So, had a strange 'key not found' error starting my new 2021 GLE a few days ago. The message indicated I should 'put the key into the special place'? The problem cleared up before I figured out how to do that (just pressed the unlock button on the key), and it has not happened again, but now am wondering what the special place is for the key. Can't find anything in the manual about it, but have seen some posts on the web about removing the start/stop button? Can anyone point me at something that documents that? Can always ask at the first service, but thought someone may have something I can research...

Thanks in advance!

 

I remember seeing a picture of it, possibly in the manual and surely in a thread here too.

Anyway, the special place is in the center console. There's a little slot near the bottom front part of the console to insert the key vertically into, if I remember correctly.

 

With so much electronics going on , key was probably not recognized by car. I’ve had this happen with other vehicles and the simplest thing to do is place key by center console and restart. If this becomes a constant issue then it must be addressed. I don’t believe that there really is a “special place “ or else the message would be more specific. You don’t need to remove the push to start button.

 

One of the good things to know in most cars is where to put the key if the fob battery is low. From the GLE Manual - front of the center console:

 

Ahah! Thanks a million. Guess my skills at searching the manual have atrophied... Good thing didn't try to take off the start-stop button! :-)

 

Mine was less than 24 hours old when I got the message and the car had been built for less than a month. It must be common because the salesperson told us where the special place was before delivering the vehicle.

 

We’ve had our 2021 GLE for around 6 weeks and this happened several times, once before we even drove it off the lot. It appears to be happening more frequently these days but as the OP indicated it has always resolved itself before I have to find the special place. Also, it only seems to happen to the key I use and not the one my wife uses.

 

When Mercedes made the new generation key, they programmed it to "Sleep" when it is not moved for a while, such as sitting in the car overnight. All you need to do is wiggle the key or press the unlock button to wake it up and allow the car to register it to start the engine. I am not a fan of this feature, but it is what it is.

 

Don't worry, there are benefits with this feature, such as to prevent a successful relay attack if you have your car parked outside your garage.