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The cheapest way to replace a Mercedes key

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The cheapest way to replace a Mercedes key

Owning your dream car is an experience like no other, and when that car is a Mercedes there is no real price to put on it. Mercedes is a company that stands for elegance and design. If you are a proud owner of a Mercedes then no wonder that you cherish the Mercedes key that is provided with the car as it is not simple like normal car keys. It comes with enhanced security systems for the safety of your car.

The most common problem with car owners is one of losing your car keys. It doesn’t matter if you own a Mercedes or any other car this is a problem everyone has faced once in their lifetime if not more. But the issue with losing a Mercedes car key is that it costs quite a bit of money to get a new one.

While you might be able to handle the expense but at a point, your mind will not be at ease for spending so much money on such a common mistake that could happen to anybody. We always recommend keeping your car keys safe, but accidents do happen and you might lose them or they might get damaged in a way making it unsuitable for further use. In this case, you need to get a new Mercedes key and if you don’t want to spend the money then this article is for you.

There are many techniques to get a new Mercedes key, but the below-mentioned ones are the best and cheapest ways to replace a Mercedes key.

First way: Get it on Amazon

Over the last few years, Amazon has expanded its global consumer base so much that today there is hardly any kind of product that is not available on the eCommerce platform. Car accessories are not an exception and Amazon even has a specially dedicated section for the cars which is called ‘My garage’. Almost all the things you are looking for your car may be available here.

Now to get the keys for your Mercedes you can’t simply search for it in the search bar. First of all, you need to log in to Amazon with your account and then go to the ‘My Garage’ section. There you need to search for blank keys that are completely unprogrammed and uncut. It might be a little difficult to get the keys you are looking for, so try to refine the search using the filter in the search bar.

You might need to buy the remote for locking and unlocking the cars also. Some of the modern Mercedes cars combine the remote and the key into a single device. Also, make sure that you have found the correct keys for your car and if you have any confusion regarding this then you can search for it on google or any Mercedes forum.

The only two problems with this method are that it takes quite a bit of a time to get the key delivered to you and even after delivery you will need to code the key for your car yourself which everyone is not capable of.

Second way: Contact the local mobile locksmith

This is an important way as it doesn’t matter if you adopt the previous way or not you are going to need someone to cut and code the keys for your car. Getting a mobile locksmith is the best way to get this done. And if unfortunately enough, you have lost all the keys to your Mercedes then the locksmith can come to your house and work on it. It’s very good if you can get a locksmith who specializes in Mercedes cars then he can get your car ready and running on the roads in a few hours at the max.

Some of the locksmiths are good enough to supply you with the keys as well as cut and code it for you. If you happen to get hold of such a mobile locksmith then he can solve your problem easily. It’s better to discuss your problem with the locksmith beforehand as if he thinks that it can be done, then this is a few hours job at the max. Mercedes is one of the first few companies to install electronic locks in their cars making it more secure and developing the keys more difficult hence it’s important to make sure that your locksmith is equipped enough to handle the job at hand.

Third way: Code your key

You can code your key if you are that brave and understand the technicalities of the program. But to give a fair warning that the Mercedes keys are much more complicated to program than other car keys. Also, you need to keep in mind the following points to program a Mercedes key:

  • You can only program the older ‘Flip’ Mercedes car keys by yourself. If your car uses the modern Mercedes ‘Smart’ keys then you will have to go to the Mercedes dealer or see an expert as there is no other option.
  • The keys that are used as replacements are considered as a spare key and hence the Mercedes car allows you to only create and program the spare key.
  • Once you have programmed the spare key you can never reprogram it for another car. But you can reprogram it as many times as needed until you do it right.
  • You cannot program a replacement key or master key by yourself and if you have lost that then you need to contact the dealership to get you a new master key.

If all of this goes in vain and you cannot get hold of a locksmith or find the right keys or fail to program it yourself, then as a last resort you have to go to the Mercedes dealership and they will provide you with the master key. It’s not cheap, but the most secure option. The above mentioned three options are the cheapest ways to replace a Mercedes key. If you don’t want to spend a hefty amount of money at the dealership then try out the above methods to easily get the keys replaced and also cut back on the expenses.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does it cost to replace a Mercedes key?

A new key for your Mercedes will set you back between $200 and $300, though it’s been reported by some Mercedes-Benz owners to cost up to $560.

Thankfully, you don’t need the car with you or even your existing key, but the dealers are usually very strict on verifying ownership. The dealer will order the right key for your car from the VIN number, and you’ll also need your vehicle registration, as well as your driver’s license, passport, or identity card.

You may be able to replace your Mercedes key for cheaper if you check out some other options. For example, you may be able to find blank keys on the ‘My Garage’ section of Amazon. This method will require you to code the keys yourself though, which is a little bit tricky (we cover this later on in the article).

Can a locksmith program a Mercedes key?

Your average locksmith is unlikely to be able to program a Mercedes key, however, if you find your nearest auto locksmith, this is something they may be able to help with.

Most auto locksmiths also offer an emergency mobile roadside service if you need a car key programming or the remote key fob repaired urgently.

Your best bet is to source an auto locksmith who specializes in car key programming. Such locksmiths can usually deal with the following issues:

  • Repairing car key fobs and providing replacement fob
  • Fixing a remote car key fob
  • Fixing a transponder key that is broken/damaged
  • Providing a spare transponder key
  • Fixing a transponder chip inside the car key remote that is broken or damaged
  • Replacing a lost car key fob
  • Reprogramming car key fobs

Therefore if you buy a blank pair of keys online, an auto locksmith should be able to reprogram these for you.

How long does it take to get a new Mercedes key?

This depends on where you’re getting your new Mercedes key from. For example, if you’re purchasing a blank one online, you need to factor in how long the delivery time is, and then how long it’ll take an auto locksmith to reprogram the key.

If you’re going direct to a Mercedes-Benz dealership to replace your key, they may need to order the key in which could take several days, although they may give you a temporary replacement key in the meantime.

If you call a local auto locksmith, they may be able to give you an estimated time to replace your key, which will give you a clearer idea of how to proceed.

An auto locksmith is most likely to be the quickest solution, as these are usually equipped to handle emergency repairs or replacements, but you should be sure that they’re an experienced and qualified locksmith as Mercedes keys are specially programmed.

Why are Mercedes keys so expensive?

Locksmiths and dealers usually charge a lot for key replacements simply due to supply and demand. The reality of losing your car key is that you’re likely to need a replacement as soon as possible, which is why we’re usually willing to pay a higher price to get the issue fixed quickly.

That said, Mercedes keys are especially expensive due to the technology they use and the expense of having to program a new key so that your new fob can unlock and start your vehicle. Keyless entries are convenient and are common in today’s cars, and these increase your car’s security by using rolling security codes. Mercedes-Benz was one of the first manufacturers to use this technology and even coined the term “smart key.”

Therefore, it’s worth bearing in mind that these mini electronic devices are extremely advanced and are equipped with circuitry and a battery – so while tiny, they are expensive due to their intricate inner-workings. The Mercedes fob can be expensive on its own, and that’s before you factor in the cost of equipment and labor fees.

How do you start a Mercedes with a dead key?

If your Mercedes key battery has died, and you can’t start your car using the START ENGINE push button, you can get into the car and start the engine manually by following these instructions, which apply to the S-Class, C-Class, GLE-Class, ML-Class, E-Class, GL-Class, SL-Class, and SLK-Class Mercedes.

Here’s how to do this:

  • First, use the metal key from your Mercedes key fob to manually unlock the door.
  • The alarm will go off when you open the door this way, however, it should stop as soon as you insert the key into the ignition.
  • To do this, remove the Start / Stop button from the ignition lock. You can quickly pull it from the ignition. The Start/Stop button will pop out.
  • Next, you’ll need to insert your smart key into the ignition (it’ll work even if it’s dead).
  • Press the brake pedal and make sure the transmission is in Park position.
  • Turn the KEYLESS-GO key in the ignition to start the engine. Release the key as soon as the engine cranks.
  • Make sure to save the Engine Start/Stop button so that you can reinsert it once you change the battery in your Mercedes key fob. In the meantime, you will need to start your car by inserting the key into the ignition.

Can I track my Mercedes key?

No, but your dealer can. They can then disable the key and order you a new electronic remote which will wipe out the old one forever.

However, if your key is stolen, it’s worth replacing the mechanical locks too, even though the alarms will be set off if the robber attempts to use the mechanical key.

So in this case, it’s best to replace both the mechanical locks and the electronic key just to be on the safe side. Visit your Mercedes dealer and they will sort out the process and advise you accordingly.

Can I program my own car key?

It’s possible to program your own car key, however, you need to understand the technicalities of the program to be able to do this. Mercedes-Benz keys are also a lot more complex than other car keys.

You can only program the older ‘Flip’ Mercedes car keys. If you own a modern car that’s operated with a ‘smart’ key then you will have to go to the Mercedes dealer or see an expert in order to be able to do this.

As we said, it’s best to leave this in the hands of the experts, as the technology is incredibly complex and only a specialized auto locksmith or dealer will be able to reprogram the key for you.

 

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