New key issues as well ...

[Arkay]

New member and currently really annoyed with M-B.

Just read NeilA's post and must ask my own question.

My wife's key failed 6 months ago in her M-B and new one cost her about £200. I have just been to stealership this morning with my failed key - new one about £210. However, they have just told me as my SLK is 6 years old I will need a different model of key which means cutting a new blade (insert). The total quoted was £269 odd. I was furious - £60-£70 to cut a piece of metal.

I am waiting for their return call as I want to know if I can have a new key without the blade (after all I have 2 already) but my question for television is - if I buy a key from ebay - will it be obvious what key I need to buy before I send it to you? I have a 2007 SLK 350?

 

[television]

My flip out key for my 140 the same as yours cost £160,,with a cut blade.

What is wrong with your key, you can also buy the key with a blank and transfer the blade over from you old key,,, I can fix certain ones.

 

[Arkay]

in reply

Thanks friend. It was an intermittent fault (would not start car or open door) and new batteries made no difference. M_B have told me I need a nw key and I appreciate I can keep the old blade, they just tell me it won't fit the new key as the new keys are a 'different model' since 2007. I will not buy a M_B new key yet as I am tempted by your help but what is best way to contact you or where do I send key for you to look at or where do i buy blank key - ebay do not appear to have a blank for an SLK 350. Do you know of site / link?

Best wishes

 

[television]

I am not sure what the key is like on the 350, but if it works sometimes then a bad connection if I can find it.

Put your Email address in your profile

 

[Arkay]

email

rbmgk@talktalk.net

The old key looks like the photo. I am told they have changed the fob design slightly and if I order a new fob, it won't accept the old blade. It might just be a case of drilling off a small lump on the side (!) or they tell me some people just keep the old blade and tape it to the side of the new fob. Why change design I wonder??

Anyway, if you think you can have a go at fixing this spare I will send it to you. If you think I should buy a new one, can you programme it for my car or do I need to go to M_B? Look forward to your contact.

 

[television]

That key is just the first version chrome key and no problem, it is not a flip pout key and the cost £225 complete

You can send it to me if you wish

 

[Arkay]

Address

Thanks - the £225 complete is the price for a new key from dealers - but I assume that is not price if you repair it? Anyway - can you send me an email with your address so I can send it to you for you to look at. Thanks !

 

[television]

I do not charge if I cannot fix and not much if I can, I do need an address please

 

[Arkay]

address

the email address is in the reply I posted with the photo of the key. Thanks.

 

[television]

Email sent, I did not notice it

 

[Arkay]

Did you get it?

Hi Television
Did you get key OK and how is it?

 

[television]

I will make a final decision on it shortly, it is to all intent working so far

 

[Arkay]

Thanks

Thanks television

Must be an intermittent fault ? Works sometimes but not others. Very frustrating if that is the case as it gives you little to work on.:Oops:

 

[television]

I did note that the price was not worked out from the cost to manufacture

 

[EmilysDad]

....
M-B response is attached. They think this price is 'competitive' and based on 'market research'. I wonder what you think?

IMHO that reply is a long winded way of saying that ..... we charge as much as we think we can get away with. It was a few years ago now, but the last blade I bought for EmilysMum's Vauxhall came precut for around £30, however the 2 blades & fob (that's how MB sell them ) for her current Smart was IIRC about £90. They then stung me about the same to code it up to the car.

a few pairs of blank emergency blades here http://www.ebay.co.uk/sch/i.html?_o...ency+key&_nkw=mercedes+emergency+key&_sacat=0 £3 or £4 for two

 

[Arkay]

Exactly

Thanks - my point exactly. Blanks cost £3-£4 (i can get one for £3.80 - but M-B charge £60 - £70.

Seems my original post about this was removed by Miffy (not sure why) so sorry of these replies make little sense. All about key replacement and excessive charge for blanks.

 

[Arkay]

How is it doing?

I will make a final decision on it shortly, it is to all intent working so far

Hi M

How are things? Need to know whether the key is OK / fixed or whether to buy another ...... aarrgghhh!
Please let me know.

 

[television]

Hi M

How are things? Need to know whether the key is OK / fixed or whether to buy another ...... aarrgghhh!
Please let me know.

I cannot fault it and I will return it, it has worked more than 100 times for me

 

[Arkay]

Received

I cannot fault it and I will return it, it has worked more than 100 times for me

Received OK and has worked so far. This happened before when it worked once or twice and then stopped - perhaps sending it round the country makes it work!

Seriously though, I presume if it is an intermittent fault then it will be tricky to fix and I will have to bite the bullet and buy a new one, but thank you for all your very kind help in this matter.

 

[television]

If there is some fault of this nature then very hard to find, the PCB was like new with no contamination at all, they are the worst faults of all.