EclassFetish

my w211 only came with one remote key fob, I now need a 2nd one for spare.

anyone know if the dealer will program it ? if not how can I program it ?

thank

MARK CUMMINS

Just order the key from the Dealer..Via the Vin# It will work without any problems

EclassFetish

isn't it like 200 bucks ? no way. there has to be another alternative no ?

takitoz71

sorry man but there is no alternative to mercedes keys at all since each key is specifically programmed for each car. u just cant buy a key from ebay and then take it to the dealer to get it programmed because they wont do it and u cant reprogram another key for ur car.

takitoz71

i just had to replace my key since the key stopped workin, thinkin it was the batteries but it wasnt and cost me $212.36 for the new chrome key. what state u from?

E500Newbee

You got raped, I just had mine done with the same chrome key you have. Mine was $178.44 to be exact. I'm taking different dealer charge differently.

jallison12

They're all right. I bought my car pre-owned and only got one key, like you. Surfed around here for a bit, and eventually ordered direct from MB. Cost me like $340 for 2 new keys.

I had wanted new codes, so the old key and the missing one, would not work. But MB Roslyn didn't do that, they kept the old code, so now I have 3 keys

jallison12

Welcome to the world of MB

Don't lose your dipstick - it costs $110 + tax

lkchris

People buy Mercedes then expect Chevy prices.

All of this protects you--how would you like the guy that steals your car to be able to easily get a key for it?

XLR82XS

I just got one for $14.

High Technology

I think they could have deleted just the missing key, but that would require them to hook the car up to the computer and block that key. That would involve labor charges for you...

As I recall from years back (my first MB was a '99 CLK with a smartkey), I read something (perhaps here) that the system is designed to have up to 8 concurrently active keys, and two replacements for each. This is all pre-programmed into the central computer at time of manufacturing and can only be changed by changing the smartkey unit (or the central computer) in the car. When you order a new key, the MBUSA computer system knows what keys have been issued for that VIN since they are the sole issuer...

(For illustrative purposes below I'll refer to the 8 possible concurrent keys by number, and the iterations (replacements) by letter, so the original keys would be 1A and 2A. Note, I don't recall how MB refers to these, so my nomenclature could be different.)

I think the way the system is designed (someone correct me if I miss-state anything), let's assume that your original keys were Key1A and Key 2A, and by reading the key you have (or something via STAR) they could figure out that you have 1A (and that 2A is missing), they could have ordered you a replacement for key 2 (call that 2B), and a new key 3 (call it 3A). I THINK that would result in key 2A being automatically deactivated in the car's computer system, as soon as a key 2B is introduced.

While I'd like to THINK they could do this, most of the time the dealers will order a new key (so they would have likely ordered you keys 3A and 4A), since many who have lost their own keys have had them turn up at a later date (ask me how I know - hmm, how did that get into a pile of t-shirts ). So, if the key is a replacement key, then the old key is permanently deactivated and thus becomes worthless as soon as the replacement key is used.

While we can all appreciate the security usefulness of this, I can imagine lots of people being very angry that their key was permanently deleted from their car and it can't be restored.