Hello-- I realized yesterday to all my horror that I had lost my car keys to my 1971 Mercedes 220d. The car used one key for everything and as you can imagine from the year it was a very simple stripped down key.
Is it possible to have a car key made from the car door lock that would still engage the ignition? It may be worthy to note that the car has a pull start and glow plug.
If knowing the car key code is my only option where would I retrieve this information? Is it possible to make a car key from the VIN #?
There may be several options to getting new car keys again but which is the best, less expensive effort? Thanks to all for your advice.
Your VIN-number should get you a data-card from the dealer. The datacard contains a code, a code wich tells what pattern your key has..
If you allready have the data-card, then go to your dealer, and they will most likely be able to make/order a new one (or TWO maybee?) for you..
If not, then you could try a locksmith..
I guess I could use my VIN# to get a data card-- is it the same idea as a car key code? Are you sure a 2009 Mercedes dealer could help me with my 1971 220d? This route seems far more expensive then what I hope and I'd like to take a more DIY approach to fixing my lost.
Do you know where I might find the car key code because I know a locksmith can create a new key from that? Or is it possible once I get a data card that a locksmith can use it just like a car key code? Thanks for yr time.
My DIY approach would be to cleverly get pass my car door myself. I would remove the door panel& key lock taking it to a locksmith. I'm looking for an experience person out there to guarantee to me that the key would of course fit my ignition, but that it will allow the car to start-- I noted earlier that the car has a pull start making me believe the ignition process isnt so much involved in the key at all. Please anyone who has this knowledge pass it on to me so I can make a move quickly! Thanks.
Ususally the dealer will get the data-card for free !! (At least a copy of one)
They are scanned, and are in stock at MB-factory. (Usually)
A new key won't cost that much afaik..
I got a replacement key for my 1971 250 and the dealer was able to look up the key code just by using the VIN number. It cost i think 6 or 7 dollars per key. its definitely worth it, and its actually not as hard as you think and doesn't take that long
hey thanks so much-- I called a local Mercedes-Benz dealership at it seems everything will work out just like you said. All they need is my VIN# and registration but unfortunately being Manhattan the price is 37.50 but no complaints here....I really wasnt sure how intricate this was going to be. Thanks for all the advice. Btw the picture of yr 250 looks so much like my 220d...I cant wait to get on the open road again.
Well again thanks for everyone's help it seems that all yr advice has been exact which is why I got onto this forum in the first place....I have read many threads posted before I signed up that have been just completely interesting things to know for future reference or important details to a problem of mine. I love my Mercedes and I love that there are so many enthusiasts out there because it makes for a more compelling interest to be into. I also run my 220d on w.v.o.-- I dont know if thats a taboo subject amongst you guys but anyhow, I will soon post pictures of my car and hope I can help out in the future.
no yr right about that and its just upstate in a friends extended driveway upstate but its summer time and Im ready to take it out on road trips...mostly Im on the MTA subway-- Im not sure what yr getting at about not needing a key??...I definitely have lost it I dont even keep it on the ring with my house key-- its special and sits in an old cigar box on a shelf but I take it you mean being able to unlock the ignition into place and still starting it-- when I first realized what Id done I thought I had a faint memory of doing just that and being worried it started....is this what you mean? either way I have already ordered a key it will take two to three days but anything extra is always interesting
There is no difference between a "copy" and the original. Make sure your "copy" is from a steel blank. The alloy blanks will wear out quickly and jam the tumblers.
I have only spoke on the phone to the Manhattan dealership-- the first guy I spoke with said the key would cost 37.50 and would take 2-3 days to make along with yr license and title but that a current insurance card would work too-- I called again to reiterate the requirements and this guy wasnt very understanding and would only accept a title. I am in the process of getting another title because of course all my paperwork is trapped in the glovebox-- getting another copy of my insurance was a simple email. I tried calling some of the other Mercedes dealers but they all seem to be rentals I believe the dealership in Hell's Kitchen is the only official one in Manhattan. Are you having the same troubles? I cant see there being any difference in keys but appearance maybe aslong as the copy does what the original did.
Argghh I just went up there. Did fine with insurance card, reg, and DL. But, I also need to bring in the vehicle data card because the car is so old there is no info in their system.
So make sure u bring that if you have it. I actaully do have the original card, and wish they would have mentioned it. If you don't have it I guess they will have to order that for you as well. Also, make the visit before 2pm as that is the cutoff time to speak with the key center in Texas.
The copoy you get from Mercedes is tyhe same as the original squarehead key you can harldy tell a difference except that the copy looks newer than the original one.
Evoldeal, im suprised that you had to bring your data card to order a new key. My car is a 71' 250 W114 and all we had was the registration and the mae a new key for it. So did you find out why the info wasn't on their system.
Yeah mbz114, I'm not sure why they didn't have info on it. Kept asking me if was a euro-model, which i'm pretty sure it is not!
Oh well, I'll take in the data card and see what I get. I haven't lost my keys but the one I do have is a very old copy, which is well worn. So figure it's good to get a new master and make a copy from it...
hey evolv-- are you talking about the dealership on 41st St? Ive prepared my title, regist, insurance and license but how would I get a data card? I hope by miracle they have my key on file but it is even older than yours. Please let me know how this goes for you or if you find a better place? thanks
I read on here that u can order a faxed copy of your data card by contacting the MB classic center in CA.Toll Free: 1-866-MB-CLASSIC
*************(1-866-622-5277)
If I were you i'd get that before you go, to save you an extra trip.
I'll keep u posted on what happens when I go back with the data card, which should be thursday.
Ok I've figured this all out now I know why they couldn't recognize my car at the dealership, and why they asked me to bring the data card in.
well John at the classic center figured it out for me. I left him a message today about my situation and left the vin# in the message.
He called me right back, and straight away knew that my vin# was incorrect. since I have it as 140601........ he said it should start with 114 (I'm sure most of you guys know this!) so anyway, turns out the previous owner has had the vin screwed up, missing the first 1, and so all my reg, ins documentation is wrong But this guy figured it out in seconds, whereas the parts manager at MBmanhattan didn't care to troubleshoot why my vin didn't show in the system...
The BEST PART: John is ordering the key for me at a fraction of the cost that MB Manhattan wants for it. He said MB manhattan is the only dealership owned by mercedes and they should not be charging $40 for a new key!!
So Jos, I don't think you need the data card as long as your vin# is correct. But you should call in to the classic center and try to order it through them, as you'll save a bunch of $ and 2 trips to Hell's kitchen.
He's also sending me a replacement latch for my glove box, as he asked if there was anything else I could think of that I needed...
Hey Evolv,
My car has a very similar problem to yours. My VIN was screwed up too i even ordered the new key with the screwed up VIN unknowing that it was wrong. Even the dealership didn't even know it was wrong. I didn't find out it was wrong until i went to the classic center to get a data card, to find out my vin is short 3 digits and wrong 3 digits. it begins 250001 but should be 114011.
it's odd how that can happen, in my case, as the vin is printed plain as day on the driver's side window and in the door jam. Had somebody screwed with your vin on the actual vehicle?
The previous owner of my car had the vin wrong the 23 years he owned the car, it's printed wrong on his original bill of sale that he gave me when I bought the car, as well as his title.
I'm in the process of correcting mine on the title and registration. Busy work with the NYC dmv... ugh. Thanks to the MB classic center for figuring it out so quickly. I should get my new key any day.
I recently had the same problem. I had just bought the car, and only got one key with it. I went to my local foreign auto parts store for some parts for it, and when I came out and got the keys out of my pocket, I dropped the Mercedes key without realizing it. Later, after I noticed it was gone, I looked all around the house and garage, in the rest of the cars, to no avail. The only place I had been was the auto parts store. I went back, and lo and behold, someone had spotted the key and took it inside. I asked it they knew anyone who could make a copy and they suggested a locksmith a few miles away. He didn't have the exact blank, but one from an Audi looked close to him. Me made the key, and gave it to me to try. If it worked, he said to caome back and pay him. It did work, for the most part, it takes a little fidgeting. A day or two later I was at the MB dealer and asked about getting a key. I gave them my VIN, which they said was valid, and I should have a new key on Tuesday. They did not ask for any other documentation, but I have been in there a few times buying parts for it, maybe that's enough for them. I have yet to see if this new key works, but I'll post back with results. If it works, the $15 that it cost to order the key is a pretty good deal.
hey to end this thread I finally got a key about 3 weeks ago....sorry for not posting sooner but soon as I got it I headed upstate to the Catskills Mts for a long wkend I love my Mercedes I truly think mine will do a Million Miles. For patrons living in the New York area I found it easiest to take a drive or the Metro-North train to the Mercedes dealership in Rockland county as opposed to the one in Manhattan-- Manhattan was going to take 3 days to get a key and it cost about $10 dollars more; in Rockland County I paid $37.50 exactly and I got the key next day and the guys there had a great attitudes. My new copy looks exactly like my old one and it is the better plastic Id say not flimsy at all. Thank you for everyone's advice and safe driving.
Will someone let me know what to do with this thread? I started it and it is 3pages of excellent coverage so now that everyone has shared their knowledge and I personally have retrieved a new key am I responsible to end the thread? If so, will someone please direct me on how thats done Im computer savvy for sure I just dont see the option anywhere.....here's a preemptive thanks and sorry if this turns out to be a redundant request I can definitely see the potential for it to be a simple click click.
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