Davery

I recently purchased a 2012 E550 with Keyless Go, but only one FOB. I have contacted several dealers about purchasing another FOB and have been quoted prices around $370. There seems to be some question between the dealers about programming the new FOB. Some say the new FOB requires no additional programming. Most say it does require additional programming and they charge an hour labor in addition to the price of the FOB. One dealer told me if my Keyless GO system was working correctly, programming the new FOB consists of putting it in the ignition and letting the car recognize it and they do not charge for this. If it doesn't recognize they charge $180 to diagnose and repair the issue.

If my Keyless GO system is working correctly (which it is) should the new FOB require an hour labor to program it?

Any insight would be appreciated.

Racin_fool

a new key from the dealer will not require coding. You get it out of the bag its shipped in and stick it in the car. The car sees it, registers it and then you can start the car and drive away.

The only time you will need to pay for diagnosis is if the car is actually doing something that you want looked at. If you go into a dealer and complain about your keyless go not working and you already wanted a key, they are going to charge you to look at the system and confirm you need a new key. Seeing as you only have 1 key, you need another key anyways. Just take your paperwork, your car and your self to the dealership parts department, order a new key and plug it into the car. If your issue is no longer present, then you fixed it yourself and saved an additional $180 for some kid to guess at what the car needs.

KEY08

What he said. I ended up with 3 keys for my last Keyless Go W212 because the dealer lost the one I ordered. Stick it in the slot and the car will recognize it and off you go. Oh yeah, they found my lost key behind someone’s desk and mailed it to me. Hence, 3 keys when I started with 1.

Jmeme

I just purchased one this week. While the car was at the dealership I called up service and within 3 days I had a preprogrammed key fob and metal key.

Davery

Did they charge you a service fee? If so, do you mind sharing how much? I called 6 dealers and 4 gave me the price of the fob, but then added a service charge of $70-100 to program the fob. They implied this service charge was required. I asked one of the dealers that didn't add an extra service charge and they said if the keyless go system was working correctly an extra service charge was not needed. They just needed to verify the fob works in the car, which is why the car needs to be there to pick up the fob.

tresean1

There should be no "service fee" or "labor charge" for a new key. The key is ordered directly from Germany or the port in NJ and shipped to you or the dealership. The dealership can't make a key in the service department and they can't program a key (security reasons). This isn't a Chevy or Honda. You just take your ID and vehicle registration, to confirm the vehicle is yours, and they will order a key.

Davery

Thanks for the response. I believe the fob does need to be inserted into the ignition for the car to learn (program?) the new fob. I am wondering if these dealers are charging $70-100 for this?

Jmeme

I paid $355 OTD, no fees, no programming.

tresean1

I'll bet, even after all these first-hand recounts, $1,000 the OP is still going to come back and doubtly say "so you're sure they don't charge a fee, someone told me that they charge a programming fee/service charge; how did you guys get your keys?"
lol

Davery

Lighten up Francis. Pardon my confusion.

https://mbworld.org/forums/e-class-c...-question.html

konigstiger

Reference attached bulletin to SA, supply VIN and request they check Vedoc to confirm if programming is needed for additional key.

Davery

So it appears the fob does need to be programmed for cars 2013 and later. I wonder if it the same for a 2012?

Davery

If anyone purchased a fob lately, would you mind sharing the cost? I assume the fob would be the same for all 2012 W212, A207 and C207 variants. The cheapest I have found is $372 including tax in SW Ohio, but no service fee. I would not be against taking a drive, if it means I would save some cash.

rey_winslow

I requested a second key after dealership couldn't find it after they said there were two. The charge for the key was $370 and the programming at local dealership was $172 both of which were eaten by the original dealership.

zeemob

This receipt (very recent) is for my 2012 W212 with Keyless Go.

Davery

Thanks for the info. I don't see any service charge. This must be a different fob from the cabrio. The part number show a fib but says it is not for my car. Interesting. Anyone know the part number for the 2012 E550 cabrio?

cetialpha5

Don't forget the $130 off $250 service coupon. I think people mentioned that it worked in the past with getting a key, just let us know if it really works. Good til Dec 31 2017.

https://www.mbusa.com/mercedes/servi...olidaythankyou

Davery

I asked about this. Apparently since a fob is a part, this coupon can not be used.

Mr.Fly

This is a similar amount that I paid for a replacement for my 2013 W212 with Keyless-GO. I don’t remember “programming” per se, but I do remember the dealer testing it out for full functionality when I went to collect (car obviously needed at dealer’s then), and this process was very short (5 mins?). When purchasing the key, the dealer required proof of ownership via the car registration, so I’m guessing the key came ready to go, and they just wanted to verify that it’s good from the factory.

tresean1

So what's the verdict on this?
Anyone been able to use this against the price of a key?