mbtech208

This is how to tell if your SmartKey is the updated version. There are 7 or 8 small numbers on the nose of the key, right by the panic button. You have to look closely to see them. If the first three numbers are "221", its the updated key.

tomqbui

What does having an updated smartkey do over the old one? I have 2 keys, one that starts with "221" and one that starts with "217."

P.S. The newest key came from Germany with cool little optional slide buttons (for releasing the metal key) in 4 different colors--black, grey, brown, and blue!

JamE55

What if i have a 213?? What does that mean?

MB-BOB

Thanks, mbtech. I have a "213" key, too, JamE55. I guess that means "old."

JamE55

MB-BOB

How can this be old if i only got the car a few months ago?? Are you saying that MB did not include the new version for the year 2002??

rp430

Hmmmm, one of mine is 213 and the other is 241. What does that suggest??

mbtech208

We've had a rash of bad SmartKeys. Sometimes they fail to unlock the car, or fail to start the engine. They are replaced with the "221" series key. If it's not a 221-series and it still works fine, don't worry about it. But if it starts acting up and it's not a 221, you probably need a new key.

MB-BOB

rp430's comments got me curious, so I just looked at the wife's Smartkey. It's a "241," too, while mine is a "213." Both are as delivered with the car in May, 2001. I guess I'm confused.

RedC230K

I have a 217 with a grey slider tab, and a 221 with a brown slider tab. It annoys me to have two different keys. The 221 has a trunk button and the 217 does not.
What's the deal with the optional slider buttons? Do you order a certain color or are they replacable?

sosh

My E320 key has no numbers on it. Only thing I could find is what appears to be a W in a circle by the lens on the small end

benzomonterey

I have one new and one old