[juve010]

ok whats the bottom line on this? I bought a new, never programmed, never used chrome smart key and I wanting to add it as an additional key. Do I need the dealer to program it or can I just insert it into my ign and wait a few hours for it program itself? I've read mixed opinions from my search, so what is the deal? Thanks.

 

[Kajtek1]

You have to send it back to the seller for programming.
Dealers can't program new smart keys from what I know, but you can call them to confirm.

 

[juve010]

wait what? then how do they get keys for people if they cannot program them?

 

[mbvis]

I think you wasted the money to buy a blank key. Dealer will not program it for you. From what I read, you need to order the key from the dealer with proof of ownership of the car. After they "make" the key, you'll need to take the car to the dealer to synchronnize because both the programmed key and the car computer work jointly in a so-called rolling code algorithm. Read here
HowStuffWorks "How Remote Entry Works"

 

[juve010]

well this would be crap...

I will have to call up the local dealerships on Monday and see what they say.

 

[Kobus]

If you bought the key through a dealer and gave your Vin, you get a fully usable key, no coding or further dealer visit required.
If you bought your key from anywhere else, e.g EBay, etc., find the nearest wall, bang your head against it repeatedly while repeating " Why oh why, didn't I ask on this forum first". You can use one of your hands at the same time waving goodbye to your money.

Only the MB supply warehouse can program the key to work with your car - no dealer has the capability.

 

[yeldogt]

You order the key from the dealer in person with proof of ownership and the car -- they order the key from MBNA using the VIN -- I think they come from TX.

The key is all ready to go.


That's why you need to replace a lost key. If you only have one key and lose it - you have to tow the car to the dealer. My parts guy said they can not order a key with out the car and proof of ownership.

 

[Kajtek1]

The rules might change, but 3 years ago I bought the chrome key from Duval faxing them my pinkslip and DL.
I think Kobu's reply has a good chance to become forum classic.

 

[yeldogt]

I believe that the rules for keys has changed. My local dealer knows me by name and to get a key I had to provide proof of ownership because the car I was getting a key for was in my company name. They require your drivers license and registration to order the key and the parts manager told me that they must have the car to release the key -- and they sign for it.

The paperwork is sent to MB before they will program the key -- I was told they have had too many stolen cars!

 

[Musikmann]

Just curious: Where did you buy this "new, never programmed, never used chrome smart key" anyway? I thought the dealers/MBUSA were the only sources?

 

[SHAUNE55]

Just curious: Where did you buy this "new, never programmed, never used chrome smart key" anyway? I thought the dealers/MBUSA were the only sources?

They sell them in China.......Also devices for programming...Sounds like a con,I'll try and find it and post the link.

 

[SHAUNE55]

Mercedes Keys-Mercedes Keys Manufacturers, Suppliers and Exporters on alibaba.com

 

[Musikmann]

Wow, thanks SHAUNE55!

 

[Kajtek1]

I guess that goes to 'something to avoid" box?

 

[mbvis]

I believe that the rules for keys has changed. My local dealer knows me by name and to get a key I had to provide proof of ownership because the car I was getting a key for was in my company name. They require your drivers license and registration to order the key and the parts manager told me that they must have the car to release the key -- and they sign for it.

The paperwork is sent to MB before they will program the key -- I was told they have had too many stolen cars!

Every new MB came with 2 keys. I think anyone who bought used/pre-owned MB that came with only 1 key should be warned. There may be someone somewhere with the 2nd key. He/she can just stop by, unlock the door, insert that 2nd key then drives away to some chop shop.

 

[yeldogt]

That has alway been a concern with buying a used car -- it was especially true when all you needed was a 50 cent blank. Many used MB's only have one key due to the high replacement cost when one is lost. My wholesale cost was about $150.00

MB has made the process more costly when no key is available since they require the car -- and the only way to do that is to have the car towed if both keys are lost.

 

[Musikmann]

I guess that goes to 'something to avoid" box?

Worth quoting and you can say that again.

 

[Olivier A]

If you bought the key through a dealer and gave your Vin, you get a fully usable key, no coding or further dealer visit required.
If you bought your key from anywhere else, e.g EBay, etc., find the nearest wall, bang your head against it repeatedly while repeating " Why oh why, didn't I ask on this forum first". You can use one of your hands at the same time waving goodbye to your money.

Only the MB supply warehouse can program the key to work with your car - no dealer has the capability.

this is funny.
I thought you were going to add "you can use one of you hand to slap yourself on the same time".

Unfortunatly for the OP indeed the key need to be ordered from MB.

 

[Witek_M]

Every new MB came with 2 keys. I think anyone who bought used/pre-owned MB that came with only 1 key should be warned. There may be someone somewhere with the 2nd key. He/she can just stop by, unlock the door, insert that 2nd key then drives away to some chop shop.

Actually with tree keys. Lost or stolen key can be irrevocably deleted from key track. Changing mechanical lock in doors and trunk will make other keys unusable.

 

[Kajtek1]

Per my knowledge lot of second and third keys are lost at auctions, or at the time of sale. Some sellers "have no head" to remember to pass the second key, while minimum wage auction employees (happen to know one) are making for low wages by removing from cars all the extra keys, tools and manuals also bending for those coins drop under the carpets and under cupholders. Than those things end on ebay. Not the coils