mtiede

I recently got my 320 and got 2 keys with it. Both were the "switchblade" type. I thought it odd that there was only one key. That seems to mean that if you give it to a valet, he can unlock you glove compartment and trunk.

Is there another key that is a valet key that they didn't give me? Is there some way to put the car into a "valet mode"?

If answer is no to both questions, that seems kind of goofy.

Driller

With my '99 SLK 230 I received 2 switch-blade keys, 1 full functional flat key and 1 valet key. I assume that this is the norm.

mtiede

I seem to have 2 master keys (after studying their outlines and re-reading the manual). I suppose MB sells valet keys, but perhaps not for the SLK.

Richard

They used to supply valet keys (and a thin wallet key) with everything. They seem to have stopped that 1-2 years ago, I imagine you can order the extra key(s) from your dealer.

I personally put the spare keys away and never used them on any car, so Im quite happy that MB did some cost cutting ..

Brian_R170

According to MBUSA, there's a new law that makes the flat valet and flat master key "illegal". A new law went into effect January 1, 2001 making it mandatory to have a trunk release inside the trunk. Supposedly, if they are locked with the flat valet/master, the trunk release won't work, so they stopped supplying those keys.

Richard

Sorry, as a European this makes me laugh until I fall of my seat.

So, If I get this right, you US guys all just lost the security benefits of a valet key [and, I beleive in the US that Valet parking is very common], because one or two idiots [probably law makers?] have got themselves stuck in the trunk of their cars ?????

Brian_R170

LOL! Well, it's not quite that bad. It's only on this particular model (all other M-Bs sold in the USA have the Smartkey except the SLK) and it just happens to be M-Bs particular implemenation of the solution. On the other hand, a friend in Germany said they're not giving out flat valet and flat master keys for the SLK in Germany anymore, either. That makes me wonder if the whole story is true.

Nektopoli

Ok I got two Keys with my 1998 C280, I'm missing the flat key, the flat key doesn't have the metal key that opens the glove box/trunk the metal part of the smart key is removeable and when you valet you car you give the kid the smart key and keep the metal part, I don't know about the law part, and it seem that it would not be that hard to make a trunk release that would work even with the trunk locked.