No More Valet Key Function/No more key?
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2015 ML 350
No More Valet Key Function/No more key?
If MB has deleted the function of the "valet Key" is it still included inside the plastic electronic smart key? If not, how does one attach the smart key to other keys or key rings? How would a valet attach a claim tag to the smart key or hang it up on a key board?
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2004 E500
I haven't used the valet key yet but I assumed that you used the metal insert to manually lock the glovebox and trunk and took that part of the key with you leaving the plastic housing with the valet service. Am I wrong? I have to admit that I wondered how the valet would tag or hang the plastic smartkey but decided that I would let them figure that out.
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if you were to give a valet the key now, you would give him the housing like bosox said, and you would keep your metal key, with everything attached to it. the valet cant hang it up to begin with, so it makes no difference.
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1999 Mercedes ML430
Originally Posted by BoSoxFan
I haven't used the valet key yet but I assumed that you used the metal insert to manually lock the glovebox and trunk and took that part of the key with you leaving the plastic housing with the valet service. Am I wrong? I have to admit that I wondered how the valet would tag or hang the plastic smartkey but decided that I would let them figure that out.
You know it is funny you say MANUALLY LOCK THE GLOVEBOX because I was just thinking of how I have NEVER used a key on anything besides a car's ignition. Funny how times change...
sorry for interrupting.
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2004 E500
Originally Posted by GLisella
You know it is funny you say MANUALLY LOCK THE GLOVEBOX because I was just thinking of how I have NEVER used a key on anything besides a car's ignition. Funny how times change...
sorry for interrupting.
sorry for interrupting.
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2019 Mercedes Benz S500L AMG Premium Plus
I think from memory of previous threads the issue is more along the lines of how the trunk lock operates rather than the components of the key fob. I believe that you used to be able to lock the trunk with the metal key which prevented the valet from opening the trunk by using the fob. I understand that the trunk lock no longer operates that way.
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'05 E500 4-Matic Wagon
Originally Posted by Fastbuck
I think from memory of previous threads the issue is more along the lines of how the trunk lock operates rather than the components of the key fob. I believe that you used to be able to lock the trunk with the metal key which prevented the valet from opening the trunk by using the fob. I understand that the trunk lock no longer operates that way.
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Confusion, Confusion
The trunk's deadbolt feature (when activated by using the metal key housed within the black smart key housing, which on my Dec '04 delivered car WILL keep someone without the metal key from being able to open the trunk by not permitting you to squeeze the trunk release handle) had been deleted on late '04's. Turning the key in the "trunk lock cylender" did nothing, it just turned 1/4 turn, so the valet "lock out feature" wasn't there anymore. I figured that since it wasn't there any more they wouldn't need the little metal valet key...
HOWEVER, I forgot about the glove box lock...(having NEVER in my life felt locking a plastic door protecting a cardboard tissue box like structure was necessary, since one could reach under the dash & pull the cardboard glove box out & down in a nano second & run away with the CD collection...
So the little valet key really remains just a keychain ring hole. But it IS cute!
HOWEVER, I forgot about the glove box lock...(having NEVER in my life felt locking a plastic door protecting a cardboard tissue box like structure was necessary, since one could reach under the dash & pull the cardboard glove box out & down in a nano second & run away with the CD collection...
So the little valet key really remains just a keychain ring hole. But it IS cute!
Last edited by Barry45RPM; 07-01-2004 at 06:49 PM.
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Originally Posted by Barry45RPM
The trunk's deadbolt feature (when activated by using the metal key housed within the black smart key housing, which on my Dec '04 delivered car WILL keep someone without the metal key from being able to open the trunk by not permitting you to squeeze the trunk release handle) had been deleted on late '04's. Turning the key in the "trunk lock cylender" did nothing, it just turned 1/4 turn, so the valet "lock out feature" wasn't there anymore. I figured that since it wasn't there any more they wouldn't need the little metal valet key...
HOWEVER, I forgot about the glove box lock...(having NEVER in my life felt locking a plastic door protecting a cardboard tissue box like structure was necessary, since one could reach under the dash & pull the cardboard glove box out & down in a nano second & run away with the CD collection...
So the little valet key really remains just a keychain ring hole. But it IS cute!
HOWEVER, I forgot about the glove box lock...(having NEVER in my life felt locking a plastic door protecting a cardboard tissue box like structure was necessary, since one could reach under the dash & pull the cardboard glove box out & down in a nano second & run away with the CD collection...
So the little valet key really remains just a keychain ring hole. But it IS cute!
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E320
The metal key sure came in handy when my car's electronic system died (along with the battery) and I couldn't open any doors with the smart key. So, I think MB will keep those little metal keys for backup even if you can't lock the trunk with them.
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Originally Posted by Barry45RPM
So the little valet key really remains just a keychain ring hole. But it IS cute!
Does it not serve as the only source of entry to the vehicle if the battery fails?
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GL320CDI / C63 Edition 507 Coupe (EDP) / E63 S (on order) / G500 / Smart Brabus
Originally Posted by BoSoxFan
So, the only thing I can figure is that IF the car is locked AND the smart key battery is dead AND you don't have a phone to call Teleaid, you can use the metal key to open the car so you can remove your luggage or call Teleaid. I didn't see any way to use the metal key to start the car and I don't know if a dead smart key will start it but perhaps the Teleaid operator can start it. But you would at least be able to get in the car and use Teleaid to get help. That's a pretty unlikely chain of events but I guess the thing can be used for more than a keychain attachment.
If you're not in the car, I would definitely give you props if you could get the phone number for TeleAid.
And, I don't subscribe to it on my E55, I am even contemplating ripping all of that stuff out.
But being able to get into the car itself or even the trunk is useful to me. I would hate to be locked out of those even if the car were not driveable.
-s-
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Originally Posted by scorchie
But being able to get into the car itself or even the trunk is useful to me. I would hate to be locked out of those even if the car were not driveable.-s-
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'05 e320 cdi, '05 lexus rx330
what I do is I keep the othere smartkey in the trunk and the metal key from it in my wallet in case I lose the smart key, that way I'll never get stranded if the original smart key is lost
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2004 E500
My little test showed that it will open the trunk or door. It's good to know that it will open even with a dead car battery or electronics. Even Teleaid won't do you much good if the battery is dead except to dispatch a tow truck.
My dealer gave me a little key chain thingey with the Teleaid 800 number engraved for each smart key. I also programmed the number into my cell phone.
Kort677 -- I thought that it wouldn't let you lock the vehicle if the smartkey was inside the car. I guess that's not the case?
My dealer gave me a little key chain thingey with the Teleaid 800 number engraved for each smart key. I also programmed the number into my cell phone.
Kort677 -- I thought that it wouldn't let you lock the vehicle if the smartkey was inside the car. I guess that's not the case?
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In the US 1.800.367.6372 will get you thru to Teleaid...I bet 1.800.4AMercedes would eventually get you patched through too. ...Keep those little metal keys!
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2004 E500
That's funny. The number I have is 800-756-9018. I wonder if they give out different numbers at different sale dates or locations.
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GL320CDI / C63 Edition 507 Coupe (EDP) / E63 S (on order) / G500 / Smart Brabus
Originally Posted by Fastbuck
Might be useful to get into the trunk too if you wanted to recharge the flat battery.
-s-
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Originally Posted by BoSoxFan
Kort677 -- I thought that it wouldn't let you lock the vehicle if the smartkey was inside the car. I guess that's not the case?
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You cannot lock the smartkey in the car if, and only if you have Keyless Go. Same applies to the trunk.
I think I remember a thread a long time ago concerning trickle chargers, and it is possible that it does something bad to the BCM.
I think I remember a thread a long time ago concerning trickle chargers, and it is possible that it does something bad to the BCM.
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GL320CDI / C63 Edition 507 Coupe (EDP) / E63 S (on order) / G500 / Smart Brabus
Originally Posted by alewifebp
You cannot lock the smartkey in the car if, and only if you have Keyless Go. Same applies to the trunk.
I think I remember a thread a long time ago concerning trickle chargers, and it is possible that it does something bad to the BCM.
I think I remember a thread a long time ago concerning trickle chargers, and it is possible that it does something bad to the BCM.
The W203 should not be connected to a charging battery in any instance, a quiescent current device should be connected, the battery disconnected, then charged.
(sorry for reviving a dead thread.)
-s-