SL/R230: DIY: Keyless Go upgrade for '03 models equipped with the Keyless Go 'card'
10-31-2019, 08:40 AM
#26
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I thinks that is an amazingly good buy.
It wouldn't be unusual for the EIS to fail at some point. If that happens you can not obtain a replacement from anywhere, but you can have it repaired for $500 or less. Some repair vendors sell their services on eBay.
It wouldn't be unusual for the EIS to fail at some point. If that happens you can not obtain a replacement from anywhere, but you can have it repaired for $500 or less. Some repair vendors sell their services on eBay.
10-31-2019, 12:15 PM
#29
Banned
But if Europe is like the U.S., then you had to produce documentation to show you own the car with the VIN to which the new EIS is married. Presuming acmw did not get a title along with his parts, then he can not order a new EIS which will work with his existing shifter and engine management controller.
10-31-2019, 08:15 PM
#31
MBworld Guru
They made you show proof of ownership to buy a replacement EIS? Unless it came with a green or orange key to program your car's key codes, then there is no reason for that. In its virgin, unprogrammed state, it would do nothing. The official replacement is to use the green/orange key, but an alternative is to use SDS to copy from your old EIS and download to the new one.
11-01-2019, 02:32 AM
#32
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2005 R 230 SL350 (M112 3.7). Sold the 1966 W113 230SL recently
I left a gremlin infested car at the dealer, and picked up a healthy trouble free car with a new EIS afterwards. I only know that during the process, the car has been online for hours.
11-01-2019, 08:30 AM
#33
MBworld Guru
Yeah, I think using the orange key to download the key codes takes a while. My understanding is that now, dealer techs are only allowed to use an orange key to program a new EIS. The ability to transfer code from an old EIS to a new one has been disabled in SDS (it's still there in developer mode). I think they did this to prevent techs from doing something stupid, like shutting down SDS after the upload from the old EIS. Or, maybe having the EIS code uploaded like that, it allowed hackers access to the key codes. Who knows!?
11-01-2019, 09:47 AM
#34
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I believe this is the case for any theft-related part. If I am mistaken, I hope to be corrected.
Early W220s are only worth around $3000. Rather than spend 40% of that ($1200) with the dealer when an EIS fails, a popular alternative with DIYers is to do what acmw did and purchase a used set of components for around $400. I presume if a virgin EIS could be had, then DIYers would go that route.
Early W220s are only worth around $3000. Rather than spend 40% of that ($1200) with the dealer when an EIS fails, a popular alternative with DIYers is to do what acmw did and purchase a used set of components for around $400. I presume if a virgin EIS could be had, then DIYers would go that route.
11-01-2019, 12:10 PM
#35
I believe this is the case for any theft-related part. If I am mistaken, I hope to be corrected.
Early W220s are only worth around $3000. Rather than spend 40% of that ($1200) with the dealer when an EIS fails, a popular alternative with DIYers is to do what acmw did and purchase a used set of components for around $400. I presume if a virgin EIS could be had, then DIYers would go that route.
Early W220s are only worth around $3000. Rather than spend 40% of that ($1200) with the dealer when an EIS fails, a popular alternative with DIYers is to do what acmw did and purchase a used set of components for around $400. I presume if a virgin EIS could be had, then DIYers would go that route.
https://www.ebay.com/itm/MERCEDES-16...sAAOSwnHZYclZI
06-13-2020, 09:25 AM
#36
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2002 SL500 & 2013 SL500
Key Upgrade P/N A230 766 03 06 9999
To ArrArr
I am clear on the RG module upgrade with P/N A230 545 1232 and see these are avl in used parts catalogues.
I called my local MB dealer and gave them the new key P/N A230 766 03 06 9999 and he says it is not listed. I have two keys that came with the car - the older all black key (with the thin metal emergency key, and the chrome version key and one credit card sized chip card - which has worked but now am getting the ‘chip not recognised’ signal - so accessing the car and starting the engine has to be done with the infrared keys - hence thinking about the upgrade.
Is the P/N (A230...9999) you are suggesting
for this key a universal one ? As I understand it - Merc will want to order me a key against my VIN number and that key would not be compatible with the newer RG module ?
I am clear on the RG module upgrade with P/N A230 545 1232 and see these are avl in used parts catalogues.
I called my local MB dealer and gave them the new key P/N A230 766 03 06 9999 and he says it is not listed. I have two keys that came with the car - the older all black key (with the thin metal emergency key, and the chrome version key and one credit card sized chip card - which has worked but now am getting the ‘chip not recognised’ signal - so accessing the car and starting the engine has to be done with the infrared keys - hence thinking about the upgrade.
Is the P/N (A230...9999) you are suggesting
for this key a universal one ? As I understand it - Merc will want to order me a key against my VIN number and that key would not be compatible with the newer RG module ?
06-13-2020, 09:35 AM
#37
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R230
Replacing keyless go module and getting a new key
To ArrArr
I am clear on the RG module upgrade with P/N A230 545 1232 and see these are avl in used parts catalogues.
I called my local MB dealer and gave them the new key P/N A230 766 03 06 9999 and he says it is not listed. I have two keys that came with the car - the older all black key (with the thin metal emergency key, and the chrome version key and one credit card sized chip card - which has worked but now am getting the ‘chip not recognised’ signal - so accessing the car and starting the engine has to be done with the infrared keys - hence thinking about the upgrade.
Is the P/N (A230...9999) you are suggesting
for this key a universal one ? As I understand it - Merc will want to order me a key against my VIN number and that key would not be compatible with the newer RG module ?
I am clear on the RG module upgrade with P/N A230 545 1232 and see these are avl in used parts catalogues.
I called my local MB dealer and gave them the new key P/N A230 766 03 06 9999 and he says it is not listed. I have two keys that came with the car - the older all black key (with the thin metal emergency key, and the chrome version key and one credit card sized chip card - which has worked but now am getting the ‘chip not recognised’ signal - so accessing the car and starting the engine has to be done with the infrared keys - hence thinking about the upgrade.
Is the P/N (A230...9999) you are suggesting
for this key a universal one ? As I understand it - Merc will want to order me a key against my VIN number and that key would not be compatible with the newer RG module ?
I think it cost me about 25 or $30 on eBay
06-28-2020, 07:44 PM
#38
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W208 55 & R170 230
Brought a 03 Sl55 recently., ... Came with one key with the chrome ., Obviously no key card, ..
I do not know and the seller do not know if it has keyless go, whats the best way to find out., ?
thanks
I do not know and the seller do not know if it has keyless go, whats the best way to find out., ?
thanks
06-28-2020, 07:55 PM
#39
06-28-2020, 07:58 PM
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R230
Look up equipment
07-13-2020, 07:28 PM
#42
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2003 SL500
I have a quick question on this subject if someone doesn't mind answering -
It seems that we can no longer get the keyless-go "credit card" style cards - and it appears they can't be reprogrammed (or at least that's what I understand) - If this is true, why are they still selling the cards on Ebay ?
Thanks
It seems that we can no longer get the keyless-go "credit card" style cards - and it appears they can't be reprogrammed (or at least that's what I understand) - If this is true, why are they still selling the cards on Ebay ?
Thanks
07-14-2020, 07:14 AM
#43
Banned
07-14-2020, 07:21 AM
#44
I have a quick question on this subject if someone doesn't mind answering -
It seems that we can no longer get the keyless-go "credit card" style cards - and it appears they can't be reprogrammed (or at least that's what I understand) - If this is true, why are they still selling the cards on Ebay ?
Thanks
It seems that we can no longer get the keyless-go "credit card" style cards - and it appears they can't be reprogrammed (or at least that's what I understand) - If this is true, why are they still selling the cards on Ebay ?
Thanks
here is my old one I explored
read this chip out and copy it to new used car, or unsolder and transfer done
I did this 4 years ago for fun
I did convert to keyless go in key, did not want that ridiculous card
07-19-2021, 08:12 PM
#45
Newbie
One more in the success column! Thanks, ArrArr, for the detailed run down and Rudeney for the explanations, clarifications, and references.
Mine is a 2003 SL500. She's beautiful and only has a few nits for me to address. The previous owner did the module (A2305451232) and I ordered the key (A23076603069999) from my local dealer. The key worked on arrival - locks and ignition. No "computing" messages. I still tried the teach-in steps with no luck getting the KG to work. From Rudeney's post, and the referenced GF80.30-P-3002RS, I assumed it needed SDS magic. One quick appointment later and it all works as planned/hoped.
I was anticipating a battle, convincing dealership folks to go along with the plan, in fact when I initially called, I was told they would not support a non-standard configuration. They wouldn't even let me speak to a tech to discuss the approach. I printed out the details and just stopped in the next time I was in the area. The most push back I got this time was "are you sure?". He was happy to order the key but just wanted to make sure I knew it was all plastic, no chrome
.
When I had to go back for them to program the key, the service writer I got was much more understanding than the guy I spoke to on the phone. Just random luck. I explained that my understanding was they would just have to move the key to track 1 or 2 (per excellent references above). He only asked that I send as much background and docs as I could. It ended up being completely straight forward, they were just unfamiliar with the "upgrade". Specifically, they programmed the new key to track #1 (key #6!).
So, $365 for the key, which I needed anyway because the car only came with 1, + $136 for the programming.
Of my short list of nits, this one got me big points with the boss! Thanks again for the script.
Mine is a 2003 SL500. She's beautiful and only has a few nits for me to address. The previous owner did the module (A2305451232) and I ordered the key (A23076603069999) from my local dealer. The key worked on arrival - locks and ignition. No "computing" messages. I still tried the teach-in steps with no luck getting the KG to work. From Rudeney's post, and the referenced GF80.30-P-3002RS, I assumed it needed SDS magic. One quick appointment later and it all works as planned/hoped.
I was anticipating a battle, convincing dealership folks to go along with the plan, in fact when I initially called, I was told they would not support a non-standard configuration. They wouldn't even let me speak to a tech to discuss the approach. I printed out the details and just stopped in the next time I was in the area. The most push back I got this time was "are you sure?". He was happy to order the key but just wanted to make sure I knew it was all plastic, no chrome
.When I had to go back for them to program the key, the service writer I got was much more understanding than the guy I spoke to on the phone. Just random luck. I explained that my understanding was they would just have to move the key to track 1 or 2 (per excellent references above). He only asked that I send as much background and docs as I could. It ended up being completely straight forward, they were just unfamiliar with the "upgrade". Specifically, they programmed the new key to track #1 (key #6!).
So, $365 for the key, which I needed anyway because the car only came with 1, + $136 for the programming.
Of my short list of nits, this one got me big points with the boss! Thanks again for the script.
Last edited by ahosmer; 07-19-2021 at 08:17 PM.
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HopefullyE63 (07-27-2021)
04-27-2022, 05:37 PM
#47
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MB SL W230
MB SL W230 2002 Keyless go
I initially posted this over in the SL55 forum (here), but it's likely to be useful to some SL500 members.
It has been discussed over the years, but I couldn't find a thorough, descriptive explanation that covered the process end-to-end, so I thought I'd post it for everyone's benefit.
I successfully upgraded my 2003 SL55 from Keyless Go with card to Keyless Go with Key (heh).
What you'll need:
1. An updated Keyless Go module, ideally from an '04 to '06 SL.
The part number is A2305451232. This is a direct swap. The KG module is *not* keyed/coded against VIN, so you *can* get a used one (I did).
2. A key to match this Keyless Go module.
The part number is A230 766 03 06 9999. Don't bother with eBay keys. Go to your favourite dealer, who hopefully has a parts guy who's willing to work with you.
Step 1: Replace the existing KG module with the updated one
<I should take some photos to describe this somewhat accurately. It's similar to swapping out taillights.>
Location is on driver side, closest to the quarter panel. Same height as tail light, behind the carpeting.
Step 2: Order the new key
When you talk to the parts team to order the new key, they may either not want to order it outright, try to get you an updated part (newer key) or simply say "it's not compatible" (which technically it isn't for your VIN, but you've upgraded your KG module to account for that).
You'll still need to do VIN verification. If the parts dept sends the order for that specific key, for that part number to Mercedes Ft Worth, you *will* get the right key.
Mine cost me ~$400 and took 2 business days to arrive.
Step 3: Register/sync the new key
When you first receive your new key, it won't even unlock the steering wheel.
Leave the key plugged in and you should see 'Computing data' on your instrument cluster.
After ~15-30 minutes this should update (all times are apparently dependent on age and mileage).
At this point you should be able to turn the key to ACC and on to IGN.
Leave the key in IGN. The "Computing data" screen should appear once more.
This step will take several hours to complete. On my car it took ~3.5 hours.
I highly recommend that you turn off the climate control, headlights and radio. And if you have one available, hook up a battery tender/maintainer/charger to your main battery.
After this step completes, take out the key and verify it works to start the car.
Now take out the key and press that 'GO' button!
Step 4: Have a cold one and celebrate your success
It has been discussed over the years, but I couldn't find a thorough, descriptive explanation that covered the process end-to-end, so I thought I'd post it for everyone's benefit.
I successfully upgraded my 2003 SL55 from Keyless Go with card to Keyless Go with Key (heh).
What you'll need:
1. An updated Keyless Go module, ideally from an '04 to '06 SL.
The part number is A2305451232. This is a direct swap. The KG module is *not* keyed/coded against VIN, so you *can* get a used one (I did).
2. A key to match this Keyless Go module.
The part number is A230 766 03 06 9999. Don't bother with eBay keys. Go to your favourite dealer, who hopefully has a parts guy who's willing to work with you.
Step 1: Replace the existing KG module with the updated one
<I should take some photos to describe this somewhat accurately. It's similar to swapping out taillights.>
Location is on driver side, closest to the quarter panel. Same height as tail light, behind the carpeting.
Step 2: Order the new key
When you talk to the parts team to order the new key, they may either not want to order it outright, try to get you an updated part (newer key) or simply say "it's not compatible" (which technically it isn't for your VIN, but you've upgraded your KG module to account for that).
You'll still need to do VIN verification. If the parts dept sends the order for that specific key, for that part number to Mercedes Ft Worth, you *will* get the right key.
Mine cost me ~$400 and took 2 business days to arrive.
Step 3: Register/sync the new key
When you first receive your new key, it won't even unlock the steering wheel.
Leave the key plugged in and you should see 'Computing data' on your instrument cluster.
After ~15-30 minutes this should update (all times are apparently dependent on age and mileage).
At this point you should be able to turn the key to ACC and on to IGN.
Leave the key in IGN. The "Computing data" screen should appear once more.
This step will take several hours to complete. On my car it took ~3.5 hours.
I highly recommend that you turn off the climate control, headlights and radio. And if you have one available, hook up a battery tender/maintainer/charger to your main battery.
After this step completes, take out the key and verify it works to start the car.
Now take out the key and press that 'GO' button!
Step 4: Have a cold one and celebrate your success
Can you write me in PM?
Thanks
08-11-2022, 12:13 PM
#48
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2022 GLE 450 4MATIC | 2003 SL55 AMG
Another happy customer! Got it to work on my 2003 SL55.
Convinced my Service Rep to order me the A230 766 03 06 9999 key... $500. He was worried MB Ft. Worth wouldn't send it because the part didn't match the VIN, but it arrived at the dealer a couple of days later. Found a KGM from a 2006 SL on eBay, $40. Swapped the KGM in the trunk with the eBay part. (This turned out to be an adventure).
Put the new key in the ignition to start the programming... and nothing. No message on the dash. No 'computing data' or anything.
WTF?? I turned the key to ACC, and it worked. Turned the key to IGN, engine started up. I thought it had to program for several hours?? Shut-off the motor, took out the key... Pushed the Keyless-GO button on the shifter, engine started right up! How was this possible without the programming described above?
Anyway, Keyless GO works on all the doors and the trunk, so the whole system is working fine. I am so relieved to get it working, not only for the convenience of it, but making good on the $500 risk of a non-refundable key.
Two questions:
Convinced my Service Rep to order me the A230 766 03 06 9999 key... $500. He was worried MB Ft. Worth wouldn't send it because the part didn't match the VIN, but it arrived at the dealer a couple of days later. Found a KGM from a 2006 SL on eBay, $40. Swapped the KGM in the trunk with the eBay part. (This turned out to be an adventure).
Put the new key in the ignition to start the programming... and nothing. No message on the dash. No 'computing data' or anything.
WTF?? I turned the key to ACC, and it worked. Turned the key to IGN, engine started up. I thought it had to program for several hours?? Shut-off the motor, took out the key... Pushed the Keyless-GO button on the shifter, engine started right up! How was this possible without the programming described above? Anyway, Keyless GO works on all the doors and the trunk, so the whole system is working fine. I am so relieved to get it working, not only for the convenience of it, but making good on the $500 risk of a non-refundable key.
Two questions:
- How did the new key work without programming it to my car? Did MB do it before shipping? Nobody above mentioned this. When ordering, the Service Rep told me the 9999 on the part number meant it wasn't assigned to a VIN.
- The new key FOB came without a mechanical key. When I picked it up, Service Rep said it was another $50. He didn't mention anything when I first ordered it. I thought this was BS. Can I get one from eBay and can a regular locksmith cut it, or I have to go back to the dealer?
08-11-2022, 12:34 PM
#49
MBWorld Fanatic!
There is no dealer programming of the key itself, all key programming is done before it ships to the dealer and the dealer has no capability to program it. Normally you would need the dealer or someone else with DAS to program the keyless go module for the key track of the new key. In your case, you got lucky and the matched without any changes required.
If you have an existing mechanical key, a locksmith can duplicate it. The easiest is to get a key blank to fit the new fob and then take it to get duplicated. There are 3-4 different blanks available, so make sure you get the correct one.
If you have an existing mechanical key, a locksmith can duplicate it. The easiest is to get a key blank to fit the new fob and then take it to get duplicated. There are 3-4 different blanks available, so make sure you get the correct one.
08-11-2022, 03:46 PM
#50
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Another happy customer! Got it to work on my 2003 SL55.
Convinced my Service Rep to order me the A230 766 03 06 9999 key... $500. He was worried MB Ft. Worth wouldn't send it because the part didn't match the VIN, but it arrived at the dealer a couple of days later. Found a KGM from a 2006 SL on eBay, $40. Swapped the KGM in the trunk with the eBay part. (This turned out to be an adventure).
Put the new key in the ignition to start the programming... and nothing. No message on the dash. No 'computing data' or anything. WTF?? I turned the key to ACC, and it worked. Turned the key to IGN, engine started up. I thought it had to program for several hours?? Shut-off the motor, took out the key... Pushed the Keyless-GO button on the shifter, engine started right up! How was this possible without the programming described above?
Anyway, Keyless GO works on all the doors and the trunk, so the whole system is working fine. I am so relieved to get it working, not only for the convenience of it, but making good on the $500 risk of a non-refundable key.
Two questions:
Convinced my Service Rep to order me the A230 766 03 06 9999 key... $500. He was worried MB Ft. Worth wouldn't send it because the part didn't match the VIN, but it arrived at the dealer a couple of days later. Found a KGM from a 2006 SL on eBay, $40. Swapped the KGM in the trunk with the eBay part. (This turned out to be an adventure).
Put the new key in the ignition to start the programming... and nothing. No message on the dash. No 'computing data' or anything.
WTF?? I turned the key to ACC, and it worked. Turned the key to IGN, engine started up. I thought it had to program for several hours?? Shut-off the motor, took out the key... Pushed the Keyless-GO button on the shifter, engine started right up! How was this possible without the programming described above?Anyway, Keyless GO works on all the doors and the trunk, so the whole system is working fine. I am so relieved to get it working, not only for the convenience of it, but making good on the $500 risk of a non-refundable key.
Two questions:
- How did the new key work without programming it to my car? Did MB do it before shipping? Nobody above mentioned this. When ordering, the Service Rep told me the 9999 on the part number meant it wasn't assigned to a VIN.
- The new key FOB came without a mechanical key. When I picked it up, Service Rep said it was another $50. He didn't mention anything when I first ordered it. I thought this was BS. Can I get one from eBay and can a regular locksmith cut it, or I have to go back to the dealer?
you won the lottery
keys are programmed in one location only
they go to a slot
that must be a free slot and only one of the first 5
above 5 NO keyless go
what happened is that they found in their database that your slot (for example) 4 was free
so they ordered that key for slot 4
keys are ready to go when they arrive
now you bought a KG module that by luck had Slot 4 (so that new key) set to one of the 2 Keyless go slots in the keyless go module
as i said, you won the lottery
