1998 E300 Key Fob dead
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: Jan 2022
Posts: 2
Likes: 0
From: Vancouver, BC
1998 E300 TD
1998 E300 Key Fob dead
Hi guys,
I think this is my 1st post on this forum but definitely not my 1st visit! Quick intro, last year I bought a pretty decent 1998 E300td with 120k miles that I was planning to strip the engine and tranny and put them in my 1970 Econoline van. Long story short, I fell in love with that car and decided to keep it, what an amazing ride! Since then I bought instead a 1992 with the OM603 that will go instead in my 1970 van (I run all my cars/trucks on wvo so that old 302 has to go)
Now, my 1998 came with two fobs and the spare one was dead so I replaced the batteries and it still doesn't work. The valet key will unlock the door but the fob wont even though it will blink red. The key won't even turn to any positions in the ignition so obviously it won't start the car.
What are my options as I'd like to have a spare key!
Cheers!
David
Vancouver, BC Canada
I think this is my 1st post on this forum but definitely not my 1st visit! Quick intro, last year I bought a pretty decent 1998 E300td with 120k miles that I was planning to strip the engine and tranny and put them in my 1970 Econoline van. Long story short, I fell in love with that car and decided to keep it, what an amazing ride! Since then I bought instead a 1992 with the OM603 that will go instead in my 1970 van (I run all my cars/trucks on wvo so that old 302 has to go)
Now, my 1998 came with two fobs and the spare one was dead so I replaced the batteries and it still doesn't work. The valet key will unlock the door but the fob wont even though it will blink red. The key won't even turn to any positions in the ignition so obviously it won't start the car.
What are my options as I'd like to have a spare key!
Cheers!
David
Vancouver, BC Canada
Member
Joined: Apr 2019
Posts: 125
Likes: 19
From: Atlanta, Georgia, USA
320e
A local locksmitch was able to duplicate my key for ~$200 in 10 minutes. used the VIN and dialed into some Mercedes computer and got the code to program the blank. It works perfectly for 2 years now. Hope you can find similar service in your area.
If you want his contact info, I'll send it.. Obviously I was at less risk as I was there to test it out, but the guy is honest and friendly and I'm confident he'd stand behind his work. We live in Atlanta area.
If you want his contact info, I'll send it.. Obviously I was at less risk as I was there to test it out, but the guy is honest and friendly and I'm confident he'd stand behind his work. We live in Atlanta area.
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: Jan 2022
Posts: 2
Likes: 0
From: Vancouver, BC
1998 E300 TD
Thanks davmil2022. I contacted a local locksmith so will find out soon enough if they can do it. It would be great to use your guy but I'm at the other end of the continent...
Cheers
David
Cheers
David
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 5,583
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From: Washington D.C.
2024 GLE63s / 2016 GLE63s (traded) / 2016 E63s / 2002 E55
A local locksmitch was able to duplicate my key for ~$200 in 10 minutes. used the VIN and dialed into some Mercedes computer and got the code to program the blank. It works perfectly for 2 years now. Hope you can find similar service in your area.
If you want his contact info, I'll send it.. Obviously I was at less risk as I was there to test it out, but the guy is honest and friendly and I'm confident he'd stand behind his work. We live in Atlanta area.
If you want his contact info, I'll send it.. Obviously I was at less risk as I was there to test it out, but the guy is honest and friendly and I'm confident he'd stand behind his work. We live in Atlanta area.
Abitibi has a 1998 W210 E-Class which is the first year of the infrared key so doesn't he need to go another route for a replacement key fob besides a Lock Smith?
1998 E-Class key:
Super Member
Joined: Aug 2015
Posts: 804
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From: US
2018 E400W4 EU Delivery 1999 E320 2022 E53 COUPE
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 5,583
Likes: 212
From: Washington D.C.
2024 GLE63s / 2016 GLE63s (traded) / 2016 E63s / 2002 E55
The color is not important. The key pic was to show the W124 320E owner what the original 1998 infrared key looks like and that a Lock Smith can't help with.
Last edited by E55 KEV; Sep 19, 2022 at 09:27 PM.
Member
Joined: Apr 2019
Posts: 125
Likes: 19
From: Atlanta, Georgia, USA
320e
Mine's a '99 E320 Sedan. I think it is a W124. Certainly the key you show looks almost identical. The only difference in the blank he sold and the genuineMB key is how the batteries load - original FOB the battery tray pulls out of the bottom and holds 2 batteries. His replacement FOB the entire side slides off exposing a single CR2025 battery.
I'm sure the locksmith I found on FBook duplicated it. He sold me the blank FOB, then called Mercedes, GDR and got the programming info from some source - all while I stood there; took 15 minutes with testing. He duplicated the steel key with his regular key copier.
The key works (has worked for 2 years) perfectly in doors, ignition, & trunk. Just changed the batteries and it and it still works normally.
It didn't seem sketchy but I was glad to be there while he demo'd how it worked perfectly and then he had me test it out to my satisfaction and said to bring it back if it had any issues. The doors are good but trunk unlock seems weak; but also true with the genuine key - e.g. - they work the same. Maybe that's just the way it was 20+ years ago and maybe mine's getting tired(?)... just know it's not as sensitive / powerful as my daughter's modern Toyota key.
Cost about $180-200 with the FOB as I recall. I'm not trying to pitch the guy, but if you want his number (Atlanta) let me know.
I'm sure the locksmith I found on FBook duplicated it. He sold me the blank FOB, then called Mercedes, GDR and got the programming info from some source - all while I stood there; took 15 minutes with testing. He duplicated the steel key with his regular key copier.
The key works (has worked for 2 years) perfectly in doors, ignition, & trunk. Just changed the batteries and it and it still works normally.
It didn't seem sketchy but I was glad to be there while he demo'd how it worked perfectly and then he had me test it out to my satisfaction and said to bring it back if it had any issues. The doors are good but trunk unlock seems weak; but also true with the genuine key - e.g. - they work the same. Maybe that's just the way it was 20+ years ago and maybe mine's getting tired(?)... just know it's not as sensitive / powerful as my daughter's modern Toyota key.
Cost about $180-200 with the FOB as I recall. I'm not trying to pitch the guy, but if you want his number (Atlanta) let me know.
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MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 5,583
Likes: 212
From: Washington D.C.
2024 GLE63s / 2016 GLE63s (traded) / 2016 E63s / 2002 E55
Mine's a '99 E320 Sedan. I think it is a W124. Certainly the key you show looks almost identical. The only difference in the blank he sold and the genuineMB key is how the batteries load - original FOB the battery tray pulls out of the bottom and holds 2 batteries. His replacement FOB the entire side slides off exposing a single CR2025 battery.
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