SL/R231: Why are keys so expensive????
Joined: Nov 2016
Posts: 7,847
Likes: 3,496
From: Maryland
2015 SL400 (M276 Turbo), 2014 C350 Sport (M276 NA), 2004 SL500 (M113), 2004 Audi TT225 (BEA)
JettaRed, did you get your key replaced recently for $650? Or was that before inflation went out of control. At this point, even $650 seems like a bargain. Do you mind sharing the name of the dealership where you got the key made? I'm in SoCal, but maybe with proper verification they can make a key for a remote customer.
Your car must be present for them to program the fob. They need to scan the car to determine which key slots/positions are unused (I think there are only a total of eight slots that can be used). All keys are "deleted" and then added back in in different slots. The idea is if the missing key was stolen or lost, someone finding it (like in your driveway or yard) would not be able to use it to steal your car. The previously used slots are no longer available for assignment. I think just about every manufacturer does that now (except maybe Kia/Hyundai).
Junior Member
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 37
Likes: 4
From: PA USA
2006 s500, 2014 e350, 2009 Cayenne GTS
The metal key is needed in the event your fob not longer unlocks your doors or trunk. It is only for locking and unlocking doors and the trunk; you cannot start the car with it. My dealer wanted to charge me $99 and would have to order it from Mercedes corporate. But that is done independently from the fob.
Are you certain you have FBS4? How did you find out?
Are you certain you have FBS4? How did you find out?
If the fob no longer unlocks the doors, how will it then start car, not likely?
That was my thinking behind not needing the mechanical key.We're in Lancaster, might give your Hagerstown location a call and see where they come with price and make the trip. (don't worry won't mention anything here, still haven't called local dealer)
MBWorld God!
Joined: Dec 2019
Posts: 32,231
Likes: 6,284
On the VIN decoder, I see this for my 2014 e350...J5A DSM: STAR1 FBS4 UPDATE
If the fob no longer unlocks the doors, how will it then start car, not likely? That was my thinking behind not needing the mechanical key.
We're in Lancaster, might give your Hagerstown location a call and see where they come with price and make the trip. (don't worry won't mention anything here, still haven't called local dealer)
If the fob no longer unlocks the doors, how will it then start car, not likely?
That was my thinking behind not needing the mechanical key.We're in Lancaster, might give your Hagerstown location a call and see where they come with price and make the trip. (don't worry won't mention anything here, still haven't called local dealer)
