Spare key

[marm]

Sorry, this has probably been asked a million times before...

Just bought a W202, it came with just one key. Could do with a spare...

Where to go, and what to pay? I am in North London.

Electronic keys are new to me... But if it makes any difference the key is only used to operate the ignition - car has an aftermarket alarm (came with 2 fobs) which is used for opening and closing doors.

 

[AMGeed]

Dealer only unfortunately. Take the car, V5, passport and prepare for open wallet surgery to the tune of approx £235 for new key. Takes about 5 days for the key to come from Germany

 

[marm]

Dealer only unfortunately. Take the car, V5, passport and prepare for open wallet surgery to the tune of approx £235 for new key. Takes about 5 days for the key to come from Germany

Thanks for the reply. That is steep... There are other places advertising that they do keys (e.g. Lost Mercedes Key Replacement and Programming | AutoLocks) for less. I haven't called to confirm.

The garage that sold me the car also recommended an indy who can (apparently) do replacements... again I haven't called them yet.

 

[Daleaholic]

I had some communication with an independent Mercedes key specialist in Birmingham who was after about £160.00 for a key. Unsure about the metal part. (Surely this could just be cut based on the key you already have?)

 

[marm]

I had some communication with an independent Mercedes key specialist in Birmingham who was after about £160.00 for a key. Unsure about the metal part. (Surely this could just be cut based on the key you already have?)

I think the metal part is all I need? Not sure... If I can open doors with the separate alarm fob is the electronic part of the key needed?

It's all a mystery to me... never owned a car as modern as this before

 

[Daleaholic]

In that case, It may be worth asking an independent specialist before you go to the stealer.

 

[AMGeed]

I had some communication with an independent Mercedes key specialist in Birmingham who was after about £160.00 for a key. Unsure about the metal part. (Surely this could just be cut based on the key you already have?)

The electronic side of the key is needed for the ignition, which is what the OP states he needs it for. The metal slide out key is for the locks only.

RMK in Birmingham do indeed supply keys cheaper than the dealer but...........
the OP's car is a '97 and it states on their website the C class from '99 on only can be supplied by them. That is why I didn't mention them.

 

[markjay]

....the OP's car is a '97 and it states on their website the C class from '99 on only can be supplied by them. That is why I didn't mention them.

Does anyone know for sure when electronic keys were introduced? This would be in the shape of a small transceiver chip inside the fob.

Earlier W202 had the flipkey so possibly not yet electronic?

Marm, if you have a flipkey (i.e. rather than a fob with emergency key hidden in the back) then you could try cutting a new key anyway and see if it works ?

 

[marm]

Does anyone know for sure when electronic keys were introduced? This would be in the shape of a small transceiver chip inside the fob.

Earlier W202 had the flipkey so possibly not yet electronic?

Marm, if you have a flipkey (i.e. rather than a fob with emergency key hidden in the back) then you could try cutting a new key anyway and see if it works ?

Yes I think it is a flipkey... here's a pic:

I wonder if my local locksmith would have blanks.

Or: BRAND NEW MERCEDES 1 BUTTON FLIP REMOTE KEY CASE/SHELL HU39 BLADE | eBay

 

[TKvS]

Timpsons 'allegedly' can cut MB electronic car keys....according to my local guy....quoted me around £120......I suppose a call to their H.O. would confirm.

 

[Dec]

That eBay key fob you link to is not the correct fob, this here… BRAND NEW 2 BUTTON MERCEDES FLIP REMOTE KEY CASE/SHELL HU64 BLADE | eBay … would be a better bet as it comes with a blank key blade, the can be cut by cretin key cutters, don’t know where though.

The fact this remote has 2 buttons doesn’t matter as you only need it as a key holder/container.

The remote in your picture is also an immobiliser, its probably not working now and that is why the replacement alarm/central locking was fitted to the car, it is unknown if the immobiliser was disabled or bypassed or simply left” switched off” so you would be wise to continue on now with the present locking arrangement and just use the existing and “new spare” key for starting the engine.

Dec


Edit, this here... 1 Button Remote Key Shell Case Fob For Benz Mercedes W168 W124 W202 1984-2004 | eBay ... is a better bet than the one that I linked above. I just noticed, this fob is from China, it could take a long time to get to you.

 

[AMGeed]

Does anyone know for sure when electronic keys were introduced? This would be in the shape of a small transceiver chip inside the fob.

Earlier W202 had the flipkey so possibly not yet electronic?

Marm, if you have a flipkey (i.e. rather than a fob with emergency key hidden in the back) then you could try cutting a new key anyway and see if it works ?

Good point Mark If the OP had mentioned he had a flipkey I wouldn't have bothered replying

 

[E55BOF]

I have a similar setup on my R129, with an aftermarket immobiliser fitted, and the MB keyfob is U/S. I had a 'dumb' metal key blade cut by a local locksmith; it works fine.

 

[marm]

Well, it's good news from my point of view. The car was sold to me by a Mercedes specialist who said that I'd need a new electronic key, and that it would be expensive...

As I said this is all new to me, my last car was a mk2 golf so even remote central locking is more high tech than I'm used to...Now I know what a flipkey is. Thanks and apologies for the confusion.

 

[sicelo]

...prepare for open wallet surgery ...

Nice expression

 

[marm]

Nice expression

An "out of pocket experience" is what I was expecting...

 

[marm]

Went to the local locksmiths today. They were out of stock of blanks but have ordered one for tomorrow. The conclusion - it has a "chip" in it which I need to be able to start the ignition... the cost is £25... sounds good to me but let's see if it works.

Quite a range of opinions on what's needed!

 

[marm]

OK, the locksmiths were unable to get hold of the blank, and advised buying one on eBay which they'll then be able to cut. Have ordered one of these.

flipkey 1 button Mercedes case W210 key W208 W202 W168 | eBay

Fingers crossed that the standard immobiliser is no longer functioning and that the key works (without electronics).

 

[Spin_bowler]

If you do need to go down the route of a full replacement you can do worse than give these guys a call. Still a lot of money but cheaper than the dealer and they come to you in their mobile workshop. They did one for my old 203, came to me at work all done and dusted with modern chrome style key in about an hour or so.

I'm not connected to them in any way other than as a happy customer.

ReplacementMercedesKeys - Mercedes keys programmed and repaired! - Mercedes key - Contact Us

 

[marm]

Update: the new key (no electronics) turns the engine over, but it does not fire. Local locksmiths say they can copy the chip for £25... we'll see.