electronic key replacement

[rfoster920]

WHAT IS THE DEAL WITH MB?? NO MORE KEYS AFTER 7? I HAVE A 2000 S500 - A REMARKABLE, BEAUTIFUL CAR I PURCHASED USED - THE WIFE LOOSES KEYS AND NOW I AM DOWN TO THE LAST ONE!!? ANYONE KNOW OF A SOURCE OTHER THAN MB FOR ELECTRONIC KEYS? i DON'T INTEND TO LOOSE THIS ONE NOR THROW THE CAR AWAY.= ANY GOOD ADVICE IS APPRECIATED
Rfoster920

[samhmbz]

Your vehicle has 8 key tracks(not 7) with 3 key blocks in each track,meaning you can have key number 1 block number 1,2 or 3 ect(you can only have one of each key number active at a time.
for example you have 2 keys total for your car,one is key number 1 block 2
and the other is key number 4 block 1
typically when your order a key the dealer will check what key you have or want to replace and order the next block in that number key if you have no more blocks avaliable in that key you will get the next number avaliable(what ever number the dealer specifies on the order)
hope im not confusing you to much-
to sum it up you can have a total of 24 keys over the lifetime of the vehicle(8 key tracks with 3 blocks each) once you run out you will need a new ignition (eis) and some coding to be performed.
hope this helps,sam
no other source of keys that I am aware of.

[RaulB]

You should order a duplicate key instead of replacement. Then lost key should be deactivated, requires use of Star Diagnosis. Raul

[samhmbz]

You should order a duplicate key instead of replacement

Its the same thing..........if you have not used all three blocks in the particular key you will get the next block in that key track,only one key per track can be active at a time.
sam

[W208Cab]

This is off topic but may I ask one question?

Does this 8 blocks.. 24 keys for life apply to all the MBs with smartkey or just W220? And does it apply to cars prior to smartkey?

Thanks..

[samhmbz]

This is for all models with a smart key.
(8 key tracks 3 blocks in each track)
sam