w 124 key question

[ducati]

I have a M reg W124 estate but only have one key - it is the big chunky square thing that does the central locking. I presume there is some kind of transponder in the fob to prevent starting the car. The local Merc garage quoted £150 for another (the central locking fob thing - not just the emergency key to get in the car) - is this the only way to get a spare?

 

[teddycatkin]

Can you add a picture of it please?

 

[television]

Yes as teddy please, is it the flip out key

 

[ducati]

Yes it is the rectangular box with a flip out key and a single button for for central locking - sorry can't download pictures at work (I wonder why?)

 

[television]

There is an article by anyweb on fixing these keys, have you tried it in front of a digital camera

 

[Dec]

You need to first test the key fob, Post #49 here, to insure the batteries are ok, that the are correctly installed and that the fob is transmitting a signal.
The above link is for the article by anyweb that Malcolm refers to.

Dec

 

[ducati]

Thanks - maybe I didn't make it clear - I have a key fob that works - I just want a spare because it is falling to bits and I don't want to be stranded! I don't fancy paying £150 plus to the garage and wondered wether there were any cheaper alternatives.

 

[Dec]

I believe that the main dealer is the only place you can get them and the may have to be coded to the car.
The above link deals with dismantling and repair of the fob, maybe it might be possible to fix what you have, in what way is it falling apart? However a spare key is very important if you ever lose or break what you have.

Dec

 

[television]

Yes only from the dealer. When you get one, buy one from Ebay and fit the case to yours circa £25