I have a 2000 - S500. One of my remotes is badly work and I am looking to get a replacement. I have two questions:

1 - Can I buy a used remote (say on ebay) and safely reprogram it to work on my car. the instructions I see on this forum suggest that I only need to insert it into the ignition, but there must be more to it than that. How would I program a used remote to work with my vehicle

2 - Mu current remote is an older style with the all-vinyl cover. Will a newer type with the chrome accent cover work on my car?

Thanks for the help.

 

I doubt it, I think it most likely need to be programmed by a dealer. The one key that is not working, could it just need a battery or is it damaged? These keys usually work flawlessly and all they need is batteries every few years.

 

You cannot re-program or buy them anywhere besides the dealer. You will get an updated chrome key when you purchase it.

 

there was a typo in my post. I meant to say that the remote is badly worn. It actually works OK, but the cover is damaged and the internals of the remote are exposed. I was hoping to get an inexpensive replacement and use the old one as a spare.

 

If you're buying another key to just swap the outer shell, then it should be fine.

The red PANIC button on my remote was cracked so I bought another one and just swap the interior

 

I updated the key on my 2000 S500 with one of the new ones. The only way you can get a new key is through a dealer. MB has made it difficult to get new key made. You will need all your ownership documents, etc.

 

Where did you get the shell?

 

ebay

 

well, my neighbor has an 06 and his key wasn't working

dealer ordered him a new one and I asked him for it

other than that, yeah, ebay has them.