E320 Key
Member
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 176
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From: Los Angeles, CA
'84 911 Carrera & '01 E320
Additional keys = Long story...short answer
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.
+++
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.
+++
Member
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 149
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From: New York City
e320 99
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.
Super Member
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 571
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From: Kansas City. U.S.A.
2000 E320 Sedan
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.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 5,939
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From: Seattle WA
99 E320
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.
Senior Member
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 432
Likes: 7
From: Albuquerque, NM
09' E350, 01' Maxima SE, 93 Nissan Maxima SE, 1987 Nissan Maxima SE
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.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 5,939
Likes: 178
From: Seattle WA
99 E320
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.
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what year smart keys
Originally Posted by 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.
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Ebay Keys for Sale
Originally Posted by 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.
Look at this people!! Do not buy a key off of EBAY He is right!
Thanks SC
Senior Member
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 315
Likes: 2
From: Orlando, FL
2008 E350
Originally Posted by 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.
GGM
