[stephenson]

Hi, again, All,

Neighbor's SL that I have worked in over the years and wanted to buy, but she's keeping it ...

She only has one key ...I know this is expensive if done at the dealer ....what are the other options?

Thanks!

 

[e-420]

a "regular key" that is a key w/o a remote is only about $20 at the dealer.

the remotes are more expensive. And while yes, they are spendy, I recently observed that a new remote key for some lexus and chryslers are even more expensive.

and, in the U.S. the dealer is really the only option. you will need to go to a dealer, along with the owner of record, they will need to see registration or title showing ownership, ID from the owner, signature from the owner and you will then have a new key the next day at the dealer.

 

[stephenson]

thanks ...I'll send her ...way easier that way.

Any idea what the full up key costs?

 

[Pete S]

$200-$250

 

[loooney2ns]

A regular key cost me $47 for my 98. The remote key was $150. That's with my wholesale discount.


Sent from AutoGuide.com Free App

 

[ou1954]

Keys

A regular key cost me $47 for my 98. The remote key was $150. That's with my wholesale discount.


Sent from AutoGuide.com Free App

It would be reasonable if the later model MB's were reliable but ours aren't any more. Oh, to have our Corvettes and other American cars back!

 

[Pete S]

It would be reasonable if the later model MB's were reliable but ours aren't any more. Oh, to have our Corvettes and other American cars back!

Reliability usually goes hand in hand with how the car is maintained. To be honest I have been on this forum for some 2 years and rarely do you get a post complaining about massive reliability issues.

 

[ou1954]

Reliability and cost

Reliability usually goes hand in hand with how the car is maintained. To be honest I have been on this forum for some 2 years and rarely do you get a post complaining about massive reliability issues.

The ML320 was purchased new and has a more than perfect maintenance history. Even extra fluid changes, flushes, etc., yet the center console switch system has been repaired once, replaced once, the MAS has gone bad twice, an Ignition coil got sick, the TCM is out at the moment, and more. A couple of support struts have gone bad, etc. It has to go in to diagnose and fix codes P0700/P0720, for the second time in 13 months. Big $ those!

My wife drives it like a baby. The worst part of all this is the incredible cost of parts and the relatively closed maintenance procedures.

As for the SL500, I bought it used and have little maintenance history but have done far more than specified. Some things that don't require service have been serviced by me, including, against the dealer recommendations, the torque converter and the differential. Every plastic part I touch breaks even though it lives in a garage. Parts so far cost almost as much as I would pay for a new car. My repair bill folder for the SL is 3/4" thick.

Topping this all off, MB used to be a client of mine, I sold them manufacturing and assembly equipment and have been to one of their factories in Germany. (I remember it was during the Apollo 13 problem). None of that reduces our costs.

Only problem is that we are now long retired, living on a very strict budget, so a new car is not in the cards.

 

[stephenson]

Key cost for both varieties seems a bit insane, doesn't it?

I don't have a Lexus, but wonder what theirs cost apples to apples?

Cadillac?

Thanks.

 

[e-420]

Key cost for both varieties seems a bit insane, doesn't it?

I don't have a Lexus, but wonder what theirs cost apples to apples?

Cadillac?

Thanks.

my dads lexus new remote cost for a 2012 is over double my W210 or SL500 new remote. and the MB "plain" key is about 2/3 that of a new 2015 GM "plain" key (no remote, just key). I paid around $20 for a new "plain" key for my SL and E420. My new 2015 GMC Sierra Denali spare "plain" key was $45.
GM plain key is like the Mercedes with a chip encoded. And pretty much only available from dealers with the similar show registration, proof of ownership, ID, get picture taken, turn over money. The difference is that a MB key if ordered by 5pm at my local dealer shows up at 9am the next day. The GM keys take about 4 days. Brother got replacement for the Lexus and it was over a week before the key arrived.

 

[ou1954]

Costs

Key cost for both varieties seems a bit insane, doesn't it?

I don't have a Lexus, but wonder what theirs cost apples to apples?

Cadillac?

Thanks.

I had a slab-sided Lincoln Continental and drove it to death. Parts were cheap and I did have to replace the primary camshaft gear - The original was covered with plastic (for noise reduction) but the replacement was cheap.

The only generic problem was window motors got cranky after 10 years.

(By the way, does anyone want to buy a Corvette Key Fob? Only problem is I don't remember the year.)

 

[stephenson]

Let' close this thread now ...gotten way off topic.

Thanks for the inputs from everyone.