So onto my next item to address with our 05 ML350.
PO provided one key and it had an aftermarket opener attached the MB key and he said battery was dead on the MB key that's why there is a separate opener (I didn't think more of it at the time). I opened the MB key today and there are no internals at all! The MB key housing has nothing in it!
Is it possible to program an aftermarket receiver to open the car, or is it possible the car could have had someone remove the factory alarm?
I'm going to get a new key from dealership, but before I do I want to know if I am opening a can of worms here if a PO has made changes.
Is there a way to tell if the physical Key is a copy or a factory MB key since it has no internals?
Internal board can be removed from both original or copy keys. You can buy a second hand ML key & have someone with SDS to program the remote board to your car. After its done, you can remove & throw away the aftermarket opener & the box........
That appears to be an aftermarket unit. Mid the internals were removed chances are there was an issue with the alarm on the vehicle and the unit was disabled, internals removed and an aftermarket unit installed. You can investigate the installation but I'd speak with the prior owner and or the installation service. You also should know the unit that was installed. Then you need to decide whether you want to leave the system as is or return it back to OEM which depending on the absence of the internals could be expensive. Good luck.
I sent email to PO but he might not know since he only had the car for a year. I guess I can find the alarm module and check if anything has been touched.
Well there is a touch of bad news. MB has still not brought back the remote key fobs. They are out of stock. At first they said they were discontinued. Then they said remotes will return around January 2017 until they have a new supply. W210 E class owners are also facing this issue as are some other models of that generation key.
Some countries still have a key supply. I have no idea why MB does not source them from the warehouses in those countries.
So the worst case scenario is that going back to OE may not happen.
Hopefully MB will come through and get more remote keys in the system.
Well there is a touch of bad news. MB has still not brought back the remote key fobs. They are out of stock. At first they said they were discontinued. Then they said remotes will return around January 2017 until they have a new supply. W210 E class owners are also facing this issue as are some other models of that generation key.
Some countries still have a key supply. I have no idea why MB does not source them from the warehouses in those countries.
Can I get at minimum another physical VIN coded key as a backup?
So the worst case scenario is that going back to OE may not happen.
Hopefully MB will come through and get more remote keys in the system.
Wait so I cannot buy a brand new factory key with the opener? Or are you saying MB offers just an opener without a key that is NLA?
The PO emailed me back and said he had no info as that is how the dealer sold the car to him. Is it safe to bet that the alarm was busted so they did the cheap route and disabled it?
Rob, both for your W210 & ML a second hand MB remote will work. You can program it yourself with the SDS. Same can be done concerning the chip(not with SDS)........It will cost you half the price......
The alarm wasn't busted. Most probably the remote board was busted or it was sold to someone.
When I bought my 55, the remote was empty just like in your case. I am sure it was sold to someone....I bought a second hand remote. I then removed the board & fitted in my remote & programed it to my car. That's it......
The keys do have a chip in them. My dealer only charges $25 for them. You will have no problem getting one of those.
You will need proof of ownership when at the parts counter. No programming of the key will be needed. Just pay and play.
I just read in another thread MB is now saying they will have the remotes in stock by spring.
There might be a list on back order so I would see if the dealer can get you on some sort of wait list now
to make sure you get one soon after they get stock back in.
Sheesh, $25?!?! I just had to pay $62 and change to get a valet key for my new (to me) 2000 W163. I'll have to send you my info and a letter of authorization and have you get me another spare, lol!
Was also told there were no remotes available any more and to check back "next year".
Yeah, you would think if they had stock of the remotes elsewhere, they would ship some our way...have to call back and ask about the waitlist. The helpful young lady at the parts counter didn't mention it even though I made it clear I definitely wanted one...
Correction. I was charged $35(not$25 Summer of 2015), but I used to work for that dealer and when it is special stuff like this they get me it at employee cost.
I really do not know the list price of the valet key.
Wanted to reply back and say was also told backordered until "March or so"
NO programming for valet key required and was $58.
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