Second Key Fob
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Jan 2025
Posts: 21
Likes: 10
From: SoCal
5 cars, 1 guy, problem
Second Key Fob
Hi Folks, happy almost weekend. I did search somewhat diligently; forgive me if this is a much discussed topic. Just purchased a 2018 S560 sedan, but with only one key. Is there a reasonably priced way to obtain a second key, or is it whatever the dealer wants?
Sold an E39 BMW a couple years ago...the kid put the one and only key on his girlfriend's Audi's roof. She drove away (she was his ride to buy the car). He called a mobile locksmith and that gent straight up remanufactured a key using the trunk. The key locked/unlocked/trunk release etc....it even had a BMW logo on it and looked identical....for $95.
So, figured I'd ask
Sold an E39 BMW a couple years ago...the kid put the one and only key on his girlfriend's Audi's roof. She drove away (she was his ride to buy the car). He called a mobile locksmith and that gent straight up remanufactured a key using the trunk. The key locked/unlocked/trunk release etc....it even had a BMW logo on it and looked identical....for $95.
So, figured I'd ask
Member
Joined: Oct 2023
Posts: 122
Likes: 47
From: Buchanan, SK CANADA
2013 ML350 Bluetec
For my 2013 ML350 I was able to find a local locksmith who made me a clone of the single FOB I received with the car. I got resoundingly flamed here for admitting I had done that but I've got a thick skin and I don't see how my security was compromised by having 2 identical FOBs. I ended up buying a keyless go FOB plus 2 regular FOBs for about half what my dealer wanted for a single keyless go FOB. I'm OK with that no matter what the true believers think. Just to further aggravate the haters, I recently bought an MKX for my wife which also came with a single FOB. For that car I bought a new FOB from Amazon for something like $60 and programmed it myself. As with the ML, we don't feel any diminished level of security. YMMV
MBWorld God!
Joined: Dec 2019
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Likes: 6,342
For my 2013 ML350 I was able to find a local locksmith who made me a clone of the single FOB I received with the car. I got resoundingly flamed here for admitting I had done that but I've got a thick skin and I don't see how my security was compromised by having 2 identical FOBs. I ended up buying a keyless go FOB plus 2 regular FOBs for about half what my dealer wanted for a single keyless go FOB. I'm OK with that no matter what the true believers think. Just to further aggravate the haters, I recently bought an MKX for my wife which also came with a single FOB. For that car I bought a new FOB from Amazon for something like $60 and programmed it myself. As with the ML, we don't feel any diminished level of security. YMMV
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Jan 2025
Posts: 21
Likes: 10
From: SoCal
5 cars, 1 guy, problem
So far, seems like dealer or bust. $1000 give or take for a key is yikes.
Super Member
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 975
Likes: 270
From: Fort Worth TX
2020 S560, 2014 SLK55 (Prev. 2016 S65, 2013 SLK350, 2008 CLS63, 2006 E350, 2006 CLS500, 2005 C230K)
MB key security is among the best in the market, for older Gen key it is possible only to "clone" a key which while functional has some downsides if constantly using both keys (they will loose sync).
For newer keys not even that is possible at the moment.
While inconvenient it does have the advantage that no one can make keys so MBs are not targeted for that type of theft.
For newer keys not even that is possible at the moment.
While inconvenient it does have the advantage that no one can make keys so MBs are not targeted for that type of theft.
MBWorld God!
Joined: Dec 2019
Posts: 32,467
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Sigh, I guess there is no other option then. Perhaps when you get a new key, time to put an airtag or tile just in case you forget where it is, for example.
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MBWorld God!
Joined: Dec 2019
Posts: 32,467
Likes: 6,342
MB key security is among the best in the market, for older Gen key it is possible only to "clone" a key which while functional has some downsides if constantly using both keys (they will loose sync).
For newer keys not even that is possible at the moment.
While inconvenient it does have the advantage that no one can make keys so MBs are not targeted for that type of theft.
For newer keys not even that is possible at the moment.
While inconvenient it does have the advantage that no one can make keys so MBs are not targeted for that type of theft.
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Super Member
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 743
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From: Santa Barbara, CA
S550C4, Porsche Cayenne
I always have wondered why there are so many cars sold with only one key. Why do so many owners lose, ignore, discard, keep the second key? Perhaps second keys are like the sock that disappears fro the washing machine...
Super Member
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 975
Likes: 270
From: Fort Worth TX
2020 S560, 2014 SLK55 (Prev. 2016 S65, 2013 SLK350, 2008 CLS63, 2006 E350, 2006 CLS500, 2005 C230K)
It's mostly that the PO forgets the second key at home and the trade in sales person doesn't really care.
MBWorld God!
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(Kidding)
MBWorld God!
Joined: Dec 2019
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MBWorld Fanatic!
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2019 S560, 2015 Honda Civic Hybrid
I'm in the same boat ... one key from the seller. On my list of things to go talk to the dealer and see what is involved and how much $ to get another key.
BTW, wasn't entirely clear if previous posts were asking about a duplicate that would just unlock doors, or actually have full functionality to operate the car. Doesn't 'Mercedes Me' have some remote locking/unlocking functionality? And remote start? If you can remote start using the app, can you then put the car in gear and drive it?
One other thought, a person could take the 'emergency' key out of the fob and put it somewhere safe so at least they could unlock the car if the fob was lost
BTW, wasn't entirely clear if previous posts were asking about a duplicate that would just unlock doors, or actually have full functionality to operate the car. Doesn't 'Mercedes Me' have some remote locking/unlocking functionality? And remote start? If you can remote start using the app, can you then put the car in gear and drive it?
One other thought, a person could take the 'emergency' key out of the fob and put it somewhere safe so at least they could unlock the car if the fob was lost
MBWorld God!
Joined: Dec 2019
Posts: 32,467
Likes: 6,342
I'm in the same boat ... one key from the seller. On my list of things to go talk to the dealer and see what is involved and how much $ to get another key.
BTW, wasn't entirely clear if previous posts were asking about a duplicate that would just unlock doors, or actually have full functionality to operate the car. Doesn't 'Mercedes Me' have some remote locking/unlocking functionality? And remote start? If you can remote start using the app, can you then put the car in gear and drive it?
One other thought, a person could take the 'emergency' key out of the fob and put it somewhere safe so at least they could unlock the car if the fob was lost
BTW, wasn't entirely clear if previous posts were asking about a duplicate that would just unlock doors, or actually have full functionality to operate the car. Doesn't 'Mercedes Me' have some remote locking/unlocking functionality? And remote start? If you can remote start using the app, can you then put the car in gear and drive it?
One other thought, a person could take the 'emergency' key out of the fob and put it somewhere safe so at least they could unlock the car if the fob was lost
