Key transplant...is it possible?

[Silver CL55]

I would like to change my existing year 2002 3 function IR key in matt black to one of the chrome ones.
Can someone transplant the innards of mine into a nice shiny chrome donor one?
The key works fine right now.
Colin.

 

[A-AvantGarde]

I would like to change my existing year 2002 3 function IR key in matt black to one of the chrome ones.
Can someone transplant the innards of mine into a nice shiny chrome donor one?
The key works fine right now.
Colin.

I'm afraid that I don't believe it's possible as the internal components are not interchangeable (the PCB is a different size).

I tried as I had bought a brand new chrome key (but sourced it from the US), it works great, unlocks & starts the car. The only problem I have is that the US frequency is different so doesn't unlock using the radio frequency, I can only use the new key via IR (if I'm standing right by the drivers door). Luckily I still have both original keys.

I guess there may be someone out there that could do it but I doubt it would be easy. If you find someone that can do it I'd be interested as they may be able to get my chrome key working properly!

 

[hygt2]

I'm afraid that I don't believe it's possible as the internal components are not interchangeable (the PCB is a different size).

I tried as I had bought a brand new chrome key (but sourced it from the US), it works great, unlocks & starts the car. The only problem I have is that the US frequency is different so doesn't unlock using the radio frequency, I can only use the new key via IR (if I'm standing right by the drivers door). Luckily I still have both original keys.

I guess there may be someone out there that could do it but I doubt it would be easy. If you find someone that can do it I'd be interested as they may be able to get my chrome key working properly!

You're right about difference PCBs between the Chrome and Black key.

Mercedes will very kindly code a chrome key for your car to replace a black key but it'll be about £190 I believe.

 

[andy27168]

You're right about difference PCBs between the Chrome and Black key.

Mercedes will very kindly code a chrome key for your car to replace a black key but it'll be about £190 I believe.

Hi,
I did,nt hink this could be done, even by MB, I always believed the only time a electronic key could be re-programmed to work was if it had never been coded at all, and MB will not sell blank keys, so this fact was immaterial.

 

[A-AvantGarde]

Hi,
I did,nt hink this could be done, even by MB, I always believed the only time a electronic key could be re-programmed to work was if it had never been coded at all, and MB will not sell blank keys, so this fact was immaterial.

I thnk he means supply & code.

As an aside, the remote I bought from a US dealer was brand new. I supplied my vehicle details VIN & ownership and they ordered a key with the blade cut and coded for my car . The only difference between the Chrome key I have and the UK one's is 1. the RF frequency is different and 2. the US one has the Red Panic button.

 

[GMW]

how did you get a key for your UK car in the US??

I thnk he means supply & code.

As an aside, the remote I bought from a US dealer was brand new. I supplied my vehicle details VIN & ownership and they ordered a key with the blade cut and coded for my car . The only difference between the Chrome key I have and the UK one's is 1. the RF frequency is different and 2. the US one has the Red Panic button.

Did you do this recently? Because I thought all the MB dealers aren't allowed to sell keys unless they have physically seen your car to further prove ownership.

 

[verytalldave]

Even IF the inards could be transplanted (as already said, it cant be done) even the key blade is a different profile and wont fit from old to new.
MB have really done a good job to ensure this cant be done.

 

[A-AvantGarde]

Did you do this recently? Because I thought all the MB dealers aren't allowed to sell keys unless they have physically seen your car to further prove ownership.

No did it about two years ago, they were surprisingly accomodating, although I know that they are much stricter now.

 

[MrT]

Does the panic button function with your car?

 

[Meldrew2]

Just add one of these to a black key...........

 

[Silver CL55]

As it turns out, it looks as if you are all wrong!!
I've done a lot of research and it is possible.
I've got my new key from MB, the only way to get a 2nd key (Chrome!)
So will attempt to "transplant" my old, now spare black one into a shiny new type.
A bit more research neded right now.
I will show you all the results.olin.
C

 

[A-AvantGarde]

As it turns out, it looks as if you are all wrong!!
I've done a lot of research and it is possible.
I've got my new key from MB, the only way to get a 2nd key (Chrome!)
So will attempt to "transplant" my old, now spare black one into a shiny new type.
A bit more research neded right now.
I will show you all the results.olin.
C

Look forward to seeing how you get on, good luck!

 

[A-AvantGarde]

Does the panic button function with your car?

No, it doesn't I believe I need to have some region coding (via Star) for it to function...

 

[Diesel Benz]

As it turns out, it looks as if you are all wrong!!
I've done a lot of research and it is possible.
I've got my new key from MB, the only way to get a 2nd key (Chrome!)
So will attempt to "transplant" my old, now spare black one into a shiny new type.
A bit more research neded right now.
I will show you all the results.olin.
C

Me too waiting for your results. I find it a bit strange that you are this certain while some studies still needed. If you can make the different sized circuit board fit the new key, you should make the different shape blade fit too, otherwise it isn't a complete solution.

 

[Neiltodd]

why not just use the new chrome key you have just got & keep the black as a spare,that's what I did.

 

[Howard]

Excellent , looking forward to seeing this

 

[Silver CL55]

Me too waiting for your results. I find it a bit strange that you are this certain while some studies still needed. If you can make the different sized circuit board fit the new key, you should make the different shape blade fit too, otherwise it isn't a complete solution.

By "more research" I mean I know what needs to be done but do not know who can do it for me.
The blade which fits the chrome key can be bought from MB for £20.
C.

 

[Diesel Benz]

The blade which fits the chrome key can be bought from MB for £20.
C.

I know but it isn't a lot different then from buying a key and the blade from the shop. I accept that the key would be more than £20 but still.

 

[Silver CL55]

I know but it isn't a lot different then from buying a key and the blade from the shop. I accept that the key would be more than £20 but still.

I think it is different.......
Replacement key from MB (with blade) .....................£200 plus

Ebay chrome key £30
Blade only from MB £20
Person to do the "jiggery pokery" with the electronics ?? £20
Total (hopefully) £70
Difference.............................................................£130!!

Anyway it's not really about the money, I want to see if It can be done, plus Mrs Silver wants her c class key done too!!
Colin.

 

[verytalldave]

All I can say is good luck.
When I say it cant be done, to qualify that statement, of course ANYTHING can be done given sufficient effort, time and money.
What I meant to say was that the internals of the old and new keys are not directly interchangeable. Even given a degree of fiddling and filing they don't fit. Mercedes have specifically designed the new key NOT to accept the old keys internals and to this end they have done a good job - even down to the fact that the 3 buttons are in a slightly different alignment so even if you got one button to work - the other two wouldn't.
But I salute anyone who goes out of their way to prove that you can do something that people say cant be done and I wish you well in your quest.
Please let us know if you manage to it and if so, the details.
There are dozens on here who would like to do the same.