key programmer
Newbie
Joined: Apr 2024
Posts: 4
Likes: 1
2013 ml350
your best bet is check facebook market place. I was able to get one done for $200 (Remote only, not cutting key since it is 20 extra) while others are asking for around $300 or more. He got it done withing 20 minutes or less.
Member
Joined: Oct 2023
Posts: 116
Likes: 45
From: Buchanan, SK CANADA
2013 ML350 Bluetec
I live in rural western Canada and I was unable to find anyone local. I found a place in Pennsylvania where I could send my EIS and get a key back. I was reluctant to send the EIS across the border and eventually found a shop closer to home. I pulled the EIS which isn't dead simple but wasn't too hard either. I sent the EIS and my existing FOB by priority mail and received 2 working FOBs back within a week. About a week later I decided I wanted an additional push and go FOB and my supplier was able to provide that without me sending anything other than money. I'm not sure what that means in terms of privacy but I'm happy with the outcome and I ended up with 3 FOBs - 1 push and go plus 2 regular FOBs - for roughly what the MB store wanted for a single key. It was considerably easier than the MB store because they're 3 hours away from me and they wanted to see my car, my registration and photo ID before they would even order the FOBs. Then in 2 or 3 weeks they wanted me back in their shop for a day so they could charge me for "programming".
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Joined: Jan 2013
Posts: 3,745
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From: The Great White North
W204 C63 Coupe, W166 ML350 BlueTEC, 928GT, Taycan GTS Sport Turismo, C5 Z06 & IS300 race cars
It is the car that gets programed for the key fob, not the other way around - and it is the EIS, ESL *AND* ECU that together must authorize a key for the car to start. In other words, all three modules must agree that the code from the key is valid before the car will start, and what the dealership does when you get a new key.
As for the comment above, what the shop must have done was to "replicate" the existing key fob and knock off two more copies instead of adding two new keys to the car. That is illegal and is exactly what thieves do to steal a car, and furthermore defeats the purpose of having separate key fobs. Sure it is cheaper, but then again, so is not having a key in the first place and leaving the car open.
As for the comment above, what the shop must have done was to "replicate" the existing key fob and knock off two more copies instead of adding two new keys to the car. That is illegal and is exactly what thieves do to steal a car, and furthermore defeats the purpose of having separate key fobs. Sure it is cheaper, but then again, so is not having a key in the first place and leaving the car open.
Member
Joined: Oct 2023
Posts: 116
Likes: 45
From: Buchanan, SK CANADA
2013 ML350 Bluetec
I'm a lifetime Ford guy feeling my way into the Mercedes world and this key situation is just one example of the lunacy foisted on the motoring public with a high price and the claim that it is somehow better. Ford PATS is an incredibly secure system that can't be defeated with a simple radio repeater. It first appeared on Towncars in the late 90's and its still secure today. From the owner standpoint, as long as I have two working keys, I can buy a new PATS key for a couple of bucks and introduce it to my ECM in mere minutes. None of this "Must go to the dealer to get hosed" BS that Mercedes is fond of. I'm hoping that once I get the kinks ironed out of this ML I'll settle in to enjoying the ownership experience but trading it into an MKX is still a very real possibility.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jan 2013
Posts: 3,745
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From: The Great White North
W204 C63 Coupe, W166 ML350 BlueTEC, 928GT, Taycan GTS Sport Turismo, C5 Z06 & IS300 race cars
This is one of the most ignorant posts I have read in a LONG time. Thanks for the laugh.
The Ford PATS system is a joke and can be defeated in about 45 seconds. The only reason they could keep using it for as long as they have is because no one (except for drunk kids that want a joyride) steals a Ford. Look up Greines v. Ford.
Please do yourself a favour and trade the Mercedes in for a Ford. Life is too short for you to be unhappy.
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Member
Joined: Oct 2023
Posts: 116
Likes: 45
From: Buchanan, SK CANADA
2013 ML350 Bluetec
Suggesting that there's anything illegal about making copies of your own key is beyond silly. Thanks for the laugh.
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MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jan 2016
Posts: 2,745
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From: In the Shadow of the Tetons
2013 ML350 Bluetec
You're welcome. What's really stupid is overpaying for an inferior experience agree. Its a car, not a lifestyle Can't completely agree; even Subaru promotes a certain lifestyle. Just like Mercedes does. Its got a wheel at each corner and goes from point A to point B. absolutely, but that's not the only thing that driving is about. The goal is that it should do that reliably and economically. Sure, that's A goal, and can certainly be YOUR goal, but it isn't the ONLY goal. If you want "reliably and economically", get a Honda. (DON'T get a Ford, IMHO). If you want to do it with grace, comfort, and style, Mercedes has your back.
Suggesting that there's anything illegal about making copies of your own key is beyond silly. Thanks for the laugh.
Suggesting that there's anything illegal about making copies of your own key is beyond silly. Thanks for the laugh.
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: Apr 2024
Posts: 5
Likes: 1
ML 250
Somehow, my Unimog has made it 64 years without being stolen despite having no door locks and a key that would be easily substituted by a screwdriver. So let's refocus. I feel like a lot of the Facebook marketplace key copiers are scammers, what should I look for that would indicate a legitimate (maybe not official) copier
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 3,122
Likes: 222
From: Milton/Westport, MA USA
me: 2015 SL400 & 2015 ML400; wife: 2022 GLC Coupe; daughter: 2017 GLC SUV
This is one of the most ignorant posts I have read in a LONG time. Thanks for the laugh.
The Ford PATS system is a joke and can be defeated in about 45 seconds. The only reason they could keep using it for as long as they have is because no one (except for drunk kids that want a joyride) steals a Ford. Look up Greines v. Ford.
Please do yourself a favour and trade the Mercedes in for a Ford. Life is too short for you to be unhappy.
Last edited by eddieo45; Apr 30, 2024 at 08:22 AM.
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: Apr 2024
Posts: 5
Likes: 1
ML 250
I'm glad you said it so I didn't have to! Same can be said about the whole thread. OP worried about "loosing" [sic] his only key....I've had 12 Benzes (so far) and have never lost a key. I've purchased a second key once for a car I bought used that only came with one. I shopped around because different dealers charge different prices. I quite happily proved my ownership and identity to an authorized MB dealer who sent me a Keyless Go key for about $300, an amount I'm confident I recouped when I sold the car.
I've had a Sprinter key break, lost a key while canoeing, wife has lost keys, had keys stolen, locked keys in the car, keys have fallen in the water.
But good for you! keep it up.
