Key Remote. Beware.

[Bluegrass]

Just to let you know about my recent experience of trying to replace a lost key fob.

I paid £160 for a replacement and they couldn't code it to the car as apparently it had been done too many times before.

I need to replace something called an IMS module at a cost of £302(parts) before it can be done.
They won't give a refund nor a credit towards the next service.

So look after your key remotes.

 

[100%Bitch]

Take your business elsewhere in future.

 

[bigasotonuk]

Hi,
What Mercedes and year is it?

 

[Ellsy Tanners]

Just to let you know about my recent experience of trying to replace a lost key fob.

I paid £160 for a replacement and they couldn't code it to the car as apparently it had been done too many times before.

I need to replace something called an IMS module at a cost of £302(parts) before it can be done.
They won't give a refund nor a credit towards the next service.

So look after your key remotes.

I dont mean to be funny but wot do you expect, it's not there fault its exceeded the coding amount, why should they be expected to foot the bill. Why should they give you anything towards the next service!! I dont get it.

You dont but a bag of nuts from waitrose and expect your money back because you find out your allergic to them, oh and expect some money for a all expenses paid holiday as compensation.

get real!!!!

 

[television]

Its interesting how delicate the subject of keys can become

 

[MotardMan]

Yep. Anyone seen the film "The Usual Suspects" ?

"Hand me the keys you muther f****** C**k S*******!"

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hj5vERbLtYI

Warning! May contain nuts and strong language. A bit like this forum then.

LOL!

 

[jberks]

I can understand Ellsy's frustration. As an MB tech, they are often expected to take responsibilty for unseen circumstances and I feel his point is valid. No the dealer is not responsible if you've hit your limit and why should they be financially liable.
........................................
Except
They do have a duty of care to point out the risks to the customer prior to ordering. Yes we'll order you a key. It should be fine but I should point out that these cars have a coding limit and in the unlikely event that you've hit your limit, it won't be possible to recode.


Also I'm a bit confused. Yes you need a new module (I assume the key code and car code are stred in the same place so wiping it is not practical? - Malcolm - thoughts?) and yes it's annoying, but it doesn't change the fact that you needed a new key?

 

[panason1c]

Just to add fuel to the fire........Yes, there is a limit to the amount of keys that are available to each vehicle (i think a total of 8, including the keys supplied with the car from new) .........

....When 'Bluegrass' ordered his spare key surely there must be a record of previous keys ordered/supplied and therefore the MB dealer would be able to first check how many keys had previously been issued, or, at least their computor should have flagged up that his vehicle had used up its quota of keys?

Also, jberks made a good point that MB should have informed 'Bluegrass' that there is a limit to how many keys can be ordered.......how would the average merc owner be expected to know this otherwise?

 

[Bluegrass]

The vehicle is an E320 CDI 2000(X).

I know it's my fault for losing the key but as I'm not an expert they should of at least warned me about it before taking the order.

Since they messed me about with getting the replacement remote in the first place i.e. 3 visits and waiting time of from 1 to 3 hours each time, never returning calls and me having serviced the car there regularly they should at least meet me half way.

Also they messed up the previous rust work.

They just keep refering me to the T&As.

 

[SLinKyjoe]

Write to MBUK and see if they take a more lienient view of this.

Most that will cost you is some time, and a stamp. Might save a few quid if you are lucky.

 

[Bluegrass]

Thanks SLinKyjoe I'll give it a go.

 

[Richard Moakes]

Well, its the first time I have heard of a coding limit, mind you I restrict myself to the analogue generation of MB's

Let's not be too hard on the chap, it sounds like he lost a key, most of us have done that, no doubt winced at the £160 for the key, but then got a punch when he was told subsequently it would cost another £300+ quid to change the module in the car. Not sure I would be too pleased in his shoes either, have you seen his shoes?

It's not the dealers or mechanics fault, they are the ones supporting the product, I would point the finger at the designers and the fact that this coding limitation needs to be in very big letters in the owners manual, or is it already?

Anyway, enough from me, I am going back to my analogue world, where coding doesn't exist

 

[bigasotonuk]

Hi,
I was aware that the replacement keys were limited because when i ordered my spare key from MB Southampton, the parts guy told me and inspected my key as the keys apparently numbered as there issued

 

[panason1c]

It's not the dealers or mechanics fault

But they are the ones who would be aware of the coding limit.............(if not then a spot of re-training is called for)


I dont understand why the key couldnt be returned to stock, given the circumstances, and credited against the new module.

 

[SLinKyjoe]

I dont understand why the key couldnt be returned to stock, given the circumstances, and credited against the new module.

True, if it doesnt do what it should, then it isn't fit for purpose and therefore is not a suitable product. Trading standards would like that one.

A correctly written letter stating facts and not emotion, should clarify the position, and seeing as Mercedes-Benz are after increasing customer satisfaction, this would be a point they could deal with, at minimal cost to themselves and some positive news about it on here.

 

[SLinKyjoe]

Thanks SLinKyjoe I'll give it a go.

while you are at it, look for the email contact on here and send them a copy of the letter. It might pay!!

actually, this might be the page.

 

[Goodjob]

Unless all the keys were ordered at the same dealer it is unlikely this sort of record would exist. Why shuold it be the dealers responsibility to keep these sort of records for each vehicle they see? Saying that it should be possible for MB themselves to record how many keys are ordered per chassis number and at least block the 9th key until the customer is made aware of further costs. Big Brother knows all!

Just to add fuel to the fire........Yes, there is a limit to the amount of keys that are available to each vehicle (i think a total of 8, including the keys supplied with the car from new) .........

....When 'Bluegrass' ordered his spare key surely there must be a record of previous keys ordered/supplied and therefore the MB dealer would be able to first check how many keys had previously been issued, or, at least their computor should have flagged up that his vehicle had used up its quota of keys?

Also, jberks made a good point that MB should have informed 'Bluegrass' that there is a limit to how many keys can be ordered.......how would the average merc owner be expected to know this otherwise?

 

[Bluegrass]

At least they should warn the customer before taking the order.