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So, I am the new owner of an 2011 ML - that came with the Keyless Go system - and the first thing I had to do for it was get a key for it from the dealer, which was $800. He used the VIN to determine the key required.
However, I have not been able to use "Keyless Go" with this key, the only way it works is if I insert it in the ignition and turn it to start, or use the buttons on the fob to lock/unlock. The buttons on the door handles do nothing. My advanced scan tool confirms that the Keyless Go systems diagnostics are all good.
So, I was hoping someone could take a look at the key, and tell me if it is indeed a Keyless Go key - or if the dealer gave me a key that does not work with the Keyless Go...
$800??
I'd be stopping back at the dealer and having a chat with the service desk instead of asking about it on an internet forum. Did they verify that it worked correctly when they set up the key?
Have you run your vin through something like lastvin.com to make sure you actually have keyless go?
Yes, I definitely have Keyless Go, my VIN confirms it and it has the buttons on the handles. Also my advanced scantool (Carly) confirms that the module is there, and good.
I have asked the dealer if the key works with Keyless Go, and after asking for my VIN, he said it does - but something doesn't seem right; ergo why I am asking the real experts here!
Originally Posted by rapidoxidation;[url=tel:8913113
8913113[/url]]$800??
I'd be stopping back at the dealer and having a chat with the service desk instead of asking about it on an internet forum. Did they verify that it worked correctly when they set up the key?
Have you run your vin through something like lastvin.com to make sure you actually have keyless go?
Yes, can confirm that’s the going rate for a Keyless Go replacement key…. I was able to shop around a bit, but one dealer wanted $800 + tax, next one wanted $700 + tax and ended up getting it for $600.00 out the door thanks to one of our board members. Crazy…
Yes, I definitely have Keyless Go, my VIN confirms it and it has the buttons on the handles. Also my advanced scantool (Carly) confirms that the module is there, and good.
I have asked the dealer if the key works with Keyless Go, and after asking for my VIN, he said it does - but something doesn't seem right; ergo why I am asking the real experts here!
Thanks
So you get in the car with your key (key in my pocket or cup holder usually), push & hold the brake pedal down, then push & release the start button…. Mine starts, what happens in your case?
So you get in the car with your key (key in my pocket or cup holder usually), push & hold the brake pedal down, then push & release the start button…. Mine starts, what happens in your case?
Nothing.
However, the story on my car is that when I got it, it had no keys at all that came with it (auction). So, I went to the dealer and bought the key, but did not have the vehicle with me. The key I got does work for the "click the fob lock/unlock" and "insert in the cylinder and turn to start" functions - just not with the KG. I did also buy the insertable KG button, but again, nothing happens.
I understand that there is a potential programming issue that can be present on the car itself (i.e. even if the proper key is made for it, it has to be programmed to the correct "memory slot" for it to work with Keyless Go). Anyway, if someone can confirm that this key theoretically has Keyless Go capability, then I'll book it into the dealer for that reprogram - I just want to avoid bringing it in and then being told that the key is not KG capable, but still having a $350+ service charge...
However, the story on my car is that when I got it, it had no keys at all that came with it (auction). So, I went to the dealer and bought the key, but did not have the vehicle with me. The key I got does work for the "click the fob lock/unlock" and "insert in the cylinder and turn to start" functions - just not with the KG. I did also buy the insertable KG button, but again, nothing happens.
I understand that there is a potential programming issue that can be present on the car itself (i.e. even if the proper key is made for it, it has to be programmed to the correct "memory slot" for it to work with Keyless Go). Anyway, if someone can confirm that this key theoretically has Keyless Go capability, then I'll book it into the dealer for that reprogram - I just want to avoid bringing it in and then being told that the key is not KG capable, but still having a $350+ service charge...
Did the dealer confirm that the key fob was programmed?
Had the same issue with a key fob purchased at BMW for an X5. Bought the key which would not work as I did not purchase the programming. IDIOTS!
My trustworthy Indy programmed it for me free of charge and it worked flawless.
I would find a different dealer or better yet, an Independent Shop who will treat you right and will not try to rob you!
FWIW, Benzninja who advertises on here can program new keys for keyless go remotely which pays for a good portion of his one time fee and you'll also get copies of all the MB software (Xentry, shop manual, parts catalog and some other stuff I don't use) on a laptop that you can use or he can use remotely if you have problems or need coding (not many coding options available unlike newer MBs). My ML only came with one key and he successfully got my new key coded for keyless go and saved me the hour of labor the dealer was going to charge for their 5 minutes of work.
2015 SL400 (M276 Turbo), 2014 C350 Sport (M276 NA), 2004 SL500 (M113), 2004 Audi TT225 (BEA)
Originally Posted by EWT
FWIW, Benzninja who advertises on here can program new keys for keyless go remotely which pays for a good portion of his one time fee and you'll also get copies of all the MB software (Xentry, shop manual, parts catalog and some other stuff I don't use) on a laptop that you can use or he can use remotely if you have problems or need coding (not many coding options available unlike newer MBs). My ML only came with one key and he successfully got my new key coded for keyless go and saved me the hour of labor the dealer was going to charge for their 5 minutes of work.
$800 is MORE than his one-time fee.
I do not know the answer as to whether that fob is Keyless-Go or not; they look the same. There is a good chance that the dealer ordered the wrong fob. That happened to me when I purchased an extra key. It worked when inserted in the ignition and would remotely lock and unlock the doors, but would not push-button start. I tested it before leaving the dealer and they admitted they made a mistake, so they ordered the correct one at no additional charge. And they let me keep the wrong one, as well. My "argument" was that by providing the VIN, the datacard showed I had Keyless-Go and they should have ordered the correct one. They agreed.
2015 SL400 (M276 Turbo), 2014 C350 Sport (M276 NA), 2004 SL500 (M113), 2004 Audi TT225 (BEA)
Originally Posted by spender99
Nothing.
However, the story on my car is that when I got it, it had no keys at all that came with it (auction). So, I went to the dealer and bought the key, but did not have the vehicle with me. The key I got does work for the "click the fob lock/unlock" and "insert in the cylinder and turn to start" functions - just not with the KG. I did also buy the insertable KG button, but again, nothing happens.
I understand that there is a potential programming issue that can be present on the car itself (i.e. even if the proper key is made for it, it has to be programmed to the correct "memory slot" for it to work with Keyless Go). Anyway, if someone can confirm that this key theoretically has Keyless Go capability, then I'll book it into the dealer for that reprogram - I just want to avoid bringing it in and then being told that the key is not KG capable, but still having a $350+ service charge...
The dealer should be able to look at the inside and tell you if it is a KG key or not without charging you a fee, especially if it is the same dealer you got the key from. From the outside, they look the same. Your symptoms tell me that it is NOT Keyless Go.
Ok, so I have an update on the key situation. The key they ordered for me (pictured above) turned out to be the WRONG key for Keyless Go, it was part 230-905-07-39-9999 (BTW, I could not see this number anywhere on the key above but it was on the invoice). This was confirmed when I brought the car in so the techs could check the programming.
They then told me that I had to buy a new key, the correct one, part 204-905-62-02-9999, and just as JettaRed suggested they might, they gave the first one to me for free (although, props to the dealer, they offered this right away). However, a week later, I got a call from the parts department - and they told me that the part is no longer available from Mercedes Parts - they are all sold out and not making any more! This seems really surprising. Sure, my car is a 2011, but this seems a little surprising!
When I asked them, they said that for the Keyless-Go keys, they said it was not possible to program an "old" Keyless Go key to my car - they had to come from Mercedes. This kind of choked me, as I do not currently have a working Keyless-Go key for the car.
Is this all true?
I guess I will be in touch with BenzNinja - always happy to support the community anyway
Last edited by spender99; Feb 5, 2024 at 11:19 PM.
Thanks - but it does show up as a discontinued product for me at that link.
I'm a little surprised that MB would discontinue such a "key" part for a car as this - but I guess it is basically a car that hasn't been made for almost 15 years... (W164)
2015 SL400 (M276 Turbo), 2014 C350 Sport (M276 NA), 2004 SL500 (M113), 2004 Audi TT225 (BEA)
This made me check the Keyless Go part number for my 2014 C350 and it also has been DISCONTINUED. However, the one for my 2015 SL400 has not. They look exactly the same. I need to check for part numbers under the battery cover.
2015 SL400 (M276 Turbo), 2014 C350 Sport (M276 NA), 2004 SL500 (M113), 2004 Audi TT225 (BEA)
Not sure if this will help or not. I checked the numbers under the battery cover for both my 2014 C350 (top) and my 2015 SL400 (bottom), both with Keyless Go. Not sure if the 204Y51000200 and 204Y51100200 are part numbers. The model numbers for the fobs are as follows:
I ordered one of those from Amazon based on JettaRed's suggestion (matched FCC id), so we'll see! Also I have a found a local locksmith who has offered me a "Keyless Go works or no charge" guarantee with a key that he will supply, so I will give him a try next week.
I was in at Mercedes Parts and even the parts guys were saying that even they don't like the fact that their prox keys have so many possibilities of internals, but all look virtually identical on the outside!
I have the same issue with my 2013 E550 coupe, KG fobs discontinued.. I ended up getting 2 non-KG fobs and dealer said these are "last in stock". Once depleted, no more available. Sent my only original non-working KG fob to Northridgefix in Cali. to hopefully be fixed for about $300.
So, good news, I was able to get a Keyless Go fob from a locksmith here in my city. It is an aftermarket one, but it definitely works! So, there is hope for getting Keyless Go fobs at sources other than the dealer.
Ok, so I have an update on the key situation. The key they ordered for me (pictured above) turned out to be the WRONG key for Keyless Go, it was part 230-905-07-39-9999 (BTW, I could not see this number anywhere on the key above but it was on the invoice). This was confirmed when I brought the car in so the techs could check the programming.
They then told me that I had to buy a new key, the correct one, part 204-905-62-02-9999, and just as JettaRed suggested they might, they gave the first one to me for free (although, props to the dealer, they offered this right away). However, a week later, I got a call from the parts department - and they told me that the part is no longer available from Mercedes Parts - they are all sold out and not making any more! This seems really surprising. Sure, my car is a 2011, but this seems a little surprising!
When I asked them, they said that for the Keyless-Go keys, they said it was not possible to program an "old" Keyless Go key to my car - they had to come from Mercedes. This kind of choked me, as I do not currently have a working Keyless-Go key for the car.
Is this all true?
I guess I will be in touch with BenzNinja - always happy to support the community anyway
Do you still have the 230-905-07-39-9999 key fob? I will buy it!
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