Keyless Go Fob Replacement
Thread Starter
Super Member
Joined: Jul 2017
Posts: 517
Likes: 59
2012 E550 Cabriolet 2011 VW Eos 1985 Pininfarina Spider
Keyless Go Fob Replacement
As most of you know, Keyless Go fobs are no longer available from Mercedes. I bought my car with only one Keyless Go fob and live in fear of it being lost or stop working. I know I can buy a non-Keyless Go fob from Mercedes, but would like another Keyless Go fob, if I can find one. I have had a couple of local locksmiths tell me they used to make these, but after a couple of months the fobs stop working. I have found a few places online that claim to be able to make a Keyless Go fob, but the EIS must be removed and shipped to them. I am concerned about sending my EIS off and about my existing fob still working when I get the new fob and EIS back. I recently found a local locksmith that says he can make a Keyless Go fob without removing the EIS. He says I will still be able to use my existing fob. I am still apprehensive about doing this, as I do not want to lose my Keyless Go. Thoughts? Questions for the locksmith?
Out Of Control!!
Joined: Apr 2019
Posts: 11,922
Likes: 6,775
From: Silicon Valley
W212 MY'14 M276-3.5NA @75kMi
I wonder if a gently used eBay keyfob could help cutdown all this jumping through hoops??
Tons of these loe mileage cars get recycled including good fobs...
Tons of these loe mileage cars get recycled including good fobs...
Thread Starter
Super Member
Joined: Jul 2017
Posts: 517
Likes: 59
2012 E550 Cabriolet 2011 VW Eos 1985 Pininfarina Spider
They would still need to be programmed, which is the difficult part. Doubtful a locksmith will agree to reprogramming a used fob, if that is even possible.
Member
Joined: Oct 2024
Posts: 173
Likes: 62
From: California
2016 E350 Sport
As most of you know, Keyless Go fobs are no longer available from Mercedes. I bought my car with only one Keyless Go fob and live in fear of it being lost or stop working. I know I can buy a non-Keyless Go fob from Mercedes, but would like another Keyless Go fob, if I can find one. I have had a couple of local locksmiths tell me they used to make these, but after a couple of months the fobs stop working. I have found a few places online that claim to be able to make a Keyless Go fob, but the EIS must be removed and shipped to them. I am concerned about sending my EIS off and about my existing fob still working when I get the new fob and EIS back. I recently found a local locksmith that says he can make a Keyless Go fob without removing the EIS. He says I will still be able to use my existing fob. I am still apprehensive about doing this, as I do not want to lose my Keyless Go. Thoughts? Questions for the locksmith?
Thread Starter
Super Member
Joined: Jul 2017
Posts: 517
Likes: 59
2012 E550 Cabriolet 2011 VW Eos 1985 Pininfarina Spider
Junior Member
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 37
Likes: 4
From: PA USA
2006 s500, 2014 e350, 2009 Cayenne GTS
I had spent a lot of time researching this and got feedback (from this forum) on another model thread. Messaged back and forth with a really competent mechanic (not from here) and it just seemed like too much work. The advice seemed to call around to different dealerships and get quotes, and/or get an apple air tag. (which I still haven't done lol) GL...let us know how this goes.
Trending Topics
Super Member
Joined: Oct 2012
Posts: 538
Likes: 89
From: Hollywood, CA
W209, W124
How many batteries?
The KLG fobs with 2 batteries (earlier Chrome ones, oval panic button) can have their brain chip easily moved.
It’s the ones with single battery and triangular panic button that are more difficult to repair or even put in new case. It can be done but not easily.
Whatever you do, don’t throw out dead or dying keys.
It’s the ones with single battery and triangular panic button that are more difficult to repair or even put in new case. It can be done but not easily.
Whatever you do, don’t throw out dead or dying keys.
MB World Stories
The Best of Mercedes & AMG
Manual Mercedes? 6 Times Sindelfingen Let Drivers Have All The Fun
Verdad Gallardo
Mercedes SLR McLaren 722 S Is Extremely Rare Example Modified by McLaren
Verdad Gallardo
8 Classic Boxy Mercedes Designs That Have Aged Like Fine Wine
Verdad Gallardo
Flawlessly Restored Mercedes 190E Evo II Heads to Auction
Verdad Gallardo
Electric Mercedes C-Class Unveiled: 11 Things You Need to Know
Verdad Gallardo
Mercedes EQS Gets A Major Update: Everything You Need to Know
Verdad Gallardo
5 Underrated Mercedes-Benz Models That Don't Get the Love They Deserve
Verdad Gallardo
Mercedes 300D Has Pushed Well Past 1 Million Miles and It Ain't Stopping
Verdad Gallardo
10 Most Reliable Mercedes-Benz Models You Can Buy Used
Verdad Gallardo
Senior Member
Joined: Apr 2016
Posts: 457
Likes: 151
From: Phoenix, AZ
2016 E350 Sport 2WD
Remember that every different dealer will have different key fob prices and programming costs. I called every Mercedes dealer(7) in the Phoenix area to get the lowest price. And the metal key is above and beyond the key fob cost.
Banned
Joined: Nov 2025
Posts: 477
Likes: 187
From: US
Mercedes SL R231
The metal key can be cut by a locksmith with laser cutting capability. An independent locksmith, with the right tools, ought to be able to program a 2012 car. The break point was with 2014 and newer cars. Enter your VIN at www.lastvin.com and search for DSM STAR1 FBS4 REMOTE STARTABLE. If you have that option, then a locksmith cannot program the fob.
That said, I have not heard of anyone able to reprogram a used fob.
That said, I have not heard of anyone able to reprogram a used fob.
Junior Member
Joined: Jan 2021
Posts: 48
Likes: 7
E350
Someone at this thread mentioned you can try:
https://northcoastkeyless.com/
They too said the cutoff is MY2014
https://northcoastkeyless.com/
They too said the cutoff is MY2014
Member
Joined: Apr 2017
Posts: 111
Likes: 59
From: Dallas, TX
2011 E350 4MATIC Wagon
I had spent a lot of time researching this and got feedback (from this forum) on another model thread. Messaged back and forth with a really competent mechanic (not from here) and it just seemed like too much work. The advice seemed to call around to different dealerships and get quotes, and/or get an apple air tag. (which I still haven't done lol) GL...let us know how this goes.
You will have to physically drive or tow the vehicle into the dealer, and your advisor will have to fill out a TRP form with 2 forms of ID. The vehicle must be currently registered in your name, not your spouse or partner, yours. Or you must have the title in your name and have the bill of sale showing that you purchased it.
They will most likely be ordering the key from the Ft. Worth, Texas parts depot and it will have to be programmed by the technician using DAS or Xentry. DAS 4 keys come programmed from the FTW parts depot. Any website or online listing claiming to sell MB remotes is a scam. These remotes were around $500 back in 2019, so they shouldn’t be too much more than that, although labor times have increased quite a bit in that time. Key tenures, ignition locks, throttle bodies etc. all require a TRP form to be ordered. MB does not F around with this and no amount of sweet talking will get them too.
Maybe extremely sophisticated Russian or Albanian criminals know a way to copy keys or spoof the rolling code, but everyone else has to go to a dealer. On the bright side you can rest assured that the only way your baby can be stolen is if you lose your key or they tow it. Also, the dealer can unprogram any lost keys, so if you lose one, you can have them disable it to prevent it from be stolen from you. Hope this helps.
Thread Starter
Super Member
Joined: Jul 2017
Posts: 517
Likes: 59
2012 E550 Cabriolet 2011 VW Eos 1985 Pininfarina Spider
I am trying to get a Keyless GO fob, which Mercedes no longer makes. I know I can get a non Keyless Go fob at the dealer. I am not really worried about the blade key, I just want a back up in case my single fob stops working. I just switched mechanics and I mentioned this situation to him. He called a local locksmith that he has worked with. This locksmith said he can program a Keyless Go fob for my car, but is currently out of stock of the fobs. I will let everyone here know when this happens.
Last edited by Davery; Dec 9, 2025 at 08:20 AM.
Member
Joined: Apr 2017
Posts: 111
Likes: 59
From: Dallas, TX
2011 E350 4MATIC Wagon
I am trying to get a Keyless GO fob, which Mercedes no longer makes. I know I can get a non Keyless Go fob at the dealer. I am not really worried about the blade key, I just want a back up in case my single fob stops working. I just switched mechanics and I mentioned this situation to him. He called a local locksmith that he has worked with. This locksmith said he can program a Keyless Go fob for my car, but is currently out of stock of the fobs. I will let everyone here know when this happens.
In my five years at the busiest Mercedes service department on the continent, I have never heard
of there being a differentiation between key fobs for a certain vehicle. We could only order the remote, blade or both, but I’ve never heard of a keyless -go remote. Some were DAS4 key remotes and came pre-programed from the parts depot. We ordered a remote and if your vehicle was equipped with keyless-go, the function worked.
As far as anyone, besides the dealer being able to program a Mercedes key, I have never heard of such a thing. I even had clients whose business model was buying Mercedes at auction without keys then tow the vehicle to us to order keys for it. Had there been an option for anyone besides us to do it cheaper they would’ve exploited that option rather than paying retail less sales tax.
But if your guy can actually pull it off and make it work, it will be the first I’ve ever heard of it and I will stand corrected. Please report back.
Member
Joined: Feb 2013
Posts: 233
Likes: 40
slk280
Former MB Dealer service advisor here…. You have to get a key remote or blade key from the dealer period. I’ve never heard of any locksmith that can program an MB key remote, or cut a blade key as they are TRP (theft related parts).
You will have to physically drive or tow the vehicle into the dealer, and your advisor will have to fill out a TRP form with 2 forms of ID. The vehicle must be currently registered in your name, not your spouse or partner, yours. Or you must have the title in your name and have the bill of sale showing that you purchased it.
They will most likely be ordering the key from the Ft. Worth, Texas parts depot and it will have to be programmed by the technician using DAS or Xentry. DAS 4 keys come programmed from the FTW parts depot. Any website or online listing claiming to sell MB remotes is a scam. These remotes were around $500 back in 2019, so they shouldn’t be too much more than that, although labor times have increased quite a bit in that time. Key tenures, ignition locks, throttle bodies etc. all require a TRP form to be ordered. MB does not F around with this and no amount of sweet talking will get them too.
Maybe extremely sophisticated Russian or Albanian criminals know a way to copy keys or spoof the rolling code, but everyone else has to go to a dealer. On the bright side you can rest assured that the only way your baby can be stolen is if you lose your key or they tow it. Also, the dealer can unprogram any lost keys, so if you lose one, you can have them disable it to prevent it from be stolen from you. Hope this helps.
You will have to physically drive or tow the vehicle into the dealer, and your advisor will have to fill out a TRP form with 2 forms of ID. The vehicle must be currently registered in your name, not your spouse or partner, yours. Or you must have the title in your name and have the bill of sale showing that you purchased it.
They will most likely be ordering the key from the Ft. Worth, Texas parts depot and it will have to be programmed by the technician using DAS or Xentry. DAS 4 keys come programmed from the FTW parts depot. Any website or online listing claiming to sell MB remotes is a scam. These remotes were around $500 back in 2019, so they shouldn’t be too much more than that, although labor times have increased quite a bit in that time. Key tenures, ignition locks, throttle bodies etc. all require a TRP form to be ordered. MB does not F around with this and no amount of sweet talking will get them too.
Maybe extremely sophisticated Russian or Albanian criminals know a way to copy keys or spoof the rolling code, but everyone else has to go to a dealer. On the bright side you can rest assured that the only way your baby can be stolen is if you lose your key or they tow it. Also, the dealer can unprogram any lost keys, so if you lose one, you can have them disable it to prevent it from be stolen from you. Hope this helps.
Member
Joined: Apr 2017
Posts: 111
Likes: 59
From: Dallas, TX
2011 E350 4MATIC Wagon
Not true... unless you are talking about new MB, in which I have no opinion. There are multiple people have ability to program, cut the metal key for MB cars. Few months ago, I meet up with a lock smith in Los Angeles area, he has a device that was able to copy my original key fob into a after market key fob (2007 E350 W211 and 2008 SLK 280 R171). It worked perfect (and my original keyfob still working afterward). The aftermarket keyfob was about 90% of the OEM: it a little lighter, the buttons a little too sensitive/less resistant to my liking. He has a machine to cut the metal key in couple minutes. He charged me $100 for the new keyfob/metal key. Couple years ago, a regular lock smith was able to cut the metal key for my car, worked perfect.
The question is, where is that programming software from? Do they use an SDS to program the original?” And will the duplicate use the same “key track” as the original?
Also, can the people you’ve mentioned program a key remote for a Mercedes whose owner has lost both key remotes?
i know there are sophisticated criminals that can clone the key codes if they use a special antennae close enough to the fob itself, but never a reputable shop open to the general public.
Super Member
Joined: Oct 2012
Posts: 538
Likes: 89
From: Hollywood, CA
W209, W124
Not true... unless you are talking about new MB, in which I have no opinion. There are multiple people have ability to program, cut the metal key for MB cars. Few months ago, I meet up with a lock smith in Los Angeles area, he has a device that was able to copy my original key fob into a after market key fob (2007 E350 W211 and 2008 SLK 280 R171). It worked perfect (and my original keyfob still working afterward). The aftermarket keyfob was about 90% of the OEM: it a little lighter, the buttons a little too sensitive/less resistant to my liking. He has a machine to cut the metal key in couple minutes. He charged me $100 for the new keyfob/metal key. Couple years ago, a regular lock smith was able to cut the metal key for my car, worked perfect.
I’m in LA and would like to know this guy.
Can you list him here or PM me contact info?
Member
Joined: Feb 2013
Posts: 233
Likes: 40
slk280
This is the first I’ve ever heard of it. And I was referring to ordering key remotes/blades for a W212 Mercedes.
The question is, where is that programming software from? Do they use an SDS to program the original?” And will the duplicate use the same “key track” as the original?
Also, can the people you’ve mentioned program a key remote for a Mercedes whose owner has lost both key remotes?
i know there are sophisticated criminals that can clone the key codes if they use a special antennae close enough to the fob itself, but never a reputable shop open to the general public.
The question is, where is that programming software from? Do they use an SDS to program the original?” And will the duplicate use the same “key track” as the original?
Also, can the people you’ve mentioned program a key remote for a Mercedes whose owner has lost both key remotes?
i know there are sophisticated criminals that can clone the key codes if they use a special antennae close enough to the fob itself, but never a reputable shop open to the general public.
agent011@hotmail.com
P.S. He is a mobile locksmith. I came to his house and saw his equipment. He also drive to people houses (locally). He is legit.... I already used his service twice..... (1st time he charged me $80, 2nd time $100 for new keyfob with cut metal key)
Last edited by nguyenphananh; Dec 11, 2025 at 12:42 AM.
Junior Member
Joined: Jul 2019
Posts: 60
Likes: 6
From: Dallas, TX
2016 Mercedes E250 Bluetec Designo
Reading all of the above posts, I see references to dealers no longer being able to get you a new key for the W212, but also a few which seem like that's not the case.
What's the consensus here? Put price aside for a second - is this no longer an option at the dealer, or only some dealers? I have a 2016 W212 (with keyless go, push button start, door opens when I'm next to it with it in my pocket), and would like to know whether this will be an issue in the future or not if I were to lose or break a key (currently have 2, both work, but they're old).
What's the consensus here? Put price aside for a second - is this no longer an option at the dealer, or only some dealers? I have a 2016 W212 (with keyless go, push button start, door opens when I'm next to it with it in my pocket), and would like to know whether this will be an issue in the future or not if I were to lose or break a key (currently have 2, both work, but they're old).
Thread Starter
Super Member
Joined: Jul 2017
Posts: 517
Likes: 59
2012 E550 Cabriolet 2011 VW Eos 1985 Pininfarina Spider
Reading all of the above posts, I see references to dealers no longer being able to get you a new key for the W212, but also a few which seem like that's not the case.
What's the consensus here? Put price aside for a second - is this no longer an option at the dealer, or only some dealers? I have a 2016 W212 (with keyless go, push button start, door opens when I'm next to it with it in my pocket), and would like to know whether this will be an issue in the future or not if I were to lose or break a key (currently have 2, both work, but they're old).
What's the consensus here? Put price aside for a second - is this no longer an option at the dealer, or only some dealers? I have a 2016 W212 (with keyless go, push button start, door opens when I'm next to it with it in my pocket), and would like to know whether this will be an issue in the future or not if I were to lose or break a key (currently have 2, both work, but they're old).
Banned
Joined: Nov 2025
Posts: 477
Likes: 187
From: US
Mercedes SL R231
Reading all of the above posts, I see references to dealers no longer being able to get you a new key for the W212, but also a few which seem like that's not the case.
What's the consensus here? Put price aside for a second - is this no longer an option at the dealer, or only some dealers? I have a 2016 W212 (with keyless go, push button start, door opens when I'm next to it with it in my pocket), and would like to know whether this will be an issue in the future or not if I were to lose or break a key (currently have 2, both work, but they're old).
What's the consensus here? Put price aside for a second - is this no longer an option at the dealer, or only some dealers? I have a 2016 W212 (with keyless go, push button start, door opens when I'm next to it with it in my pocket), and would like to know whether this will be an issue in the future or not if I were to lose or break a key (currently have 2, both work, but they're old).
Senior Member
Joined: Apr 2016
Posts: 457
Likes: 151
From: Phoenix, AZ
2016 E350 Sport 2WD
For starters, make SURE you have the correct part number for the FOB for your car. There is more than 1 type of key fob and more than one part number, so don't mix up your specific situation with others. If you have EPC, look up your part number. If not, call a dealer with your VIN# and get the correct part number. While you're calling, also get the price for the FOB and the programming. My car is a 2016 E350 Sport, RWD, and it definitely has Code 889 Keyless Go on the build sheet, not the Smart Key.
I thought I had a copy of my Keyless Go sales receipt with me so that I could pass on my part number, but no. I ordered my Keyless Go on 4/10/2025 for $617.25, and then the programming on 4/18/2025 was an additional $225. When ordering the key and later when I had the programming done, I asked if there were locksmiths who could do the programming, and I was told that for other, older fobs, yes, but not for mine. Dealership programming required.
So they were available 9 months ago when my car was 9 years old.
I thought I had a copy of my Keyless Go sales receipt with me so that I could pass on my part number, but no. I ordered my Keyless Go on 4/10/2025 for $617.25, and then the programming on 4/18/2025 was an additional $225. When ordering the key and later when I had the programming done, I asked if there were locksmiths who could do the programming, and I was told that for other, older fobs, yes, but not for mine. Dealership programming required.
So they were available 9 months ago when my car was 9 years old.
Thread Starter
Super Member
Joined: Jul 2017
Posts: 517
Likes: 59
2012 E550 Cabriolet 2011 VW Eos 1985 Pininfarina Spider
For starters, make SURE you have the correct part number for the FOB for your car. There is more than 1 type of key fob and more than one part number, so don't mix up your specific situation with others. If you have EPC, look up your part number. If not, call a dealer with your VIN# and get the correct part number. While you're calling, also get the price for the FOB and the programming. My car is a 2016 E350 Sport, RWD, and it definitely has Code 889 Keyless Go on the build sheet, not the Smart Key.
I thought I had a copy of my Keyless Go sales receipt with me so that I could pass on my part number, but no. I ordered my Keyless Go on 4/10/2025 for $617.25, and then the programming on 4/18/2025 was an additional $225. When ordering the key and later when I had the programming done, I asked if there were locksmiths who could do the programming, and I was told that for other, older fobs, yes, but not for mine. Dealership programming required.
So they were available 9 months ago when my car was 9 years old.
I thought I had a copy of my Keyless Go sales receipt with me so that I could pass on my part number, but no. I ordered my Keyless Go on 4/10/2025 for $617.25, and then the programming on 4/18/2025 was an additional $225. When ordering the key and later when I had the programming done, I asked if there were locksmiths who could do the programming, and I was told that for other, older fobs, yes, but not for mine. Dealership programming required.
So they were available 9 months ago when my car was 9 years old.
Member
Joined: Feb 2013
Posts: 233
Likes: 40
slk280
these dealers lied to you. The keyfobs come from either Texas or Florida already programmed, based on you VIN. However, most dealers will require you have the car on location to make sure it works properly. Local dealer dont program keyfob. Another thing I read that caught my attention: many of you reported " bought the key" then paid additional for "programmed". From my personal experiences, when you buy the keyfob, the price is for the fob already PROGRAMED + metal key cut. So far I have bought additional keyfobs for Mercedes W202, W210, W211, R171 from Fletcher John MB in Irvine, MB of Long Beach, and one other (MB of Laguna Beach or Niguel)....
Junior Member
Joined: Jan 2023
Posts: 61
Likes: 4
GLK350 2011 RWD
Same experience. I ordered a duplicate key fob for my X204 from a guy and it works flawlessly. He came to my home and reprogrammed it in his wagon just near my car. Paid 150 for key fob + programming.
