When you click on links to various merchants on this site and make a purchase, this can result in this site earning a commission. Affiliate programs and affiliations include, but are not limited to, the eBay Partner Network.
I recently bought a 2006 E500 4matic wagon, did a lot of work on it, a lot still to be done.
I got the car with one key. A few days ago pulled the blade out of the fob and it turns out it is not cut…
what do I do next?
if the fob battery goes low , I am screwed, right?
Go to dealership with proof of ownership. Order a new mechanical key (it is ordered separate from the key fob; I think mine was ~$80 or so) and the dealership will provide you a replacement mechanical key cut to fit your VIN. Yes, you will need that mechanical key at some point in your ownership. Bring your key fob as their are different mechanical keys depending on which key fob you have. In my case, the mechanical key was required to open the trunk when the mechanism went awry using the key fob. Used the mechanical key one time, and it reset the mechanism for the key fob.
If you do not have a second key fob, bite the bullet and order a second key fob. You can have the dealership delete the missing key fob from the authorization tables in the ECU and CGW (for a significant processing fee) but it is not a requirement unless you suspect a previous owner may try to "borrow" your car. The new key fob will teach itself in to your car in a couple of hours of driving; it can be intermittent driving as the key fob will continue the "teach in" process the next time you drive the car with it.
I have a post or two concerning the DAS3 system used in our cars. FWIW, you have the later version of the key fob; my original 2005 key fob was all black with no chrome.
Last edited by bbirdwell; Dec 6, 2025 at 06:24 PM.
And I can transfer the “ guts” of the fob into a new aftermarket fob shell, right?
The original fob has seen better days
Yes. Be gentle. I managed to break off the IR diode on the front of the key fob circuit board when I was a bit rough working on it. Keyless Go would work but not in the EIS ignition switch. Used a high-power magnifying loupe to identify the proper orientation of the IR diode and soldered it back onto the board. Just a "heads up" for ya.
Mercedes SLR McLaren 722 S Is Extremely Rare Example Modified by McLaren
Slideshow: A one-of-one U.S.-spec Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren Roadster became even rarer after a factory-backed transformation at McLaren's headquarters.
Mercedes Teases Updated EQS With Steer-By-Wire and a Yoke
Slideshow: The 2027 update adds a fully digital steering system, revised styling, and potential charging upgrades as the company looks to revive interest in the luxury EV.
Slideshow: From problematic air suspensions to early dual-clutch transmission issues, these specific models and years stand out as the least dependable modern Mercedes vehicles.
He might be overseas for a while and not from my state
