unclebenz

Is It True That You Can Buy Any 3 Button Keypad And Have The Dealer Reprogram It? I Lost My Spare And Im Looking To Purchase A Used Keypad, I Refuse To Pay 200.00 For A New Key, When I Can Buy A Used One For 50.00

StapleGun

NEGATIVE - you'll have to go to dealer with proof of ownership and copy of your D/L. Don't waste your money on the "bay" they're only good for replacement cases.

I have to add, you can shop around...I used to have a "hook" at a dealership in PA and I obtained a key with valet insert for $129 plus shipping so shop around. You're welcome to check with www.sunmotorcars.com and try with Ben, although my old buddy is not there anymore. In summary, shop around...many dealers will work with you. Either way you'll have to fax or mail that info.

unclebenz

thanks for the info, so even if I buy the 3 button case i cant have a key cut to insert inside it?

JimPurdy

You may buy the fob on eBay and then take it to the dealer for re-programming and the valet key. It would depend on your relationship with the dealership as to what the charge would be. In any case, you will still have to prove ownership for the dealer to even consider re-programming a key.

unclebenz

I have all the proof of ownership, title, license, insurance..etc. but when I went to my local dealer they said it cannot be reprogramed, my friend told me they only say that so you purchase one from them, i dont know what to do?

KosherBenz

get the new style key that comes with the new S class. Its looks sharp!

StapleGun

The key IS NOT reprogrammable and the dealer will not "program" a key. The key is encoded and cannot be undone/reprogrammed....it's a theft deterrent feature. You're gonna have to bite the bullet, the innards can be swapped for a newer case if you buy one on ebay. This is based on personal experience, shop around with different dealers - you should be able to find one in the range of $130 to $150 with the blade (valet) insert.

jangy

Can we get the Credit card style keyless go key from the S? i don't mind paying, i didn't know they worked on the E

KosherBenz

isnt the credit card for keyless go's? not just for the S class.

The new S class key has got some chrome on it. Its really nice looking.

Barry45RPM

In the E class, the "SmartKey" is the thing in your pocket that the keyless go comunicates with.

AsianML

Isn't the SmartKey the key itself? Even if you don't have Keyless Go, the key fob is still called the SmartKey. I don't know whether or not the W211 had the credit card style Keyless Go card, but that's called the Keyless Go Card. If it's integrated into the key, then it's still just called the SmartKey.

Barry45RPM

Yup. There's NO card. Just the Black SmartKey.

jposhea3

Interestingly you /can/ buy the new chrome-and-black style smartkey for W211 from OEMPartsDirect.com, affiliated with a Benz dealer in Virginia.

I just ordered one for my 2003 and, upon supplying my VIN (which I hope they then cross-referenced to some Benz records of ownership with my shipping address), I received a week later a brand new shiny key and the valet insert.

I figured I'd have to take it to a dealer to have it programmed, but walking up to my car, click-CLUNK-flash, it opens. Plug it in to the ignition, click, turn, vroom - it starts. :-)

The best part is the non-keyless-go variant plus the valet/emergency key were like $51, compared to the dealer price of $100 or more.

Note the 'keyless go' fob is probably closer to $200 even from this guy.

Search the forums for 'oempartsdirect' for the 2 threads that list the part numbers, etc.