strat

I can buy a new mercedes key for my car from a guy...does it need to come from the factory?...He says it is an extra..same year as my car..

Thanks SC

dan_cobb

No.
Here's why in a nutshell... (assuming you mean the infra red remote, AKA the "smart Key").
1- Each car is capable of utilizing up to only 8 ACTIVE Smart Keys at a time. This means those with more than 8 driving members in their family must share among the 8 keys!
2- Each Smart Key is programmed with a SPECIFIC VIN, thus identifying it to a particular car. It CANNOT be "reprogrammed" or changed from its' original state in spite of what eBay auctions claim.
3- Each car is capable of learning/accepting up to 20 TOTAL Smart Keys before the computer portion of the ignition is essentially "full". This means that if you lose your key 20 times, you will have to spend a ton of cash on more than just a new Smart Key. (not to mention that you probably shouldn't drive anymore anyhow)
4- It is possible to obtain a new (or an additional) Smart Key from the dealer for your car. I believe the cost is somewhere between $150-$200 each.
5- If you want an ADDITIONAL key, make sure you specify this when it is ordered as apposed to asking for a REPLACEMENT (aka NEW) key. I have heard that a replacement key will invalidate previous keys once it is used, whereas an additional key will not.
6- Valet keys (the metal one inside the Smart Key) can be replaced at the dealer as many times as necessary, but they are not usually lost without the Smart Key attached anyway.

This is a compilation of information that I have read on this subject matter from several different sources. I cannot guarantee it to be 100% correct, but it seems to be.
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diffuzi0n

Dan you are correct. I had a misfortune with my key and they had to build me a brand new one in Texas. It costs $150 and it takes 2-3 business days for them to deliver it to your local dealer. Don't buy those off of ebay, if you have a smart key.

E320Star

When I bought mine it had only one key. I needed a second key for the wife and as a backup. I made a deal with the dealer I bought it from to buy it thru him at his cost which was about $97.

raymond g-

Coincidentally, while shopping for new cell service provider over the weekend, I noticed that for $3 something a month, you could add mobile assistance, including key replacement if lost. Sooo ah gets to thinking. 3x12 is 36. Hmmm, I wonder if anyone has tried this? I'll have to try and find out the limits of coverage on such an contract rider. It was either T-Mobile or Verizon.

BenzVince

What year did MB start using smart keys. I am thinking it was 98'. Maybe I'm wrong. I know mine is not a smart key, it would be nice cuz at least my folding key fob look too much like a pocket knife.

raymond g-

Yeah, but one day, you will appreciate that design...say, on a dark, stormy night when you're leaving the nightclub and you find yourself in the initial stages of a strongarm robbery. You'll reach into your pocket, pull out your pre-Smartkey, press the button, and with your best Eastwood glare say, "...do you feel lucky today....well, do yah, PUNK??" That resulting click as the key flips open will send chills down the punk's spine and he'll run off. Alas, the rest of us with Smarkeys can only produce the head/taillight blink.

strat

99...

strat

Look at this people!! Do not buy a key off of EBAY He is right!
Thanks SC

Whitey

I have a 98 and I use a smartkey

GGM

Cingular also offers roadside assistance. We have it on one cell phone for use in the OTHER car.

GGM