ML63ENFORCER

Hi, just recently purchased an Iridium Silver 2014 ML63 in Sydney Australia.
Unfortunately for me, it only had one key. The car is the pushbutton Keyless-Go and after some research, it seems to be a dealer only purchase.
They quoted me $1475 for the replacement, including programming, with a 1 week turn around.
Are there no other ways to get a 2nd fob, that does not equate to a monopolistic *** reaming from the dealer ?

prktkljokr

Shop around, I was quoted 5 different prices from 5 different places, then I found a non dealer but registered service and parts centre that could do it it for $600, it was Stuttgart motors in Burswood, Perth, W.A.
Might be worth a call?
https://www.mbstuttgart.com.au/en/desktop/home.html

Or search Ebay for brand new "mercedes keyless go key", you will find new ones for under $200 out of the States or Canada, but it has to be new, you can not use a used key as its locked to the car it came from, the new key will need to be programmed by a locksmith as the dealer wont touch it, so finding a locksmith that has the right gear to do Merc keys in your area will be the next task, but they are around.
See if you can get the part number from the dealer to make sure you are getting the right key, as there are a few different keys and frequencies they run on.

ML63ENFORCER

thanks for the reply and suggestion.
i will try the place you suggested.
hopefully someone else chimes in from Sydney with a suggestion.
the dealer i called said the key alone was $1226, the rest is programming.
i tried calling an automotive locksmith, but he said they did not do my car as it is the same cost as a dealer.
hopefully I can get a get done cheaper.

prktkljokr

I would still do a ring around to some of the German car mechanical places around and just ask the question, they might point you to a locksmith that has the gear and can supply and code the key, its the cost of the equipment to do it thats the problem, if they do them regularly then its worth it.

ML63ENFORCER

I have called several auto locksmiths and they have told me it is dealer only, as they have not released the software to 3rd parties. Looks like it will be $1500

chassis

After exchange rate and removing 10% VAT, that amounts to over USD900 for the fob, three times what it should cost.

Call two Mercedes dealers in each of the largest cities in Australia and see what range of prices you find.

ML63ENFORCER

I called 3 in Sydney and they were all the same price. I will try a Melbourne one, as apparently the keys are shipped from Melbourne.
The most annoying thing, is I have to take the car to the dealer and provide proof of ownership and be registered in their system. They will then order the key, which takes 5 business days. I then need to bring the car back to the dealer and have the key programmed to the car. 2 Trips to the dealer is crazy, as I do not really have any local ones.

I wonder if the ACCC would do anything about Mercedes monopolistic pricing.....

chassis

I needed two trips to the dealer, one to prove ownership and order the fob, the second to drop the car off to have it programmed. The first visit was 10 minutes. The second visit was 4 hours, but they gave me a loaner.

whoover

They really streamlined the process. I needed a key for my 2006 S65 and it took a month to get from Germany. I thought it needed a vote in the Bundestag.

prktkljokr

Yeah most of the locksmiths will say that as the systems can cost up to $30,000 to do keys, you need to find the one that deals in high end cars as they will have the right aftermarket tools for the job.

Have you found any Non dealer service centres that can point you in the right direction, most of these guys know where to get stuff that we dont?

I have a mate that services just Mercedes ( not dealer ), he usually has all the contacts for 99.9% of parts, he is on holiday until the 6th, ill ask him when he is back, He had sourced me some platinum gold unobtanium priced parts before at 1/4 of the price in the past, and seems to have a answer for every Mercedes problem I have come across

ML63ENFORCER

The Dealer you suggested is on Holidays, as was a couple of local specialists. I was going to call them on the 6th. Hopefully they will be able to suggest a place.