wardpaa
Member
Can you swap the chip over to a chrome 3 button key?
I know you can do this on a 2 button key as shown on the Mbworld site
I know you can do this on a 2 button key as shown on the Mbworld site
Reprogramming W208 keys
- Thread starter Lockking
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- keys reprogramming w208
A-AvantGarde
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No, 2 button keys also exist, I think most commonly for the W203 Sport Coupe (and perhaps only in the US).
wardpaa
Member
So the assumption is that I can order either a 2 or 3 button chrome key and swap my chip over and it would work ? Just with the 2 button key I have lost out on remote boot release....
verytalldave
MB Enthusiast
That appears to me the way. Dont forget you will need to order a new keybade from MB to fit your car for the new key.
wardpaa
Member
I will be ordering a 3 button Chrome key off of Fleabay in the next few days then will swap the chip and see how it goes. Job does not look too bad as I have done small form factor IC's before in a previous career.
Not too worried yet about the blade to be honest; that can wait for now.
Not too worried yet about the blade to be honest; that can wait for now.
wardpaa
Member
Yes please do. They are going for around £45 on Ebay each night, so doing both of mine will save a bit of cash over the £400 for 2 new keys. Both of mine are worn and cracked now. The question is does this work every time.
Lockking, Are you doing yours yourself or using someone else ?
Lockking, Are you doing yours yourself or using someone else ?
Lockking
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Hi Wardpaa, have had the second chrome key rechiped and it's working fine. Didn't do it myself. Got a man I now who's got the equipment to swop the chips over. Seeing the size of the terminals you'd have to be pretty handy & lucky with a soldering iron.
A-AvantGarde
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Me too, used to be in Surrey too (but not now).
I'm keen to have this done, watch the price of Chrome keys shoot up on ebay!
wardpaa
Member
My key arrives this weekend and I will swap over the chip then let you know what happens. I have a hot air iron that I have used to do this type of work before so am confident about the job.
If my key works then I will let you know about doing some others.
If my key works then I will let you know about doing some others.
A-AvantGarde
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The whole point of the thread is whether you can re-program a used key or transplant the internals of an existing black platic key into one of the newer chrome keys. If you re-read it from the start on page 1 of the thread it should make sense.
Yes, it is possible to buy a brand new replacement key from Mercedes (at about £200). If you were to order one for almost any Merc with the triangle black plastic key you will almost certainly get a chrome key, hence why you probably have your setup. Unless that is you modified your key yourself?
wardpaa
Member
Avantgarde, I have swapped the chip over and it locks/unlocks the car and boot release but does not let me start the car. The ignition release does not activate as soon as you put the key in therefore preventing me from turning it. My guess is that the car has to be set up with the key. Did you do a key sync or anything ?
A-AvantGarde
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That sounds unusual. I haven't had my key modified in this way yet so can't comment exactly I'm afraid.
I bought a Chrome key directly from a dealer in the US for my UK car providing my VIN number etc. It arrived pre-programmed with the blade cut too.
There was some type of synchronisation that I had to do, when I got the key but if I recall correctly that may have been just for the infra-red lock / unlock.
I'm afraid I can't remember the exact procedure but I think it involved inserting an old key followed by the new key or holding some of the key buttons in a particular sequence. I think the technique is in the owners manual...
Hope this helps
I bought a Chrome key directly from a dealer in the US for my UK car providing my VIN number etc. It arrived pre-programmed with the blade cut too.
There was some type of synchronisation that I had to do, when I got the key but if I recall correctly that may have been just for the infra-red lock / unlock.
I'm afraid I can't remember the exact procedure but I think it involved inserting an old key followed by the new key or holding some of the key buttons in a particular sequence. I think the technique is in the owners manual...
Hope this helps
wardpaa
Member
Lockking, did you have to perform a sync on the key to get the car to accept it and therefore allow you to start it ? My key is doing everything fine concerning locking/ unlocking but not the immobiliser.
I am beginning to suspect that the later generation of cars do not have a sync process like the older cars do. Reckon the car has to be told to accept the new key using star software.
I am beginning to suspect that the later generation of cars do not have a sync process like the older cars do. Reckon the car has to be told to accept the new key using star software.
Last edited:
A-AvantGarde
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What age is your CLK?
As for the key, I thought that changing the chip shouldn't need anything else to be done as the key technically is the same, i.e. the car shouldn't know any difference?
