SL/R129: Calling all R129 owners help needed
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Jul 2017
Posts: 55
Likes: 4
R129/SL500
Calling all R129 owners help needed
Anyone know any owners of older mercedes cars SL280/300/320/500 and 600
Not sure if any of you know someone with an older Mercedes R129 which includes all the SL models from 1997-2002. Mercedes is no longer making keys for these models and they have been back ordered for a few months now with no estimate if or when they will ever be returned to stock.
These are a unique chipped key and you can't get a locksmith to make you a key. When these were first sold the car comes with 2 remote/fobs with a fold out key, a master key, and a valet key taking up 4 of the 8 available security keys for that car. These keys have a code installed on them. When any of the original keys is used the DAS checks the code against the stored codes. If it matches the DAS sends a signal to the ECU to start the car. While this is happening an induction coil that reads the code then sends a random code to the key. There is no way to read that new code on the key or in the DAS.
If you ordered a new key they would install one of the 4 remaining codes to that key along with the cut profile. Once used the key would now have a random code. Once all 8 codes have been assigned you are SOL and couldn't get any more keys even if they were available.
The reason I am posting this is many owners of these cars are unaware until it is too late. Mercedes doesn't care if they **** off 10 owners. But if a bunch of SL/R129 start calling looking for keys they "might" be more inclined to help? You need a VIN# to even inquire about keys.
Please tell as many people as you think this might help. Feel free to post elsewhere.
Thanks
Mark
These are a unique chipped key and you can't get a locksmith to make you a key. When these were first sold the car comes with 2 remote/fobs with a fold out key, a master key, and a valet key taking up 4 of the 8 available security keys for that car. These keys have a code installed on them. When any of the original keys is used the DAS checks the code against the stored codes. If it matches the DAS sends a signal to the ECU to start the car. While this is happening an induction coil that reads the code then sends a random code to the key. There is no way to read that new code on the key or in the DAS.
If you ordered a new key they would install one of the 4 remaining codes to that key along with the cut profile. Once used the key would now have a random code. Once all 8 codes have been assigned you are SOL and couldn't get any more keys even if they were available.
The reason I am posting this is many owners of these cars are unaware until it is too late. Mercedes doesn't care if they **** off 10 owners. But if a bunch of SL/R129 start calling looking for keys they "might" be more inclined to help? You need a VIN# to even inquire about keys.
Please tell as many people as you think this might help. Feel free to post elsewhere.
Thanks
Mark
Last edited by thealien; Aug 3, 2017 at 06:41 AM.
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Jul 2017
Posts: 55
Likes: 4
R129/SL500
And here is someone who joined this forum looking for answers
https://mbworld.org/forums/sl-class-...-97-sl320.html
I've even contacted a few members here very knowledgeable with everything Mercedes Benz. When I private messaged one of them he said impossible, just visit a local MB dealer. When I Sent him my VIN# and asked him to check for himself I never heard back. Please everyone with an R129 even if you don't need keys call or visit your local dealer(s) and inquire about replacement keys (flip key, Master key, Valet key are all back ordered). The more inquiries the better chance this will be resolved.
Thanks
https://mbworld.org/forums/sl-class-...-97-sl320.html
I've even contacted a few members here very knowledgeable with everything Mercedes Benz. When I private messaged one of them he said impossible, just visit a local MB dealer. When I Sent him my VIN# and asked him to check for himself I never heard back. Please everyone with an R129 even if you don't need keys call or visit your local dealer(s) and inquire about replacement keys (flip key, Master key, Valet key are all back ordered). The more inquiries the better chance this will be resolved.
Thanks
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Jul 2017
Posts: 55
Likes: 4
R129/SL500
I just want to add this is still going on with no end in sight.
I was recently told by someone on this forum that I am misleading him and the forum regarding this issue. I am not sure where he got the idea that I was able to order a key and am just waiting for it but that is not true. I tried ordering a key from Hanover Mercedes Benz in Hanover MA and he informed me they are on back order. I asked if I could pay and order a key so if they start coming in in small batches that I would be guaranteed a key. He said you understand this could be 6 months or so and I replied I understood. When he went to try and place an order for they key it would not let him.
So if anyone can order a key for there 1997-2002 R129 I would love to here from you.
Thanks
Mark
I was recently told by someone on this forum that I am misleading him and the forum regarding this issue. I am not sure where he got the idea that I was able to order a key and am just waiting for it but that is not true. I tried ordering a key from Hanover Mercedes Benz in Hanover MA and he informed me they are on back order. I asked if I could pay and order a key so if they start coming in in small batches that I would be guaranteed a key. He said you understand this could be 6 months or so and I replied I understood. When he went to try and place an order for they key it would not let him.
So if anyone can order a key for there 1997-2002 R129 I would love to here from you.
Thanks
Mark
Member
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 109
Likes: 6
From: Seattle
2002 G500, 1961 190b, 2001 SL500 Sport
So long as you can get the cut key made, which probably isn't easy but probably not impossible, you can switch to an aftermarket alarm and then you wouldn't run out of codes because you wouldn't be using one, correct?
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Jul 2017
Posts: 55
Likes: 4
R129/SL500
Incorrect, on 1997-2002 R129 (and another series?)? have a DAS (drive authorization system) which needs to read a code from a key (or a chip placed near the ignition tumbler) or the DAS will not give the ECU permission to start. I'm sure smarter people than I can figure a work around but I haven't found it.
From what I understand the fobs and alarm are separate. Someone talked about getting something installed that would work as separate fobs for lock/unlock and a way to start the car. I have not heard from that person if he was successful or not!
Newbie
Joined: Mar 2018
Posts: 2
Likes: 0
From: Connecticut
280SE, 560SEC, 450SLC, SL 500
Any progress finding keys - 1 year later?
Has anybody made any inroads to determine if these R129 keys will EVER be available?
Wondering where a unified effort could be applied - MB Supply chain managers?
Still frustrated... and amazed at this MB inconsistency after ordering, and quickly getting a perfect factory key for my '70 280SE
volvobob2
Wondering where a unified effort could be applied - MB Supply chain managers?
Still frustrated... and amazed at this MB inconsistency after ordering, and quickly getting a perfect factory key for my '70 280SE
volvobob2
Last edited by volvobob2; Mar 24, 2018 at 10:18 AM. Reason: left R129 chassis number out
Newbie
Joined: May 2018
Posts: 2
Likes: 0
1998 SL500, 2001 S500, 1989 420SEL, 1980 280 SL
R129 key rolling code
Hello, I just made locator to source to cut the key and also program the transponder 2 match up to the available access points in the DAS. I won't be able to get the car to him for a couple of weeks but as soon as I do and if he can make it work that I will post here. The biggest problem I see is that Mercedes will probably have a fit if somebody starts doing this, but I don't understand why, because they wish not to support the car owners with this serious problem.
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Newbie
Joined: May 2018
Posts: 2
Likes: 0
1998 SL500, 2001 S500, 1989 420SEL, 1980 280 SL
R129 key rolling code
Hello, thanks for checking, but not hopeful. They suck. The door lock is not even available, so it sounds more systemic than it appears. I would buy extra locks, and 4 key sets of I could...
