MB key question - Benzworld.org

pumpkin · 02-19-2008, 07:28 PM

I have read somewhere that the MB key only has 80,000 turns or uses then you must get a new one.
I don't know how true this is but would like some one to explain if they could.

why only 80,000 turn and how to know when your getting close to the end and why for a reason this is.

'91 300CE · 02-20-2008, 08:36 AM

You should always have 2 keys for your car in case something happens to one key.

The keys have rolling codes that never repeat... so when you run out of codes, the key is dead. There is no way to know when you are getting close, until it happens. 2 dealers have told me that the number of codes is roughly 80,000.

xvvvz · 02-20-2008, 10:16 AM

Think about how many times you turn your car on and off on a Saturday's worth of errands. That doesn't include times that you open and close the car doors (if that uses up rolling codes too).

I wonder if this is an ECU issue vs. the key issue. 80k per key is a lot better than just a total of 80k through the car ECU.

It would be interesting to see the documentation on this issue. I wonder if it is somewhere in the WIS. It can be so hard to search the WIS.

'91 300CE · 02-20-2008, 10:39 AM

I think its just the code that authenticates the key once placed in the receiver in the dash.

xvvvz · 02-20-2008, 10:59 AM

It is interesting that after searching the WIS for a bit I found the contents function page of the remote control key system and it doesn't give a discussion of this. Lots of information but nothing about this (not doubting it is true, just looking for the documentation).

pumpkin · 02-20-2008, 09:22 PM

so in fact if it does roll codes does this mean its harder too steal a mb?

I bought this car like 2 weeks now only had 1 key but i did find one on ebay uncut will this work?
I know it needs coded but can dealer coded it?

xvvvz · 02-20-2008, 11:32 PM

>>so in fact if it does roll codes does this mean its harder too steal a mb?<<

That is the intent.

>>I bought this car like 2 weeks now only had 1 key but i did find one on ebay uncut will this work?<<

Depends on the year of your car. I know with a SmartKey (97 or 98 and later) you don't want to buy one off of Ebay. Those have to be ordered through MB and come from a central location where they are programmed. Someone with the older version will have to chime in with information on that series.

pumpkin · 02-21-2008, 12:34 AM

ok that does explain very much info I needed thanks so much.