SL/R230: SL550 Duplicate Keys
Member
Joined: Jun 2014
Posts: 238
Likes: 16
From: Chandler, AZ
2003 SL500, 2016 ATS, 2016 CTS 2015 Volt
When my one and only FOB was damaged, I removed the ignition switch and sent it out and had new Fobs programmed for $200 each. Removing the switch was very easy and I was without my car for 4 days. Dealers here wanted around $350 but required that the car be in their possession which was a problem for me since I couldn't start it with the broken FOB.
Super Member
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 744
Likes: 73
From: PNW Wa State
R230, C5 Corvette Convertible, Audi Allroad, Lexus RX350, AE86 Hachi Roku
When my one and only FOB was damaged, I removed the ignition switch and sent it out and had new Fobs programmed for $200 each. Removing the switch was very easy and I was without my car for 4 days. Dealers here wanted around $350 but required that the car be in their possession which was a problem for me since I couldn't start it with the broken FOB.
Keys are widely priced by MB dealer (only) for $175
Unless you po’d the parts/service dept you need to call around
Last guy ^ OMG. You are the reason why MB has such high levels of security. End of subject
MBworld Guru
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 10,782
Likes: 1,011
NO LONGER ACTIVE
I usually get "employee pricing" on part and the lowest price they will give me on a key is about $190. And that's NOT KeylessGo - those are about $100 more.
As for next2pool's sendign the EIS and keys off, yes, you can do that. The guy that did the work downloaded the EEPROM in the EIS and read all of its pre-programmed key codes, then programmed the EEPROM in the keys to match. This is all fairly well documented on The Internet (digitalkaos, *******, etc.) Personally I'd not do this as it's a bit risky. They could destroy the EIS and then your spending $2K at the dealer.
As for next2pool's sendign the EIS and keys off, yes, you can do that. The guy that did the work downloaded the EEPROM in the EIS and read all of its pre-programmed key codes, then programmed the EEPROM in the keys to match. This is all fairly well documented on The Internet (digitalkaos, *******, etc.) Personally I'd not do this as it's a bit risky. They could destroy the EIS and then your spending $2K at the dealer.
Member
Joined: Jun 2014
Posts: 238
Likes: 16
From: Chandler, AZ
2003 SL500, 2016 ATS, 2016 CTS 2015 Volt
You may claim it is the end of subject but that's not your decision to make. There are choices available for people and they can make their own assessment of what works best for them. In this area Fobs are not available for less than $380 from the parts department. The on line services require documentation just like the dealerships do--I don't see how that compromises security especially if it takes 4 days to do. Do you really think a thief will go through that process to steal a car? Some of the best solutions to problems on this site come from people who are willing to research and come up with less expensive yet effective fixes that do not involve the dealerships. Rather than sit there and criticize people, why don't you offer helpful solutions--that is what this site is all about.
Member
Joined: Jul 2017
Posts: 102
Likes: 13
From: Phoenix, AZ
2013 SL550
Had the same problem with my 2013. After a lot of looking I went through the dealer. There may have been cheaper solutions but I knew it would work and security would not be at risk. If I'm careful, I'll never have to do it again.
