Newly acquired 1999 E320. I purchased a new, additional key fob from dealer at $240: an outrageous price for a $50 item. I asked a friend who lives in Mexico and who is coming the the US next week if he would get one for me at at Mercedes dealer in Mexico and provided him with VIN. Mercedes in Mexico gave him the same story as here in the US: must have original title, registration, photo ID and complete two forms in person, then come back in a few days to pick up key fob. The guy at the Mercedes dealer in Mexico said that the policy was worldwide.
Sort of like having your car held hostage/kidnapped by Mercedes so that they can charge whatever they want. I am surprised that there has been no class-action suit against Mercedes.
I heard about some solicitation, but never carried about details.
I got chrome key from Duval for $130 what supposable is $180 now.
Sue your dealer for difference
Oh well... Duval IS your local dealer ....
be thankful you can get one. Cost of a new remote isn't much different than any other newer vehicle to my knowledge. I tried to get a new one for my 95 accord a few years back . They were over $300 IF you could buy one, but Honda in there infinite wisdom quit supporting them and there are no longer even available. did a search on every dealer in the country and no dealer had one. . So I was stuck with only one remote.
By the way mercedes isn't the only one that requires proof of ownership, Lexus and others do as well. At least with mercedes you can buy as many replacments for remotes and keys as you want. On a Lexus after a few replacment keys or remotes, your out of luck and will spend thousands to get a new coded system.
I for one am GLAD that proof of ownership is required and they at least will sell remotes for older vehicles. Takes 1 day to get a replacment key or remote from a dealer, order in the afternoon, keys arrive about 9-10am the next day. for my 97 keys were cheap. No valid reason I can see for any lawsuit.
Vehicle: 2001 SLK 320(165K Miles), 2002 E320 Special Edition(147K Miles)
Location: South Bay Area,L.A., CA
Posts: 3,326
Quote:
Originally Posted by e-420
I for one am GLAD that proof of ownership is required and they at least will sell remotes for older vehicles. Takes 1 day to get a replacment key or remote from a dealer, order in the afternoon, keys arrive about 9-10am the next day. for my 97 keys were cheap. No valid reason I can see for any lawsuit.
+1 on that.
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I'll bet it's a lot cheaper just to pay for the FOB, especially since no judge is going to let you prevail. It's a hassle and expensive to replace the FOB but it's nice to know that just anyone isn't going to rip-off your baby by buying a key... I remembe the days that Honda put the key code right on the key. With that number, you could go to any Honda dealer and have a key made right on the spot, with no proof of owership. Great security...
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Richard / E320
2001 M-B E320 / Glacier White / Java Leather / 18" AMG Style III & Bridgestone Potenza's
<....> At least with mercedes you can buy as many replacments for remotes and keys as you want. On a Lexus after a few replacment keys or remotes, your out of luck and will spend thousands to get a new coded system. <......>
there is a limit to MB replacement/new keys, afterwhich a horribly expensive replacement of the ignition is required. I seem to recall $1-2000.
there is a limit to MB replacement/new keys, afterwhich a horribly expensive replacement of the ignition is required. I seem to recall $1-2000.
Well, the limit on my 97 is certainly more than Lexus, I know that for a fact. My car has had at least 6 new keys, previous owner my brother had 4 done, I've done 2. Also had 3 new remotes.
I think the limit applies to older models with blades. That definitively is the issue with W163, that allow 6 keys, where each has to be programmed with the car and on models after 2000 it takes Star computer to do (off course for hefty fee).
The new key for my W211 come ready to use from the box, so it wasn't individually registered with the car, what would make me believe that there is no limit, but I am not expert in electronics.
I think the limit applies to older models with blades. That definitively is the issue with W163, that allow 6 keys, where each has to be programmed with the car and on models after 2000 it takes Star computer to do (off course for hefty fee).
The new key for my W211 come ready to use from the box, so it wasn't individually registered with the car, what would make me believe that there is no limit, but I am not expert in electronics.
all the cars in my sig come ready to use straight from the box..with any replacement key that i ordered. the 97 180 is on its like 6th key.. im glad im in the EU with Mercedes Germany and not mbusa
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