I have a 2003 E320 that has zero issues with it since I've purchased it. But last week when I went to unlock my car, the fob worked perfectly, then when I was done drivign and went to lock it, I heard a little crack, and the car wouldnt lock. The little crack was the plastic on the "unlock" button that had worn through. All the other buttons work, so it's clearly time for a replacement.

I called the dealer today and asked them if they carry them in stock. They said they didn't and for security reasons, I would need to go to the dealer, show registration and then they order the key...should take about 1-2 days. I was thinking, no problem I understand. Then he told me the key would be $245.00. I was a little surprised, but am sorta used to dealing with high prices and luxury cars. I told him that on EBAY there are key fobs for sale that are blanks and if I got one of those, could he send it to the factory and have them program it. He said no they won't/don't do that. Even if I bought the key from EBAY and brought it into the dealer, he would not send it in for me. It's not too big of a deal, but does anyone know why they wouldnt send it in? If the factory cuts the key and programs it, then how could someone manipulate it?

Does anyone know of a less expensive way of getting a key? I'm going in today to get a new one because I need to lock my car, but I only have one key and want another, but I'm not looking forward to shelling out $500.00 on keys.

 

The key is coded to the vin,old keys can't be recoded to your vin.If this happened last year there was a company that would take your vin and reg. by fax and send a new key for about 65 bucks.Then the factory got wind of it and stopped them.
Try some other dealers in your area,they vary widely in prices.
Some members have taken the inards out of an old key and put them into a ebay key.But that was the old style key,you may want to try and see how easy the broken key comes apart,since it won't hurt it anymore then it already is.
Dosen't the w211 have a blade key to lock the doors if the key is dead?
ohlord

 

Thanks for the help ohlord. I looked around but when it comes to key replacements, the dealer was the only one who was able to actually help. I had to show proof of registration, then they rocked my credit card for $193.00 and 3 days later I had my key. It'sa lot different than the original key that came with my car, the replacement is exactly what they are using for the newMercedes. It does have the blade key included.

I looked at replacing the innards, but now that I have the new one, I'm not going to deal with it. The good news is that the old key still works (as good as itdid that is) soit's still a backup key in an emergency.

 

Great $193 is a fair price I have heard some dealers charge 245-274
so at least they were a good deal.
ohlord