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Old 27-06-2009, 05:57 PM   #1
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Key question!

Hi all,

When I bought my car (C220 W203) it only came with the one key and this had the insert missing, which I ordered and have now received... It locks/unlocks the door fine but... can this not start the car?? The main point of gettign the insert was incase the key fails, but where does it go to start the car??

On a similar note, is it OK to change the battery in the key without it losing its memory?

Thanks.
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Old 27-06-2009, 07:09 PM   #2
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Originally Posted by omega1 View Post
Hi all,

When I bought my car (C220 W203) it only came with the one key and this had the insert missing, which I ordered and have now received... It locks/unlocks the door fine but... can this not start the car?? The main point of gettign the insert was incase the key fails, but where does it go to start the car??

On a similar note, is it OK to change the battery in the key without it losing its memory?

Thanks.
You are not supposed to be able to start a modern MB (or any modern car) with the metal key only. It is too easy to copy. The complex key authorisation system is built into the electronics and the IR communication with your car.

Your car manual explains how to change the key batteries. No memory lost, actually which memory are you considering that could get lost?
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Old 27-06-2009, 07:11 PM   #3
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Your car manual explains how to change the key batteries. No memory lost, actually which memory are you considering that could get lost?

I'll take a look at the manual, i assumed that the battery held memory for the code in the key...

thanks
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Old 27-06-2009, 08:10 PM   #4
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I'll take a look at the manual, i assumed that the battery held memory for the code in the key...

thanks
The car starts without the battery in the key. The key is powered "remotely" at the ignition switch (like transponder type keys on other brands). The battery is need when opening/closing doors (or windows/sunroof) remotely.
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Old 27-06-2009, 08:15 PM   #5
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Would be a good idea to order a second key, but be prepared for a hefty bill.
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Old 27-06-2009, 08:27 PM   #6
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just got one... 140 quid...
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Old 27-06-2009, 10:13 PM   #7
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OUCH...Thats got to hurt......
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Old 27-06-2009, 10:42 PM   #8
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just got one... 140 quid...
i though it was £210 for the w203? did you get one with chrome surround? where from?
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Old 28-06-2009, 12:41 AM   #9
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i though it was £210 for the w203? did you get one with chrome surround? where from?
Yep, 140, got it from Tony Purslow MB Basingstoke.
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Old 28-06-2009, 03:55 AM   #10
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just got one... 140 quid...
That was rather cheap they have been in excess of £200 for at least a year you got a bit of a bargain there!
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Old 28-06-2009, 07:28 AM   #11
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That was rather cheap they have been in excess of £200 for at least a year you got a bit of a bargain there!
Yes, from what i've been reading I beleive it was a good deal. I've used the a few times since I've had the new car only a few weeks and they have been very good. Highly recommended. I was also quoted only 40 pounds to give the car a looking over which I found very cheap! Havent done that yet though...
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Old 29-06-2009, 02:11 PM   #12
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Wink

Pleased you didnt go down the ebay route! have had people bring ebay DAS 3 keys to me to program them to their car. When you tell them they are factory coded only they then tell you they purchased it off ebay and were told to get it coded!!

NO go I'm afraid!

Please you had a good deal with your key
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