devildog832916

Hello Group,

I have a 1999 E430 and I need a replacement ignition key? I've searched high and low on the internet and trying to avoid the high cost from a dealer, any suggestions?

bbirdwell

Dealer only. Bring proof of ownership. Either the dealer can "teach-in" the key or you should be able to do so. Documentation indicates it takes about 75 minutes. FWIW, the key will come out of Dallas, Texas. If you have lost a key, the dealer can disable that key in the car's electronics so the lost key can no longer be recognized by the car.

raymond g-

Yeah, gone are the days were we can get them for about $60 online (as I recall). Sadly, we became victims of our success getting 'group buys' together. Within months, MBUSA shut those efforts down by implementing THEFT RELEVANT PARTS policy for US dealers. So yes, you must bring in the car and prove ownership. In rare cases, an authorized locksmith can visit your remote site and perform the task.

Try calling around to see what the dealer charges for the key. They may also try to add on "programming" in addition to the key but in nearly all instances, it's simply inserting the Smartkey into the ignition and letting the two units interrogate, handshake and synchronize their brains....like Spock and the mind meld trick. So you MAY want to read up on this and see if you can save yourself $50+ and stick it to the dealer by sticking it in yourself.

On average the dealer may charge $250-400 for the Smartkey and about $100 for the matching metal blade key. Call around to any MB dealer nearby which you're willing to drive to as the price is set by independent dealers themselves. SHOP AROUND.

A few years back, I checked the cost to the dealer and it was more like $75 and $10....(sigh)

davmil2002

I bought one from a locksmith I found on Facebook Marketplace for $180; incl. FOB with bladed key and programming about 5 months ago for my 1999 E320 Sedan. Bought it b/cuz I lost the 2nd key and wanted a spare just in case.

I sat there while he did it (30 min) and he let me test every function repeatedly to make sure it worked. The old one still works. I've had and used it exclusively for 5 months without issue. This was in Atlanta area -- hopefully you can find one in your area. Worth shopping around in there if the MB dealer is trying to get too much.
dave

raymond g-

sweet, davmil2002. I seem to read trickles of independents figuring a way around the dealer and tech restrictions. Reports of
overseas creative minds having bypassed and learned how to program Smartkeys have been shared for a few years now.
If you find contact for the Facebook Marketplace, please post - I'd sure love to reach out to them

davmil2002

The guy I went to was an immigrant from (i forgot) Eastern European country working as a locksmith outside Atlanta. He knew and had a password to get into the Mercedes Central security computer (that's his description). He took my VIN and fed it into the Mercedes interface and then downloaded the code/file, whatever it was, and then programmed my new FOB. He definitely knew what he was doing but wasn't at all pretentious about it. He was a lucky find - from the time I came across his ad to completion was only about a day.

davmil2002

Found his business card:
Stefan Olariu, GM
678-650-3337
allcarslocksmith.com

Recall is was ~$180 for FOB and programming (My rig is a 1999 E320). He's located just outside Atlanta. Super guy and I'm sure he'll guarantee his work.