Replacement or repair key fob advice

[RealistRae]

Hi all,

So I have my new car (slk 230 2001) love it :bannana: However it only came with one key which is being held together very tightly with Sellotape (fyi - the metal part of the key cannot go down into the body because of the tape).

I would be grateful if you would be able to advise me whether it is better in terms of cost and functionality to repair or replace? Some recommendations as to where to go for the service would also be appreciated

Thanks in advice (",)

 

[grumpyoldgit]

Personally I would get a new key from the main dealer and then see if you can find someone to repair the one you have. OK, they are eye watering expensive from a main dealer, but you will have peace of mind that you're not going to be stranded. A 3 button fob with metal blade key for my C Class cost £227, but I don't know how much your type costs.
To order from a main dealer you will need to take the V5 / Proof of ID / and a recent utility bill (proof of address).

Use this site's Search facility to find info on getting the key that you have, repaired. I don't think all types can be repaired though, i.e. transfering the electronics into a new case. (Search for 'Replacement key' / 'spare key'). And don't go buying keys off ebay thinking that they can be reprogrammed, they can't. Neither can a locksmith supply MB keys.

Welcome to the world of Mercedes, great they are, cheap they aren't.

 

[RealistRae]

Thanks Mr Grumpy. I have added key fob cover to my insurance I'm hoping that I can get it replaced/repaired under that failing that I'll head to MB for a new one

 

[New2MBZ]

Just got a 2003 SL350, a model coveted for ages, but not at £80k! Guess what, only 1 of the keys will start the car, although both open doors and set the alarm. Guess a new one from MB is called for. Any other options?

 

[sspeed]

Never tried these people but they may be worth a call..

http://www.replacementmercedeskeys.co.uk/contact-us/

 

[grumpyoldgit]

Just got a 2003 SL350, a model coveted for ages, but not at £80k! Guess what, only 1 of the keys will start the car, although both open doors and set the alarm. Guess a new one from MB is called for. Any other options?

Presume you've changed the fob batteries?

 

[E55BOF]

Mercedes keys specialists- Need a new Mercedes key? Replacementmercedeskeys.co.uk are good. I recently had a spare key provided for my W210; Mark (the chap who came and did the job on my drive - it entails taking the chip out of the ignition key module, soldering it into a reader, downloading the data, then soldering it back into the ignition key module) did not have any new chrome keyfobs, so I ended up with an all-black one (a van fob, in fact, but OE MB and three-button) for £170 (chrome £190).

The only downside was that it took a while fior them to reply to my contact email, but they are pretty busy, and wait until they have at least a day's work in London before coming down this way fromm Birmingham.

Main dealer £227; Mark £170. End result, fully-functional key spare. No contest.

E55BOF

 

[fintail65]

Morning guys,

I have a problem with my key fob for my 55 plate CLK.

Unlock button doesn't work but the lock and tailgate are fine. Also the actual key will work in the ignition.

Anyone else had this issue? I'm assuming a new key is required?

Thanks.

 

[Dec]

Test the unlock button, when you press it, the Red battery check light on the remote fob should light up, if it doesn’t light up then the tactile switch (3 in picture) on the PCB may need to be replaced or repaired.

You can also test the unlock button by pressing it while viewing the end of the fob through a digital camera as illustrated in video below, if its working properly it should flash Purple/Red.

Your key fob is not the same as what is illustrated below but the same principle applies.

Dec

[YOUTUBE]zQhwvjw29NA[/YOUTUBE]

 

[fintail65]

Hi Dec,

Can the key be taken apart then? Mine is like type B in you photos.

I assumed these were sealed a cant be dismantled?

Thanks.

 

[Dec]

[YOUTUBE]_YFk1MKX_kE&feature=relmfu[/YOUTUBE]

Below, a different key but same issue with a faulty button, if you haven’t done soldering before it would be wise to get a TV repair man to do the repair. Its not an absolute guarantee that the button is at fault but quite likely if it fails the test described in my previous post. To replace a key fob is around about £225 from the dealer.

[YOUTUBE]lCqfivH9-Dg&feature=player_embedded[/YOUTUBE]

Dec

 

[fintail65]

Can it be dismantled though? I can't see any way of getting into the key.

 

[Dec]

Can you not see this video here?… Open Mercedes Key FOB (Old type) - YouTube
Are you able to see the two videos in post 11 above?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lCqfivH9-Dg&feature=player_embedded


Dec

 

[fintail65]

I can see the flip key video but not the others?

 

[Dec]

Sorry but I don’t know what the problem is.
Try another computer, at home perhaps.

Dec

 

[DjxDon]

Thanks for the advice & links on fobs. My 2995 S280 fob locks & unlocks the vehicle as well as opens the boot. Even the red light come on when pressing the lock button. Unfortunately it wont start the car. It doesn't even want to turn in the ignition.
By what I read on here I'm wondering if I could get away with a repair.
The cost for a replacement does seem extortionate

 

[Dec]

Did you try opening it up to see if the coil… number 11 in picture… is intact.
What year is the car or what type of key fob do you have?

Dec

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0OneaTnfoz0