MY 97 seems to be the most difficult to duplicate. From what I have found is that chances are very slim you will find a solution. There are several companies referenced in posts that seem to be able to make keys for models from 98/99 up but don't show the one button switchblade key solution. the same situation exists for 97 W210's best I can tell.

 

When I was talking with LACARTECH I believe he indicated that it was possible to replicate those keys but you would need a used key fob. He could then reprogram that used fob to work on your car and cut a new blade for it.

I would reach out to him and see what he can do.

 

I just went through this issue with my '97 W202 (C230) a few weeks ago.

At first the dealer told me they couldn't order it. So I called another dealer to research/get the part number and then relayed that info to the dealer here locally and all of a sudden, they said they could get it.

Within the week, the key was delivered to the dealer pre-cut and already programmed to work.

The parts department manager at the dealer told me that MB is being very selective on new keys and will reject certain keys being made for any reason. The new Sprinter vans only come with one key.

Does your key look like this?

 

I just went through this issue with my '97 W202 (C230) a few weeks ago.

At first the dealer told me they couldn't order it. So I called another dealer to research/get the part number and then relayed that info to the dealer here locally and all of a sudden, they said they could get it.

Within the week, the key was delivered to the dealer pre-cut and already programmed to work.

The parts department manager at the dealer told me that MB is being very selective on new keys and will reject certain keys being made for any reason. The new Sprinter vans only come with one key.

Does your key look like this?

View attachment 2754528

Could you please share the part number you provided your local dealership to successfully get a new remote? I know yours is a '97 W202, but the remotes all look the same as their other IR remotes of that era for the R129s and W140s. Curious if these are interchangeable and/or can simply be programmed for any of these models with IR remotes.

I just bought a 1997 SL600 which came with one remote and am trying to acquire another remote with blade. Had a promising conversation with LA Car Tech already and they may even be able to help me out with a local (Victoria, BC) locksmith to get another remote made.

I've confirmed the following part numbers for R129s with a couple different dealers in the PNW:
1407602206 master key w/ transponder
1407602306 valet key w/ transponder
BQ-4-76-0009 remote with folding blade

I'd prefer to have a brand new from factory though of course if possible, but my local dealership in Victoria (Three Point Motors) said it would cost $642.23 + $169 one hour labour to program the key, totaling just over $900 CAD which is absolutely outlandish. They also refused to provide any part numbers which is apparently their own silly policy, shame because I was considering buying an A35 AMG from them, but garbage like this key situation is already souring my MB experience. So good news is if you're totally desperate for a key they can make them at a price. I'll update this thread if I have any luck with our limited third party options.

 

Yes, can you tell me which dealer you were able to get the key made from? You can text it to my cell 901-305-1517. Thank you so much.

 

Yes, can you tell me which dealer you were able to get the key made from?

Where are you located? You'll need to order from your local dealer, just gotta be persistent. If the one you called can't do it, try another. They WILL make them, there is just a shortage & you'll need to put forth a bigger effort.

I am sure you could order from my dealer, but MB also has some wild rules about getting new keys, so you'll need to find a place locally unless you plan on staying in town for 3-5 days.

You'll need a copy of the title/registration & proof of identity at the time of purchase.

Then you have to present that info again when it arrives. My dealer had me drive up to the service department and they made sure everything was good to go. These keys come pre-programmed.

It was $286 out the door for my new key.

 

I had keys and FOB's made for my 2000 SL 500. The guy who preformed the work is up in Wisconsin.

 

GREETINGSI have 2001 SL500 R129. I NEED FOB AND KEYS MADE....CAN U GIVE ME THE PHONE NUMBER TO THE PLACE YOU MADE YOURS OR WEBSITE. THANKS. SOORY FOR CAP

 

Thank you all for your feedback and support. I was able to find one locksmith in Memphis that could replicate a valet key, so I now have a backup. Thanks again

 

Is that a working valet key that you can start your 97 and drive with?

 

I can see the R129 car "For Sale" ads changing soon:

For Sale - Two (2) sets of functional flip / switchblade key fobs for 1997 Mercedes-Benz SL500. Includes a functional Valet key. $19,500. Bonus - Keys will come with a free, running '97 Mercedes-Benz SL500 car.

 

La Car tech 1-936-666-6650.....they do it all....

 

La Car Tech 1-936-666-6650,,,the do it all...perfect !!

 

a body shop in MN lost my only key for my 97, they managed to get a local locksmith to replicate 2 keys that start and lock my car. They work fine I just miss the remote which hopefully one day will become available

 

What body shop in mn that lost your key? I need a second key myself

 

Be carefull about assuming that all 1997 Mercedes cars use the same security system (Drive Authorization System) with interchangeable programmable key blanks or FOBs.

We need to hear more detailed feedback on replacement keys for 1997 and newer (especially 1997).
Who is having success making fully functional keys (or FOBs) and who isn't (Dealer or aftermarket)...

 

I can verify that all 97's do NOT have the same security system or key blanks. My 97E420 while it has the same looking switchblade remote housing is NOT the same as my 97 SL, nor are the key blanks the same, they are distinctly different. and the DAS has some subtle differences.

 

Seems like there is a lot more of these threads lately. Perhaps a mod can merge and edit them into one....

If you have a '99-'02 R129, you can get a flip key made from the aftermarket. I got one from LACarTech that has been working flawlessly. Several other's have posted that they were able to get keys made from other vendors as well.

Pre '99 (single button flip key) is where we don't seem to have definitive information.

 

No sorry. It was for one key. The other one was on a separate invoice. It is a chipped key tied to the car. They need your vin number for your vehicle so they can set up for your car. The original keys are one button for my SL. The car has been in the family since 98 but owned by a family friend before that and they have never changed keys. I lost the chip when I tried to glue the key together (it was separating). It was working before I tried to glue it together. The chip fell out, but didn't have any idea that it had a chip and the issues that everyone is having getting a replacement key. When I first went to MB surrey the parts person told me that I couldn't get new keys (NLA). I was picking up parts a few weeks later and talked to Johnson and he looked in the computer and by chance said I could get one. Picked the first one up and then at that point ordered another for insurance (those are now in my Safe). I am sure you can have a key cut to work in the doors (via key) but without the chip it you won't be able to start the car. I have the Valet key which starts the car but cannot open the trunk or if the interior compartments are locked it cannot do that. I don't have the wallet key ( looks like a T ). Had someone look through the house in Palm Desert about a month ago but they couldn't find it. So I am SOL on that. I think the part number is somewhat generic on the invoice. You shouldn't have to pay extra for programing the key. They opened the package that the key came in - I went to the car and it worked perfectly. IR to open the doors and started right up. The costs I have listed are in Canadian $.

 

GREETINGSI have 2001 SL500 R129. I NEED FOB AND KEYS MADE....CAN U GIVE ME THE PHONE NUMBER TO THE PLACE YOU MADE YOURS OR WEBSITE. THANKS. SOORY FOR CAPS...

 

Excellent. Thanks for the details.
Just curious, why the valet key and not a master key that opens all locks?

 

The valet key will open all lock - the only difference is that it doesn’t have the remote so I can open the doors from far away. The key fob are currently unavailable and I needed a backup key. I will order a key fob once they become available. This was through my local
locksmith and we were not ordering from Mercedes dealer.

 

Good, that sounds like he made a "master key".
The limited function "valet key" only opens the doors and starts the car (it doesn't open the trunk or interior glove box, console etc as described in the owners manual).
Glad to hear that you got that made for a 1997.
Does your old key still work? (can your cars system recognize the old and the new keys)

 

Any competent locksmith with the proper key blank can cut you the key (Master or valet which has a different cut) , the hard part is programming the RFID chip to match the immobilizer. So look like Henry has found a locksmith that can do the job. Should post the contact detail for other Form members here.

 

Here is the locksmith that helped me and ask for Nick. He needs the car to replicate a working key, so you have to be local.
AAA Safe & Lock Co.
722 S Highland St, Memphis, TN 38111
(901) 323-1701

 

Ft worth MS? or TX? Could you please be more specific and thanks!!

 

Mine has 92,000 but in pretty good shape. I just tried the soft top this weekend and the main cylinder is leaking so I will tackler that this winter. Right now I am working on the brakes. You can contact me at henrykinler@hotmail.com.

 

This is the guy I used but he needs the car and he is in Memphis.
AAA Safe & Lock Co.
722 S Highland St, Memphis, TN 38111
(901) 323-1701

I hear LACarTech can duplicate keys
LA Car Tech - home of automotive key programming and diagnostic tools from a working key.

 

Checking in to see if there have been any developments on sourcing a key for 97s. I called the local MB dealer and they said they are NLA and that was it. A local locksmith is going to replicate a valet key for me, so at least there is that.

 

I used these guys; pricey, but have two fully functional fobs with flip keys.

The MSS

 

Have you asked LA Car Tech? I got replacement "cloned" keys for my 1998 SL500. They work perfectly!

 

LA Car Tech can't do the earlier 1997 models with the one button key without getting the SKREEM from the car. MSS is using the same equipment and software. Unfortunately it seems those with the earlier R129s with IR keys are SOL.

 

I’ve said it before- if I ever decided to sell my early ‘97 the ad will be something like:

“FS - 2 working MB switchblade IR keys for early ‘97 SL500. Key set includes original flat key and valet key. Both remotes will lock and unlock both doors and trunk via IR or by using the key. Asking $15,000 USD for entire set of keys. Will not part out.
Note - keys come with free 1997 SL500 Sport in excellent running and working condition. Please see photos of keys below. Pictures of the car available on request.”

please note -this is a parody and not an offer to sell keys or the car. Thank you.

 

I guess I can get more for my 97 SL, I have 3 working remotes , 2 master keys and 2 valet keys!

BTW on my valet keys I had a duplicate of my master key made. It won't start the car but it will open the trunk and glovebox. So basically the"valet" key ring is a "master" key ring