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Old 03-23-2011, 12:04 AM   #6
slammer111
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I had this done once. You don't have a choice but to go to the dealer.

Every MB has a certain number (I think it's 8) unique key codes stored in a vault in Germany for every car made. ONLY the dealer can have it programmed. They need about 4h but it's not all labour. The car needs to be parked with the new fob in the ignition for a few hours, as part of the programming (burning in the EEPROM?) process. The process I believe is to have a new (pre-programmed) key flown in from Germany, then the 4h wait is for your car to recognize it and accept it. It's probably a timer lock to prevent even someone with a genuine but stolen key from simply walking up to your car and driving away. They'd have to wait 4h.

Skip eBay. You'll be wasting your money on a key that won't work on your car.
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