I tried to order a new smartkey (older style black key - as opposed to newer chrome trimmed key) and my dealer told me the key station in Dallas/Ft. Worth ONLY offers the newer style key (which will work on my car -- BUT in my mind is unacceptable since it's not the original style and my OCD will drive me crazy)...... in addition to that, the removeable blade part of the key for my car will not fit in the new style, so it would be two separate pieces, which is even worse........ I called MB of North America who confirmed this, and when I asked if I could buy an UNCUT, UNCODED key off ebay, and ship it to DFW to have it programmed they replied no! HELP -- what can I do?

 

Is there any way that we can switch my classic style key to your car? Find out, if so, i will happily switch keys with you. lol. I've wanted the new key for a while, but i refuse to pay 200 dollars for a key. I live in the Los Angeles area, let me know if you're local. I figure we can help eachother out.

 

are you serious?

 

Id only do it if it would be an easy swap. I figure it might be difficult, and i wouldnt be willing to do it if it is.

 

If I could I gladly would - my dealer told me I can't provide my own key for them to cut, but I will continue to do research, trust me..........

and if I buy a new key from them, I might hafta buy two so both my keys will match (which I'm not happy about)......
I'll keep you posted.......

and yes, I'm extremely serious, that's just the type of person I am!!

 

Yeah, you would look like a poser if you got a key that just came out in 2007 and you drive an 03.

Get over it and realize that times change and stuff gets updated. Are you peeved when you get a new laptop and it looks different than the last one?????

 

$200 for a key is SFA. My mate’s wife got his 996 Porsche key wet, which stuffed it. That cost him $800 aud. New security keys are not cheap. $200 is good. Ring around a few other marques and see what their replacement keys cost. Honest I think your $200 is good. I replaced a BMW key here in Oz, which set me back $380. I do understand your resentment. That’s why they refer to them as stealers right?

 

There are after market places that sell keys for quite a bit less than $200. sorry don't have time to find the threads but if you search you will be happy you did.

 

I'm not complaining about the $180 key...... merely the fact that I'm only being offered the new style, which I don't want...... I did look on ebay and found both old and new style keys for sale cheap BUT my dealer told me they won't program the key for me and that no one in the USA will........ Anyone know of somewhere I could send a key to get programmed? Thanks in advance.

 

A lot of members on here have tried to get the key programmed after buying them on ebay and they have all been unsuccessful, so I don't think that you have that option. The dealer is also correct in saying that the old style keys are no longer available so you will have to purchase the new style key only. I think that you may be out of luck on this one. If you feel that strongly about having matching keys then you will have to buy two. The removable key parts are not interchangable between the new and old style transmitters so you will have to purchase the key insert for each of the new keys as well.

 

I appreciate the heads up

 

The new key is so much nicer.

 

looks like $120 is still about the lowest price reported. try this...

http://www.parts.com/oemcatalog/inde...archCatalogOEM

#2117663606 for Smartkey
#2037665006 for metal blade key

...yes, it's the Chrome bodied key, not the OP's desireable plastic, gen2 key.

 

TIA - so my gf wash one of my key and dried it. Clearly it is no longer working. How do I go about ordering a replacement key from the link above? I was just planning to ask my SA to order me one.

 

If the car's under warranty, just play dumb and say the key doesnt work. Have you replaced the batteries though?

 

It's now in extended warranty, is this cover?

Haha. first thing I tried was with new battery to no avail.

 

mb extended warranty? if so, then yes, it should be covered

 

well I guess that sums it up, I am out of luck........

 

don't give up yet. read the fine print on your insurance policy and see if it will
cover replacement for lost key. if so, see what the maximum amount it will
cover. it may help offset the costs and make it less painful. of course, it
may still not get you the black, gen2 key anyhoo.