SL/R230: Cheap and easy chrome key option for 03-06s
Thread Starter
Member
Joined: May 2013
Posts: 230
Likes: 27
From: Maryland
MBs: SL55, GLK350
Cheap and easy chrome key option for 03-06s
Just posting this as an FYI, there is now an aftermarket replacement keyshell available with chrome wrap that the 03-06 style key circuit board will slide right into! For about $20 you get a much nicer look and fresh hard buttons. Great option if your current fob works, and much cheaper than the $300 for a new chrome key 
Pictures attached. On the bottom, a new style factory key I ordered as a replacement for my SL. In the middle, one of the factory key fobs for my car. And on the top, the new aftermarket shell with factory board already swapped in.
The MB logo is slightly off but I'm still extremely pleased. The logo does not come attached and had to be glued in myself. A blank disc comes pre-fitted with the emblem in a bag.
I ordered this from "key ecu" on eBay though there are a few vendors with them.
Swapping the circuit board takes just minutes, super easy and does not require damaging the factory key shell. tons of YouTube videos available with how-to.
The factory mechanical cut key slots right in properly.
Those with a keen eye and good MB knowledge may recognize this key is a copy of the one used on the early SLR McLaren. The early maybachs also used this key shell but with a maybach logo instead. The difference is this key has chromed plastic, it is not metal.
Pictures attached. On the bottom, a new style factory key I ordered as a replacement for my SL. In the middle, one of the factory key fobs for my car. And on the top, the new aftermarket shell with factory board already swapped in.
The MB logo is slightly off but I'm still extremely pleased. The logo does not come attached and had to be glued in myself. A blank disc comes pre-fitted with the emblem in a bag.
I ordered this from "key ecu" on eBay though there are a few vendors with them.
Swapping the circuit board takes just minutes, super easy and does not require damaging the factory key shell. tons of YouTube videos available with how-to.
The factory mechanical cut key slots right in properly.
Those with a keen eye and good MB knowledge may recognize this key is a copy of the one used on the early SLR McLaren. The early maybachs also used this key shell but with a maybach logo instead. The difference is this key has chromed plastic, it is not metal.
Last edited by dRockSL55; Aug 10, 2017 at 06:29 PM.
Super Member
Joined: Oct 2012
Posts: 538
Likes: 89
From: Hollywood, CA
W209, W124
As this is just a shell for an existing circuit board, it will work as well as the key it was removed from. No better, not worse.
So if it was KG, it will work as KG.
I have fixed a bunch of keys and moved guts from older style to newer, the leading cause of broken keys is cracked buttons letting in water and dirt.
So this is a great way to spruce up your key and keep it from getting ruined at same time.
Win/Win
So if it was KG, it will work as KG.
I have fixed a bunch of keys and moved guts from older style to newer, the leading cause of broken keys is cracked buttons letting in water and dirt.
So this is a great way to spruce up your key and keep it from getting ruined at same time.
Win/Win
Thread Starter
Member
Joined: May 2013
Posts: 230
Likes: 27
From: Maryland
MBs: SL55, GLK350
Here is a link to the actual item I purchased,
http://pages.ebay.com/link/?nav=item...obalID=EBAY-US
Member
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 103
Likes: 7
From: Arlington TN
2005 SL500
I ordered two chrome keys for my 05 SL500. However, the battery holder in the new keys are 4 TIMES the thickness of the OEM battery holder, thereby not allowing me to fit computer chip and battery into new key fob. Did anyone else have the same issues???
Super Member
Joined: Oct 2012
Posts: 538
Likes: 89
From: Hollywood, CA
W209, W124
Also, did you buy from the OP's link or elsewhere?
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Member
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 103
Likes: 7
From: Arlington TN
2005 SL500
Here is a pic. You can see the difference in the battery holder for the OEM key on the bottom and the chrome key on top. I contacted the seller and they indicated there are two types of keys, and I should wait on them to provide the appropriate battery holder.
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Super Member
Joined: Oct 2012
Posts: 538
Likes: 89
From: Hollywood, CA
W209, W124
Looks like they forgot there was going to be a circuit board in there.
Can you use the old battery holder in new case?
Did you buy from the same link above?
If so, curious how his worked
Member
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 103
Likes: 7
From: Arlington TN
2005 SL500
I tried trimming the chrome battery holder so it could fit into the shell with the circuit board. However, the battery terminals on the old key are not in the same place on the new chrome key - so, the battery wont power the circuit board. I did order from the same link. I'm waiting to see if they send me new battery holders.
