself and not the full key.
It might be an easy fix without having to spend 350 euros (what they cost on official dealer where I live) for a new key.
@Paulmurphy What should I look for on the "damaged" button? Should it be coming loose or something? I have several remotes similar to this one. I might open them side by side and try to find visual differences in the electronic board.
I saw this topic on doing the retrofit from the old key into the newer style (2006-2009) chrome key. Anyone here has done it? Is it very hard?
Reply
Old Nov 1, 2017 | 11:43 AM
  #6  
kajtek1's Avatar
MBWorld Fanatic!
15 Year Member
Photogenic
Liked
Loved
 
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 9,225
Likes: 1,798
From: V E G A S
1922 Ford Model T / no OBD
You choose not to disclosure your location, but I know in Eastern Europe you can buy used key and have it programmed to your car for less than $100
Reply
Old Nov 2, 2017 | 03:44 AM
  #7  
Paulmurphy's Avatar
Junior Member
 
Joined: Aug 2016
Posts: 52
Likes: 6
Cl 500 216
Look directly at button through magnifier at the soldered joint if it is broken you will be able to move switch easily, repaired many of these before easy diy.
Reply

Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 members and 1 guests)
 


You have already rated this thread Rating: Thread Rating: 0 votes,  average.


All times are GMT -4. The time now is 05:18 AM.

story-0
10 Coolest Mercedes-Benz Wagons of All Time

Slideshow: These estates prove you don't need extra ride height to have performance, style, and everyday usability.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-06-23 14:16:58


VIEW MORE
story-1
New Mercedes-AMG SUVs Arrive With NEW V8 Engine: 12 Things You Need to Know

Slideshow: Mercedes-AMG's updated GLE 63 S and GLS 63 bring a new-generation V8, subtle design revisions, and familiar supercar-rivaling performance figures.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-06-17 12:52:51


VIEW MORE
story-2
8 Oddball Mercedes Ideas That Actually Made it to Production

Slideshow: Mercedes has never been afraid to experiment, and some of its strangest ideas turned out to be surprisingly successful.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-06-10 17:43:40


VIEW MORE
story-3
Dubai Tuner Gives the Mercedes G-Class An Entirely New Look

Sideshow: A Middle Eastern tuner has transformed the Mercedes-AMG G 63 into an open-top special, replacing nearly every exterior panel in the process.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-06-10 15:29:50


VIEW MORE
story-4
Six Gift Ideas Your AMG Loving Dad or Grad Will Cherish

Slideshow: Six gift ideas your AMG loving dad or grad will cherish.

By | 2026-06-03 17:26:18


VIEW MORE
story-5
7 Craziest Things AMG Gas Ever Built

Slideshow: Sometimes AMG builds fast sedans. Other times, it builds twin-turbo V12 land missiles and six-wheeled off-road monsters.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-26 17:59:58


VIEW MORE
story-6
New Electric Mercedes-AMG GT 4-Door Coupe Unveiled: 10 Things You Need to Know

Slideshow: Mercedes-AMG's new electric GT 4-Door Coupe trades combustion for software, synthetic noise, and more than 1,100 horsepower.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-20 20:08:15


VIEW MORE
story-7
6 Mercedes Models That Did NOT Age Well (But Are Somehow Still Cool)

Slideshow: Not every Mercedes design becomes timeless, some feel stuck in the era they came from.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-12 18:09:07


VIEW MORE
story-8
Manual Mercedes? 6 Times Sindelfingen Let Drivers Have All The Fun

Slideshow: Yes, Mercedes built manual cars, and some of them are far more interesting than you'd expect.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-02 12:36:58


VIEW MORE
story-9
Mercedes SLR McLaren 722 S Is Extremely Rare Example Modified by McLaren

Slideshow: A one-of-one U.S.-spec Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren Roadster became even rarer after a factory-backed transformation at McLaren's headquarters.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-29 11:19:28


VIEW MORE