For anyone who does not have a trunk valet lock MBUSA released installation instructions. Unfortunately retrofitting the valet lock is not covered by warranty and you will be charged.

Personally I cannot see the justification for this because previous w211 models had it and MBUSA removed it. I have it in the 06 CLS500! A diplomatic discussion with your service manager and/or MBUSA Service and Parts Operations Manager (SPOM) might circumvent payment (i.e.: goodwill) or, at the very least, warrant a substantial discount.

Reference: P-I-88.50/45 APR06, 211 model year 2005-2006 – Trunk Lid Valet Lock Retrofit

doubtful, any changes they make you accept buy purchasing the vehicle therefore it is not warrantied. I cannot see a service mgr or especially an SPOM approving this when it specifically says not covered by warranty. Maybe if you are really close with the service mgr, cuz its coming out of the dealer's pocket if its free.

That's great! Thanks.

Could you provide us with a part #? I would like to install valet lock on mine.

It’s a bit more involved than just parts, wiring needs to be modified inclusive of new harness. Check your PM.

That's a real shame that MB did not include this as standard equipment. What's going on over there? They charge $300 to make your rear seats fold-able and now extra for the valet lock feature also? The Mazda I owned two cars ago in the 1990s had both those features. I'm not being cheap here... I'll pay whatever it costs but for heavens sake I wish they'd equip these cars appropriately and charge whatever it costs to do so.

The 03 w211 did have a valet lock standard however for some reason (litigation, cost cutting, etc.) MB decided to remove it - dumb move to say the least. This is where the art of negotiation enters the picture. Yes, legally the dealership is not required to install the valet lock and expect to be paid by MBUSA for the install therefore normally you would foot the bill. However, even though your particular w211 was not equipped with the valet lock other w211 model years are. No guarantee but worth a shot to discuss it with your MBUSA Service and Parts Operations Manager (SPOM) who may very well offer a goodwill install or discount on the parts and/or install. Thereafter, of course, the install and parts would be warranted if done by the dealership. Hint: Why did MB remove the valet to begin with? Furthermore, why did MBUSA decide to retrofit that which MB removed and was once standard at cost to the customer? Need I say more?

Konig, just responded to your pm

How much is this for the dealer to install...labor and parts?

$410 = 3.8 hours + $45 parts.

A Hyundai Accent, list price $10,415, has folding rear seats as standard equipment ....
http://autos.yahoo.com/newcars/hyund...ohDCNAF?p=seat
... but then it doesn't have a Tristar on the hood. M-B may have deleted the previous valet lock function because it was incompatible with the required inside-trunk release button. That doesn't explain why my '03 has both the valet lock function and the inside release button. I've been looking for a volunteer to test if the inside trunk release on my car works when the trunk is valet-locked, but haven't found one so far ...

I was just wondering how about how to valet lock. I figured I would need to read the manual to figure it out. So now I have another feature missing. But tell me, if I had a valet lock - how does it work? What do you do?

The old one used to be a deadbolt in the lock. Turn the valet key (the silver thing in the black thing) and the trunk is locked. Ditto the glove box.

No idea how the new one works. Most manufacturers don't have a key release and simply disable the electronic release with a switch in a lockable glove box.

Technicaly it should. It is a safety thing. If you are already inside the trunk then the security aspect, which is the purpoose of the valet lock, is already compromised. So it should open from the inside. It can be a small kid or you trapped in the inside for whatever reason!

MB won't treat the valet lock retrofit as a warranty item. I've called to complain.

If you have a 2005 or 2006 model without the valet lock for the trunk, please call MB USA--1-800-FOR-MERCEDES (1-800-367-6372)--and say you expected the lock and the retrofit should be under warranty...not an extra $400!!!

If enough of us call, maybe, just maybe, we can get them to change their minds.

Thanks,

David

Actually do not mention the word warranty as the part was not included as standard equipment on these vehicles. Legally MBUSA and certainly not the dealer are not liable in any way regarding warranty coverage. However, mention the word goodwill and a free install just may be approved. Other w211 models years have this feature/part and the reason given by MBUSA for removing said feature/part was liability issues. Apparently this can no longer be substantiated since MBUSA is offering a retrofit.

Having said this, your best inroad to a goodwill install would be to tell your dealer or MBUSA that you’re interesting in having the valet lock retrofit installed (say no more) however, would like to discuss the matter with your local MBUSA Service and Parts Operations Manager (SPOM). SPOM regional budgets allow for goodwill gestures such as this. It all depends how you approach it and who you approach. Need I say more?

BTW, thanks for posting the average cost and contributing rather than waiting for someone else to answer your question.

What most innocuous why to find out who the SPOM is and get their phone number?

Thanks for the info. How do we look up the reference number you provided to find out more info? on MBUSA or MBWorld? Also...I thought my E500 has the valet trunk lock on it. What is/was the date range for those vehicles where it wasn't standard?

To verify if you have the valet lock, follow this checklist.

With the trunk lid lock tumbler in the locked position (A, Figure 14), verify the trunk will not open when:
- Actuating the switch on the driver’s side door panel
- Pressing the trunk lid button on the license plate recess
- Pressing the trunk button on the SmartKey

With the trunk lid lock tumbler in the neutral position (B, Figure 14), verify the trunk will open when:
- Actuating the switch on the driver’s side door panel
- Pressing the trunk lid button on the license plate recess
- Pressing the trunk button on the SmartKey

They disappeared just about the time we ordered our car in June 2004. Maybe April or May production. Maybe a little earlier. Our July production car was one of the last with the old console and rest feature in the a/c. Because I like to carry a lot of camera equipment around (I can turn my Yukon XL into a mini grip truck), we were considering getting a different car for a while.

The original post implies that it's a problem with the 2005-2006 model year cars...but mine is MY 2006 and it has the valet lock (I verified it per the post above). However, it was in production in 03/06 - received 05/06, so it may be that they just recently re-added it as standard equipment.

Correct! MBUSA titled the installation instructions 211, model year 2005-2006. I’m assuming early production 06 models (i.e.: built in 05) do not have the valet lock. I lucked out, had it with the 03 w211 and have it with the 06 c219.

I'm crossing my fingers that I have it. i NEVER use valet, but it is ia feature, so I want it!!!

Thanks for the info, kon

$450...but it works...should have been $50 IMHO

You just go in and ask for it? Kind of steep, but I may get it anyway.