Key replaced under warranty. Still old style
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Member
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 164
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From: San Carlos (SF Peninsula) CA
'03 ML500, '07 E350 Sport (wife's)
Key replaced under warranty. Still old style
Dealer replaced cracked key (membrane). I was surprised new key was the same original style with single membrane over 3 buttons. New keys on loaners I have seen have 3 individual buttons and seem much more durable. Waited for key to be ordered so I was expecting the new style. Thoughts?
Junior Member
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 54
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2008 E350 4matic; 1986 500SL
I happened to call my dealer last week to ask about getting a replacement key for keyless-go. I told him that I only wanted the fob and NOT the blade since I have an extra blade already. After looking it up on his computer, he told me that my blade will no longer fit because he has to order the NEW DESIGN key. Luckily, the blade is only $10.
Senior Member
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 413
Likes: 3
2003 E320
I had to buy a new key recently and even though my car is a first generation, they sent the new key design with the chrome accent and the three buttons. It is obvious that the old style keys do not hold up well as my original is cracked. I guess that since it was a warranty claim they decided to clean out their old stock. As mentioned, the blade on the old style will not fit in the new stile fob so it has to be re cut. My bill for this was $266. I have a friend with a Dodge Charger that has the exact same key (appearing) as the old style. I guarantee that Chrysler is not charging $266 for replacements. Both M-B and BMW are getting some heat for the cost of replacements. They use security as an excuse for the high price. If that was true, no one would ever steal either mark. Anyway, you should be ok for 3-4 years and after that , the warranty will have expired and you will get to purchase a replacement. I know M-B says that there is no way to clone a key. I hope that is accurate. Those folks in Hong Kong are pretty clever.
Junior Member
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 54
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2008 E350 4matic; 1986 500SL
Clinton,
There is now a third generation key for 2010/2011 that i'm reffering to. The buttons are different (three individual cutouts as opposed to the skin membrane covering all three) and the panic button is a triangle instead of a circle. It is noticeably lighter (cheaper feel) than my original 2008 key.
From a distance, they both look similar....same chrome design.
There is now a third generation key for 2010/2011 that i'm reffering to. The buttons are different (three individual cutouts as opposed to the skin membrane covering all three) and the panic button is a triangle instead of a circle. It is noticeably lighter (cheaper feel) than my original 2008 key.
From a distance, they both look similar....same chrome design.
Last edited by BlueOpal; Feb 27, 2011 at 09:30 AM.
Senior Member
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 413
Likes: 3
2003 E320
I got the newest version. It is heavier than my old (black) key. Maybe it will hold up better. Still too $$$$$$$$$$$$$. I will give them credit for one thing. I got it (supposedly from Dallas) to my dealer in 16 hours
