SL/R129: Security System Question
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Junior Member
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 42
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From: Newport Beach, CA
1992 Mercedes 300E
Security System Question
I think my local mechanic is trying to pull a fast one on me. My SL has been in the shop for over a year, and they are telling me that it had a problem with the security system, and they are telling me that they had to purchase a new key and synchronize it with a new computer. They are telling me that when the key is inserted in the ignition, that some electronics in the key fob communicate with electronics in the ignition. I do not believe that this is the case for my 1996 SL. On 1999+ I think this may be true as I see an additional ring around the ignition that I do not have on my 1996. I have also taken apart a transmitter for a 1996 SL and see nothing in there that would indicate this capability.
So, the question is, is there something in the key fob that communicates with the cars security system other than to lock and unlock the doors on a 1996 SL?
Anyone have any feedback here? Thanks!
So, the question is, is there something in the key fob that communicates with the cars security system other than to lock and unlock the doors on a 1996 SL?
Anyone have any feedback here? Thanks!
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 2,447
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From: UK
SL55 AMG
You're correct. The 1996 key is nothing more than a metal key and an infra-red transmitter which transmits a static code to the car, with a receiver under the rear-view mirror or (sometimes) in the driver's door handle where the red/green light bulbs are which may or may not have burned out by now.
I've never bought a replacement key and it's possible there is some learning process, but it's not like the current smary key.
My guess is they lost the key and had to get you a new one. Why would you leave the car in the shop fo a year or more?
I've never bought a replacement key and it's possible there is some learning process, but it's not like the current smary key.
My guess is they lost the key and had to get you a new one. Why would you leave the car in the shop fo a year or more?
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 42
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From: Newport Beach, CA
1992 Mercedes 300E
Thanks, blueSL! Just as I suspected! I actually bought a used remote control for my SL off of eBay just because I wanted to red plastic lens. I ended up taking it apart to get the lens out, and still have the guts to it. It looks just like regular circuitry to me.
You and I actually corresponded a few months ago. My car went into the shop on Sept 8 of last year for a transmission problem similar to the one that yours had (clunking noise upon stop). It took them 5 months to get that fixed, and from what I understand it may not be actually fixed. The they were unable to start the car due to some kind of "security system problem" and kind of lost interest in working on it.
When I visited them last week, they told me that they were able to get it to start after ordering a new computer, and then ordering a new key and coding it to the new computer.
My guess is that between all the power up/power down/power up/ power down associated with the other work done, plus swapping components (they told me that they swapped both the regular computer and the main computer with another SL), that they somehow damaged the computer. I am a bit anxious about the bill because I do not feel like I should pay for it if this is the case.
Thank you for all of your input. Like I promised you before, I will let you know the outcome, but there just hasn't been any yet. They told me that I should have it back this coming week.
Mike.....
You and I actually corresponded a few months ago. My car went into the shop on Sept 8 of last year for a transmission problem similar to the one that yours had (clunking noise upon stop). It took them 5 months to get that fixed, and from what I understand it may not be actually fixed. The they were unable to start the car due to some kind of "security system problem" and kind of lost interest in working on it.
When I visited them last week, they told me that they were able to get it to start after ordering a new computer, and then ordering a new key and coding it to the new computer.
My guess is that between all the power up/power down/power up/ power down associated with the other work done, plus swapping components (they told me that they swapped both the regular computer and the main computer with another SL), that they somehow damaged the computer. I am a bit anxious about the bill because I do not feel like I should pay for it if this is the case.
Thank you for all of your input. Like I promised you before, I will let you know the outcome, but there just hasn't been any yet. They told me that I should have it back this coming week.
Mike.....
Member
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 128
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From: California
1986 190D 2.5 (W201), 1999 SLK230 (R107), 2000 S500 , 2001 SL500, 2005 G55 Grand edition 327 of 500
You may consider another independent repair facility, because of all the problems that you have mentioned, it seems like a long time to have it fixed. I have used an independent Mercedes Shop here in whittier, Ca for the last 13 years, maybe you ought to give them a call
Henry's Auto repair
Talk to Tony or Kim @ 562 693 1036
Henry's Auto repair
Talk to Tony or Kim @ 562 693 1036
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From: Brooklyn
i remember afew years ago when my father bought a 1995 SL500. i only came with one key and the guy said he ordered a second key and it will be here soon. when he got the key he had to go to an MB dealer to get it programed. so i guess you have to program it.
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 42
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From: Newport Beach, CA
1992 Mercedes 300E
Originally Posted by Lov2xlr8
i remember afew years ago when my father bought a 1995 SL500. i only came with one key and the guy said he ordered a second key and it will be here soon. when he got the key he had to go to an MB dealer to get it programed. so i guess you have to program it.
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