TERRYW222

Just bought a 2018 S450 from CARMAX with only one key , call the dealer to dublicate a car key ,I was told it cost about $1000.00 , is that any way we can get a dublicate cary key with cheaper rate . Can i use the mbrace app as a car key ?
BTW I　have a TESLA MODEL Y , THE KEY CARD ONLY COST FOR 2 for 40 . Much lower than the MB.

BenzNinja

iTrader: (4)

they are crazy, a key cost around 470 they don't duplicate they just order another one preprogrammed for you

Lou B

Been there, done that.
That's the way it is.
By the way, the second new key does NOT come in programmed for your unit. You have to take your car to the dealer and they will program it there.

S_W222

That is not very uncommon. Pretty much normal for some dealers to quote you that number, if you search/read online. You might want to shop around and ask other dealers to get closer to the 500-600 USD mark including programming.
Important: When you get your 2nd key programmed, make sure to ask the dealer to remove the 2nd lost key!.

As for the Tesla key cards, well, you can't compare the technology between these two cars. Mbenz, "technology wise", even when comparing a 2024 Mbenz to a 5-6 years old Tesla (i.e.: 2018-2019), the benz will feel super outdated tech wise. Tesla doesn't need a key (phone is a fully functional key), and if you need a key, you don't even need to order it from Tesla. In fact, they no longer sell keys. My 2023 Tesla came without keys (only cars and of course phone app integration). You can buy any NFC key-card, ring, or whatever from Amazon or anywhere for 5 bucks, and program it yourself from the Tesla car settings (as long as you have one of the main/original keys at the same time during programming for security purposes). The card can be removed from the car any-time and get programmed to another. All my BMWs from 2020 and after had the NFC card to be honest (but the app integration was not as got until 2023 model years). Meanwhile Mbenz is still trying to figure out the phone as a key option!. My new-to-me 2022 Mbenz doesn't have a key card or phone as a key option, and I learned recently that even W223 for the model year 2024 still don't offer that. Bummer.... Love my new benz but it feels like a luxury old classic car compared to my Tesla. The drive assist, the phone as a key, the software integration, smoothness of the touchscreen and infotainment, etc... It really forced me to appreciate my Tesla in certain areas, even when compared to a new S-class or GLS... Having said that, don't get me wrong, I am very glad I added a benz than another Tesla to the car family, no doubt about it. I'd rather own one Mbenz or BMW than one Tesla, but if owning multiple cars is an option, a Tesla has to be part of the mix IMO.

Mitch Alsup

Key was $470±
Having Tech make car understand new key is $150±

TERRYW222

I lives in Los Angeles , called several dealers give me quote about 700-800 for the key , plus labor and tax , it looking around $1000 total .Anyone tried to connect the car with MBRACE , can you start or lock& unlock with the MBRACE app , if it works I would rather use the app as a car key.

vincheung

App will work for unlock/lock but will not fully replace the key for starting the vehicle to drive.

jiceoo

Has anyone had any luck getting a key for under $1k. I just picked up h a 2018 GLS 550 with only one key.

MrMischief

Why are all these cars coming with just one key?

BenzNinja

iTrader: (4)

they don't

MrMischief

Every S class I look at the dealers only ever have one key and fob. I’ve read may threads here with guys saying they only received one key with their car. So what does a key cost through Benzninja if you have a membership?


Rich

BenzNinja

iTrader: (4)

wow that is ridiculous so if you loose your key you just stand in the street until MB can get you one....



Article from German Car Magazine translated for you:
dated June 23 2022Mercedes delivers cars, but keys are missingAt Mercedes, the vehicle keys are tight. Various compacts and SUVs are delivered with just one key, the second should follow "later". The reasons are unclear.
According to the mbassion.de website, Mercedes-Benz is delivering vehicles of various series without a second key due to a bottleneck. "All compact models as well as that are affected GLE -Model and GLS ", says the portal. No reason for the bottleneck is given.

A-Class and GLE with a key

Specifically, the following series would be delivered with just one vehicle key: the compact models A class , CLA, GLA, GLB, EQA and EQB of the 177, 118 series, W / H / X 247, H / X 243 as well as large SUVs of the GLE, GLE Coupé and GLS series (167 series).



Customers who only received a key to their car would be informed in writing in advance. The second key would be delivered in the fourth quarter of 2022, the portal continued. The idea that under no circumstances should the key of the new car be lost could trigger anxiety for some buyers.

A statement from Mercedes on a request from auto-motor-und-sport.de is still pending.

conclusion

Mercedes currently delivers models of the compact series as well as large SUVs with only one key. The second key will be delivered later. The reasons for the bottleneck can only be speculated.





Meaning they are supposed to give two keys but..........

BenzNinja

iTrader: (4)

we don't make keys, never will
Only option is the dealer or
A locksmith, he will likely need to read out your ignition switch on bench

option 1 +-$470
option 2 +- 175-200

will_atl

I’ve had to purchase two keys, for different cars. My first was for a CLS, and with that I learned! You have to go to the dealer, with proof of identity and ownership of the vehicle, they then order the key fob, and the laser cut blade (spare key) that is inside the fob. When they get those in, it’s an hours labor to code the fob to the car. It was $6/700 all in. When I bought my son his C Class, it only came with one key, so I used the $1,000 replacement cost to negotiate down the price.

as.thompson

I have wondered that myself many times.

I suspect that a lot of people put their second key away in a junk drawer or similar and then forget where it is when they trade in the car. And the dealers apparently do not require them to produce the second key or pay to have one for the sale. Almost like trading in the car with the passenger seat cushion missing.

MrMischief

So that’s why the online car buying dealers like Car Max always ask if you have 2 keys or just one.

BenzNinja

iTrader: (4)

Maybe even a "last moment move" to make when you buy the car.
Agree on price, then say "I want two keys for that price"
most pay only $200 for a key it should work and you would save $500-750