I have an 02 S55 w/o keyless entry and only have one key. Can get one at the dealer for $200 + but see some on eBay for much less but of course the dealer says I MUST come to them, prove ownership and the factory will send it, but I don't find their word to be so solid. Has anyone bought a key otherwise and had it programed and where and how? Thanks for any help.

I believe the dealer is your only bet. Ebay is a no no when it comes to keys.

Dealer is the ONLY place you can go.

You own an S 55 and you're worried about a couple hundred bucks for a key?

I don't get it...

The good part is that you should be able to get the new style key.

I read this time and time again, and please i mean this with no disrespect. Just because many of us have the money to buy a s class does not mean we want to spend $200 on a key. It has nothing to do with being cheap its about saving money. We make money by saving it and spending it wisly not pissing it away. So if we can help each other out and not make these comments we all would be better off.

There are many threads about the new key and how different dealers charge different amounts. A number of people have gotten these for about $80. Here's a thread with an invoice and the part numbers. You need the key and the blade, both of which are pre-configured to your VIN. Call different dealers with these part numbers.

https://mbworld.org/forums/sl-class-r230/170448-what-does-2007-key-look-like.html

Keyless Go seems to be $200 consistently. Perhaps the dealers that tell you $200 vs. $80 for the non-KG key are looking at the wrong part number. Also, make sure you order "extra key" as opposed to "lost key replacement." They're different.

when my dealer replaced all my keys because of a No-start issue. One of them didnt work. He told me to insert the key in the ignition and turn it as much as it goes then leave it in there for a couple hours. The key works after that.

great info..question, what is the difference between the extra key or lost key? does it cost more?

hey what does keyless go do for the car?

A replacement key requires the dealer to activate it and deactivate the lost one, for security. I think the key costs the same but service will charge labor for their involvement. A new key just adds itself to the system the first time it's placed in the ignition. The key comes programmed to know which it is.

With KG, you just touch a door handle to unlock the car and press a button to start it, as long as you have the key with you.

By the way, if you are movong from the older bigger smart key to the smaller one, you will see an improvement in range, especially with rolling windows down/up. When I made the switch the range of that feature went from 1 foot to about 10.

Cool, I wondered why the window command required being so close anyway. By the way, how can it unlock from 50 ft but takes 2 ft to roll down windows?

The windows/sunroof open/close function uses the infrared transmitter on the key. Everything else is radio. That's why you have to aim the key at the IR sensor on the door handle.

This is for safety. They want you near the car in case somebody (like a kid inside) gets a limb caught.

is it possible to add kg in a car that does not already have it?

No. There are lots and lots of parts to the system. Even if you were willing to spend the thousands of dollars to install them all, without a KG VIN, there would be no way to get a key card that worked. It's way cheaper just to trade the car for one that has it.

Hello all W220 owners out there. News from the Netherlands.
I recently bought a 2001 S-class (320CDI)
Problem there was only 1 key with it.
I went to the dealer and he read out of the cars memory (or something) there should be 2 more keys than mine.
He blocked these keys so they can't be used to drive off in my car.
I ordered a new one. Took 3 weeks (problem with supplier they told) and cost 286 Euro (approx $350,-) It was not put in the ignition and already was able to unlock and de-activate the alarm. So it was pre-programmed to my car.
A lot of money, but I didn't see another option. (the tail-light from the newer modelyear will just have to wait, but hey, I can live with that).
Secure feeling since last friday is that I at least have a spare key.

Our cars come w/ two electronic ignition keys and a third flat key that I've never really looked at.

You are not being screwed. It is not just a key but is part of a very sophisticated security system. If you could buy replacements cheaply -or even dearly- from Tom, Dick and Harry the system would not be secure would it? The fact that you must order from the factory and that the keys are individually matched to the cars, is why the system is so secure. You buy the best; you want the best security to protect it.

I could be wrong, but I think that is a valet key that only works the doors and ignition - it will not open the glove box or trunk (if locked with the smart key).

Ditto. People say that they are available on eBay, but those things are not worth a second glance. As far as I know, they will not work properly.

Furthermore, if there is any screwing being done to us, I think it is by Daimler-Chrysler, and not the dealers, who are shoving it where the sun doesn't shine.

As far as I know, in the USA, there are no Daimler-owned dealerships - they are all independent franchises that if you believe in Santa Claus, you might also believe that they value their customer base

Just kidding there, my dealer treats me very well, but they are certainly NOT the least expensive place to have your services performed.

That is what I thought, but as I said I have never really looked at it, and obviously, I have never used it. Thanks