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.

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.

that's about the best you're going to get

Yes, I was pleasantly surprised, I was expecting $300+ per key.

$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 !

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.

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.

The old keys may be p[ossible to salvage if your card doesn't have keylessgo

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.

I have an 04 S600 with keyless go also, and the best dealer quote I could get was around $450/key including the KG coding.

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)

Currently I'm not in NY. The dealer I was referring to is in Arkansas. Not sure what the dealer prices are in general for NY. BUT I DO KNOW a shop in Staten Island that I have dealt with. They can program your keys pretty much on the spot. They are called "Payless Car Keys". They rebuilt my EIS and also programmed a new key. And both worked flawlessly. I would recommend them. I think they also charge $250. Here's their website:

http://paylesscarkeys.com