SL55 AMG, SL63 AMG, SL65 AMG (R230) 2002 - 2011 (2003 US for SL55 and 2004 for the SL65)

SL55/63/65/R230 AMG: Chrome key with triangle panic button does not work on Keyless Go on SL55 AMG?!?!

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Old Jul 5, 2014 | 07:09 PM
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Chrome key with triangle panic button does not work on Keyless Go on SL55 AMG?!?!

Hello guys!

So i recently purchased a 2005 SL55 AMG, and it has the Keyless Go option (code 889). The car only came with one black plastic key, and the KG system wouldn't work with it. Therefore, i just assumed that i need to order a new set of keys, the chrome keys with triangle panic button, for the black key that came with the car did not have the keyless go card.

I went today to the MB of Rocklin dealership and parts department told me that only the black keys will work on my car for the KG feature to work. I told him thats not correct, for i have seen people on here with the chrome keys and their KG feature works with them, and also know people with earlier MBz with KG system that works with chrome keys.

Anyhow, i went ahead and had him order the new chrome keys w triangle panic button along with the AMG edition battery cover for it, and now I'm hoping this key will work with my car's KG system.

He also told me that they need to program the key to the car for the KG system to work???? From what i know, the keys are ordered from Texas, and is programmed via VIN number...

Do you guys who have the earlier SL55's have a chrome key that works with your SL's KG system?

TIA guys!

Last edited by SGTzAMG; Jul 5, 2014 at 07:39 PM.
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Old Jul 5, 2014 | 09:58 PM
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Originally Posted by SGTzAMG
I went today to the MB of Rocklin dealership and parts department told me that only the black keys will work on my car for the KG feature to work. I told him thats not correct, for i have seen people on here with the chrome keys and their KG feature works with them, and also know people with earlier MBz with KG system that works with chrome keys.
really? you have seen people here with the chrome keys that works with Keyless go????? on old R230 models????? And you know people with earlier model with keyless go that works with chrome keys? really? did you try asking them? because as far as I know.....what the dealer told you is correct!
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Old Jul 6, 2014 | 05:32 AM
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Originally Posted by SpiritR230
really? you have seen people here with the chrome keys that works with Keyless go????? on old R230 models????? And you know people with earlier model with keyless go that works with chrome keys? really? did you try asking them? because as far as I know.....what the dealer told you is correct!
Yes really.

Does your 04 SL55 have the black keys? i was told that the black keys are not programmable for keyless go and must need the keyless go card for the KG system to work, unless the chrome keys just do not work with KG system altogether. IF the black keys are all thats needed for my 2005 SL55 KG system to work and without needed the keyless go card, then how come that black key doesn't work with my KG system?
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Old Jul 6, 2014 | 06:14 AM
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Have 2005 model sl55 and have plain black key and keyless go works fine. Dont have a card although needed it when I owned a 2002 SL55 with KG. If I dont use it for a time then have to use key in dash to recharge batteries in the key. Mine is UK spec but assume US will be the same.
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Old Jul 6, 2014 | 06:54 AM
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black key and black key only
and there is no such thing as recharge battery
I used to have keyless START problem, but never have keyless ENTRY problems, I can always open the door by just touching the handle.
by changing the battery in the key, keyless start works flawless again

Last edited by SpiritR230; Jul 6, 2014 at 10:36 AM.
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Old Jul 6, 2014 | 01:59 PM
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Originally Posted by SpiritR230
black key and black key only
and there is no such thing as recharge battery
I used to have keyless START problem, but never have keyless ENTRY problems, I can always open the door by just touching the handle.
by changing the battery in the key, keyless start works flawless again
So why black key only? Now I'm intrigued because I'm getting mixed info from everyone have you had any experience with the chrome keys not working on your SL55? also, dealer said the black keys for the SL55 are NOT the same as the old ones anymore?

I though the black keys are no longer available / discontinued???
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Old Jul 6, 2014 | 08:22 PM
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The 2005 uses the black key. The problem is the car did not include two working keys. Given the key works in the ignition the key battery may just need replaced. The chrome keys, round panic, will work with non keyless go but will not work with the keyless go feature. The new triangle chrome keys appear to be a new design, I am not aware of them working with an '05 car. If you do a search you can see a procedure to transfer the computer circuit from a black keyless go key to a round chrome key. The chrome key will then work with keyless go in an '05. This procedure is stated as not possible with the triangle chrome key.
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Old Jul 6, 2014 | 08:29 PM
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Originally Posted by Quadrobenz
The 2005 uses the black key. The problem is the car did not include two working keys. Given the key works in the ignition the key battery may just need replaced. The chrome keys, round panic, will work with non keyless go but will not work with the keyless go feature. The new triangle chrome keys appear to be a new design, I am not aware of them working with an '05 car. If you do a search you can see a procedure to transfer the computer circuit from a black keyless go key to a round chrome key. The chrome key will then work with keyless go in an '05. This procedure is stated as not possible with the triangle chrome key.
thank you for your input
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Old Jul 7, 2014 | 02:57 AM
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please keep us update when you got your chrome key, I really want one too, with the AMG back cover, I hope you can bring this alive because I'm sure many of us here on this board would like to have working updated chrome key. GOOD LUCK!
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Old Jul 7, 2014 | 03:22 AM
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Originally Posted by SpiritR230
please keep us update when you got your chrome key, I really want one too, with the AMG back cover, I hope you can bring this alive because I'm sure many of us here on this board would like to have working updated chrome key. GOOD LUCK!
Thank you, and i most def will! the parts dept is suppose to call me after they check with the factory in Texas where they get their keys from if the chrome key w triangle panic button will work ok my car.

MY justification with this ordeal is that he new chrome key w triangle button supersedes the older keys, therefore why can't these keys be programmed with the SLs? The KG system in the SL does not differ from the other Benzes with the KG system. Like, what makes the KG system different from an 05 SL55 vs 05 E55 vs 05 CL55 vs S55 AMGs and only having the black keys work on the SL55's KG feature, while the other 55 AMGs can take the chrome keys and have their KG system work just fine

From my knowledge, the black keys have been discontinued, therefore, the newer, better chrome keys w triangle button i see, supersedes the older keys, and just doesn't make any sense on why the KG feature wouldn't work, per parts dept.

ahhh, seems like a HUGE ordeal for a damn key, BUT hey we all have our standards and expectations right?
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Old Jul 7, 2014 | 08:56 AM
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I read somewhere where you can take the guts out of the black keys, trim up the board slightly and retrofit it to the news chrome keys. I emailed a guy about this but never heard back. Anyone confirm this?
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Old Jul 9, 2014 | 01:54 PM
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Update

i contacted MBUSA and only the black keys will work on the SL55s...

My dealership went ahead and ordered the black keys, supposedly cost more than the new chrome keys

The KG system wouldnt work with the key it came with because it is the spare key, per Shop Foreman.

The dealer will have the key tomorrow and they will check with the KG system and make sure all works.

In the end, it would be nice to have the chrome key w triangle button with the AMG back cover...BUT the car's thrill when driven supercedes any keys lol. Afterall, the key will remain in the pocket, and will just use KG always :-)

Thank you guys.

PS, i guess the other chrome keys ive seen on here for those who drives SL55/SL65 prior to 07-08 are the retrofitted ones.
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