How to get a new key or or replace casing?
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 12
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2015 X5
How to get a new key or or replace casing?
2004 ML350
My key's ring area (the plastic part where you can attach a ring and other keys) broker and separate, there is a big piece missing where a "bridge" used to be.
Is there a tutorial on how to replace the casing? I don't want to mess up my key, it is the only one I have left...
My key's ring area (the plastic part where you can attach a ring and other keys) broker and separate, there is a big piece missing where a "bridge" used to be.
Is there a tutorial on how to replace the casing? I don't want to mess up my key, it is the only one I have left...
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 4,260
Likes: 6
From: Philadelphia area
2010 ML550, 2010 E350 4M, 1966 Corvette Convt C2
If its the only one you have get a new Key, must be ordered from a dealer. Keep your current one as an emergency spare. Going to cost you a few bucks but there is really no alturnative
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 12
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2015 X5
I still have the other one some place but that one barely works, the casing that cover the buttons are all chewed up, and they are exposed, it hardly works.
Here is a pic of what mine now looks like:
How much does a new one cost at the dealership (normally)? I was told over $100 plus programming fees..
Here is a pic of what mine now looks like:
How much does a new one cost at the dealership (normally)? I was told over $100 plus programming fees..
Member
Joined: Jul 2007
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02 ML320 Sport, 04 350z,06 E350 4matic
Correct
The price is expensive since the key has to be validated against the car registration and programmed to the VIN. To replace the case see if you can order a key o n ebay. Replace the case and discard the internals as it won't work for your car. Do a search on these boards for more detailed info
Senior Member
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 260
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From: New England
1990 190E 2.6, ... 1998 ML320, 2005 ML500SE
The case halfs are either glued or ultrasonically welded together. I don't know of anyone that has successfully separated the case halfs without screwing them up. I suggest leaving the key as is or repairing the key ring bridge with epoxy and a piece of wire and use as a spare key. A new key may be a good investment. If you get the new key during other maintenance they will usually (most reasonable dealers) program the new key for free.
Your spare key sounds like it is in tough shape. Did the dog eat it?
Mike
Your spare key sounds like it is in tough shape. Did the dog eat it?
Mike
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: Aug 2009
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2015 X5
Hey Mike,
No dog, just some harsh usage..
The keys are exactly the same, I don't know which one is spare and which one was the original. I would rather use this seperately because I wouldn't trust an epoxy on this and it may just fall off the ring.
Will check with the dealer during next maintanence.
No dog, just some harsh usage..
The keys are exactly the same, I don't know which one is spare and which one was the original. I would rather use this seperately because I wouldn't trust an epoxy on this and it may just fall off the ring. Will check with the dealer during next maintanence.
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1998 ML-320 Debadged
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Junior Member
Joined: Nov 2002
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There are covers and then there are covers...
There are some eBay replacement covers which are perfect cosmetically but they are made out of a more flexible material. The result is that the stress of starting the car can wrench the key, button and spring out of the case, one that is only snapped together. For this case to have a chance you have to glue it together. The OEM cover will snap together and still work without gluing. You should glue it in any case but this test certainly reveals the copies from the OEM. The odd fact is that in my case the eBay'r that had the copies also had OEM covers you just have to push them. I examined the OEM covers with my original remotes and they appeared identical down to the interior mold marks. The copies looked identical (maybe even better) than the OEM but the interior revealed obvious differences in the molds.
Executive summary: when buying replacement covers make sure you get the good OEM covers, they are stronger and cost the same.
Executive summary: when buying replacement covers make sure you get the good OEM covers, they are stronger and cost the same.
Newbie
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 3
Likes: 0
2001 ML
Hi guys, I ordered a blank key case from eBay, I carefully split the old key case off with a dental hook, side snips and a small flat screw driver. The new key case came apart without this mess and I removed the blank key, with my key, I then added , and you have to carefully pry it out, a small piece of what seems like a magnet with the dental hook, it's the transmitter /blah that sends signal to start the truck. It's located near the key blade. Then carefully put the spring into key and put case together. I did have to super glue tack weld a few spots to ensure a good fit. Cost $: 20. Easy fix yay
Newbie
Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 3
Likes: 0
2001 ML430
Dealership Keys
I recently went thru the trouble of loosing my only key and having to show the dealership my title, and current drivers license and give them my first born child it felt like!!! The cost was steep $145 but I had a fully working key the next morning and no programming
Newbie
Joined: May 2014
Posts: 1
Likes: 0
ML 350
There are some eBay replacement covers which are perfect cosmetically but they are made out of a more flexible material. The result is that the stress of starting the car can wrench the key, button and spring out of the case, one that is only snapped together. For this case to have a chance you have to glue it together. The OEM cover will snap together and still work without gluing. You should glue it in any case but this test certainly reveals the copies from the OEM. The odd fact is that in my case the eBay'r that had the copies also had OEM covers you just have to push them. I examined the OEM covers with my original remotes and they appeared identical down to the interior mold marks. The copies looked identical (maybe even better) than the OEM but the interior revealed obvious differences in the molds.
Executive summary: when buying replacement covers make sure you get the good OEM covers, they are stronger and cost the same.
Executive summary: when buying replacement covers make sure you get the good OEM covers, they are stronger and cost the same.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 7,107
Likes: 765
From: Bronx, N.Y.
2002 ML 320 & 2006 ML500
M/B does not sell the key covers. You can get aftermarket covers on ebay, but do not buy a used key because they are glued together. Select one that sells just the shell.
http://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_odkw...overs&_sacat=0
http://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_odkw...overs&_sacat=0
