Replacement Smartkey
 

Been reading forum for several years....first post however. Prior wheels 2004 E320.....drove for 11 years with no issues....lucky I guess.

Just bought a new to me (read used) 2015 ML400 from local MB dealer. All good so far. However, dealer couldn't locate second Smartkey upon delivery. They ordered replacement and programmed same. Key works fine but the 'metal' key doesn't fit the door locks. Dealer says they have to order correct metal key by VIN number. Question: the first Smartkey was ordered by VIN so why wasn't the metal key correct? I feel like something isn't right in this transaction. Any thoughts/explanation?

Quinton

All was good for my replacement on my W204. The parts guy insisted that he went out to the car and verified both the fob, and the key. The "emergency key" was a little tricky the first few times he tried it, now it seems fine. Try working with it a little more, it may work...? <shrug> If not, take it back, the metal key should have worked (if cut by the VIN).

When I compared the 'cuts' of the keys to each other they aren't even close to matching. Very puzzling! Thanks!

Quinton

So that you know - the "fob" remote and "metal key" are ordered as separate items - and - the FOB remote comes in "blank" for programming on-site at most dealers - and the metal key comes - however the VIN# and certain ordering protocols specific to the vehilc emust be met to order in either.

Yes - it is screwy - with those protocols in place kindof real hard (or real screwy) to mess up unless two metal keys came in at same time - and Parts/Service gave your metal key to some one else, and vice versa for you.

Since the metal keys come in bagged/labeled by order # - and the keys have no VIN marking - could have been dealer on-site mistake - personally I have NEVER seen MB corp miship a key - ever.

Metal key is cheap replacement for the dealer - and again the metal keys have no VIN marking so I wouldn't worry about a that wrong key floating around somehwere.

Keep the beat !