Most cost effective key replacement?
#1
Super Member
Thread Starter
Most cost effective key replacement?
So about 6 months ago one of my keys quit working and I switched to the spare. A few days ago it got intermittent, and now it's toast too. I have fiddled with both fobs trying new batteries, adjusting the contacts, inspecting the boards, etc. Can't see any problems they just no longer work. The indicator does not light, etc. I don't think it's a problem with the car side of things I just think I'm rough on keys (moisture or physical damage...I work out in the heat and am always bumping into things too). The key guy we use at the car lot says he orders his Mercedes keys from the dealer so it doesn't look like there's an aftermarket option in this area and I was wondering what other people's experience is. If it's a dealer only item, can anyone recommend a dealer that has reasonable pricing? Anything else I should check before I order keys. When it was "intermittent" I was still able to use it by physically inserting the fob but that was fussy/intermittent as well.
#2
Super Member
Thread Starter
Still open to other suggestions but I just called the local dealer and it's only going to be something like $220 a key business to business (I'm a used car dealer), so I'll probably just do that unless someone knows of a better option.
#3
that's about the best you're going to get
#5
Senior Member
$300+ is the retail and no more buy from out of State dealer to save some sales tax like before. The dealer will need to check your ID if match the owner on the register paper to make sure you are the owner. No one except the owner and pick up a new key from dealer !
#6
Member
My local dealer quoted me $250 per key last year and the instructions were just as trustz stated. $220 is probably the best you can get.
#7
Super Member
Thread Starter
There will be no sales tax for me either way, it is my personal driver, but I'm a used car dealer and it's in inventory. Sales tax will ultimately be collected when the car is resold to a consumer. The state prefers to do it that way because then they get the tax on my mark-up as well, lol. Thanks for confirming the pricing I've been hearing. I'm taking a copy of the title up there tomorrow to get the keys ordered.
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#9
Super Member
Thread Starter
Ok, so here's the update: I got new keys. I didn't realize the fob and "master key" are actually separate part numbers so looking at the invoice I could have saved $90 total just for new fobs. $402 and change for two fobs and two physical keys though, not bad!
So now on to the next issue. The keys work but physically have to be inserted. Is there a programming/learn process I have to perform to get them working, or do I need to get the car to a dealer for that now that it's operable? I have an autel scanner at the shop that can perform a lot of coding functions on the car but I haven't messed with keys before.
So now on to the next issue. The keys work but physically have to be inserted. Is there a programming/learn process I have to perform to get them working, or do I need to get the car to a dealer for that now that it's operable? I have an autel scanner at the shop that can perform a lot of coding functions on the car but I haven't messed with keys before.
#11
Junior Member
Are you in New York? Which dealer was that, if you don't mind me asking.......(I need a new key, and my closest dealership is trying to bend me over backwards)
#12
Member
http://paylesscarkeys.com