Solution to the Electronic Key Mystery
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Joined: Jun 2002
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From: Denver
2000 E-320 AWD Sedan
Solution to the Electronic Key Mystery
Had the same problem many have complained about - awful range. "That's normal" was the dealers response (00 E320).
Coincidently, the top part of my key broke recently (the part that holds the mechanical key in place broke off). Dealer ordered a new electronic key under warranty. Surprise! It's a new design key - looks different, a bit smaller, slightly different shape, and a different mechanism for holding the mechanical key in place.
And guess what? My 5' range for locking/unlocking went to 30+ feet, at least, immediately. This probably explains why newer MB owners don't have the range problem. It WAS a problem, and they apparently can fix it with the new generation electronic key.
My advise insist that your dealer get you a new electronic key. It IS a solvable problem, in my experinece. Accepting that a $10K Ford Focus has better range is simply unacceptable from a luxury manufacturer.
Coincidently, the top part of my key broke recently (the part that holds the mechanical key in place broke off). Dealer ordered a new electronic key under warranty. Surprise! It's a new design key - looks different, a bit smaller, slightly different shape, and a different mechanism for holding the mechanical key in place.
And guess what? My 5' range for locking/unlocking went to 30+ feet, at least, immediately. This probably explains why newer MB owners don't have the range problem. It WAS a problem, and they apparently can fix it with the new generation electronic key.
My advise insist that your dealer get you a new electronic key. It IS a solvable problem, in my experinece. Accepting that a $10K Ford Focus has better range is simply unacceptable from a luxury manufacturer.
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Joined: Nov 2001
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ML
I'll have to do that. My original key (from last summer) had a crack in the cover material, right where you press to lock/unlock. I thought that was why it wasn't ranging adequately. So they ordered me a new one which came in approximately a month ago. The range is still same. However, the design looks just like the old one. I will ask them again, maybe this time I'll get the most recent design. Thanks for the discovery.
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