Mercedes refuses to sell replacement key

[RolandRevenger]

The storage facility we use lost one of our two keys for our 2017 Dynamax. (on a 2016 chasis) The storage facility will pay for a replacement. However, Mercedes will not sell me a key unless i don't have any keys. THis is due to a shortage, I assume. And to insure that I don't have another key, our rig has to be towed to a Mercedes dealer to prove that it can't be started. I am not making this up. I contacted MB USA and they clearly state that this is their policy.
I am hoping that Forest River, which purchases more than a few Sprinters, can exert some pressure on MB to change this polity, at least for Sprinters used in motor homes. If I lose our remaining key at a campground that is hundreds of miles from a MB dealer, one can imagine the delays and costs that would result from this. And once a key is supplied and programmed, I still only have one key. This will have a negative effect on resale value, I assume.
If this has been discussed previously, I apologize, but a search did not find a past posting. Anyone else have to deal with this issue?

 

[Motorhome1]

Is it a key you need or a key fob?
I have a spare sprinter key fob.

 

[RolandRevenger]

It is a key bob, which is specific to our model. There is a metal blade that extends out of the bob that opens the doors and is required in order to start the engine. Thanks for your offer.

 

[tomkatb]

Have you tried a real locksmith? Not home depot.

I was surprised he had all the English car keys.

 

[RhumbleFish]

I contacted MB USA and they clearly state that this is their policy.

Smells like Blödsinn with a German accent. I've dealt with the US offices of the big germans many a time, and they are almost always guided by official policy (no matter what) and also almost never willing to be REALLY helpful. This policy may be the result of some kind of loss prevention efforts designed to keep people from stealing Sprinters that aren't theirs.

Frankly, I'd start contacting MB dealerships and seeing if you can go that route (not necessarily local). You will need programming.

 

[Motorhome1]

It is a key bob, which is specific to our model. There is a metal blade that extends out of the bob that opens the doors and is required in order to start the engine. Thanks for your offer.

This is what I have. You might be able to get a dealer or locksmith to cut a new key and program the fob. If it’s any help I’ll post it to you.
Bob

 

[MevetS]

I recently went to get a 2nd key for a Toyota. Did it at a True Hardware. It's probably about 1/2 the cost of getting a key from Toyota. Try calling around and see if you can find a hardware store , True Hardware or Ace, that will be able to supply you with a spare key/fob. I did have to have the car available at the Hardware store. I don't believe they all have the ability to do this, if they haven't bought the whole system. It's not just the key, but the FOBs also need to be programmed to the vehicle.



Also, don't know if M/B Sprinter allows spare keys to be cut by anyone other than M/B. Just a alternative key procedure.

 

[RolandRevenger]

Have you tried a real locksmith? Not home depot.

I was surprised he had all the English car keys.

I may still look into that, but multiple postings on other sites indicate that even master locksmiths are stymied by this key bob. Thanks.

 

[NJKris]

This is crazy. Wait. April Fools?

 

[latner]

Contact these people and see if they can help: https://tomskey.com/?tw_source=goog...65dWxGoteum4-MMEK-M2q03KiO1cQUdhoCMs0QAvD_BwE

I used them for a replacement key/fob for a car and it worked perfectly.

 

[latner]

https://tomskey.com/?tw_source=google&tw_adid=564139370310&tw_campaign=14457754703&gad_source=1&gclid=CjwKCAjw8diwBhAbEiwA7i_sJVP9pn5SrPlkRf-AUCTJJR65dWxGoteum4-MMEK-M2q03KiO1cQUdhoCMs0QAvD_BwE

 

[RolandRevenger]

This is crazy. Wait. April Fools?

I wish it was just a joke. I can only assume that Mercedes Benz is not expending the time and resources to get this problem resolved.

 

[RolandRevenger]

Contact these people and see if they can help: https://tomskey.com/?tw_source=goog...65dWxGoteum4-MMEK-M2q03KiO1cQUdhoCMs0QAvD_BwE

I used them for a replacement key/fob for a car and it worked perfectly.

I will check them out. Thanks.

 

[RolandRevenger]

https://tomskey.com/?tw_source=google&tw_adid=564139370310&tw_campaign=14457754703&gad_source=1&gclid=CjwKCAjw8diwBhAbEiwA7i_sJVP9pn5SrPlkRf-AUCTJJR65dWxGoteum4-MMEK-M2q03KiO1cQUdhoCMs0QAvD_BwE

I contacted them; easy to use site. But this is what i found out: We are very sorry, for the time being we do not offer a key option for your Mercedes.
Please check back in the future as we are always adding new products.

This reflects what I am finding when i check a variety of sites online. One has to utilize a Mercedes service center, apparently.

 

[ppine]

After market fob and a good locksmith.

 

[RolandRevenger]

Thanks to everyone for their input. I heard today from a locksmith that specializes in auto keys. They can't replace some keys for Mercedes and other Europe based manufacturers. This has been stated on numerous online sites. I have again contacted MB asking if they have an estimated date that more keys will be available. I am beginning to suspect that they have no intention of diverting resources from making keys for new vans to help out current owners. I hope that I am wrong. I am curious how many Sprinters are affected by this key shortage; what year range is included. I also asked MB if they could at least provide /sell the metal blade portion of the key so that i can use it to open and lock the cab doors. Again, thanks for the input. Wish me luck! And pray i don't lose my only key while hiking in northern Minnesota or canoeing on one of our many beautiful lakes here.

 

[Grey Wolf 26RR]

SOS Diagnostics

Here is another potential option used over on the Sprinter forum:


S.O.S. Diagnostics



Sounds like a non-remote emergency key might fit your need?

 

[Larry-NC]

Does this help?
https://www.ebay.com/b/Keyless-Entry-Remotes-Fobs-for-Mercedes-Benz-Sprinter-2500/184651/bn_1448765

 

[Oscar Mike]

Hello, I’m lazy right now and I’m not going to read through all the replies to see if this has been said. You can go to any Mercedes dealer and get a key, even out of state. The thing is you have to pay $$$$$ to get the dealer to program it, but since you don’t have to pay for it just keep all your receipts. I will repeat any dealer can order the key, it does not have to be an RV Mercedes dealer. You will need to drive your unit to the dealership after you get the key to have it programmed to your RV. That will take a couple of hours. I did this a years ago, things might have changed, but call around, each dealership charges differently to program as well.

 

[NJKris]

Hello, I’m lazy right now and I’m not going to read through all the replies to see if this has been said. You can go to any Mercedes dealer and get a key, even out of state. The thing is you have to pay $$$$$ to get the dealer to program it, but since you don’t have to pay for it just keep all your receipts. I will repeat any dealer can order the key, it does not have to be an RV Mercedes dealer. You will need to drive your unit to the dealership after you get the key to have it programmed to your RV. That will take a couple of hours. I did this a years ago, things might have changed, but call around, each dealership charges differently to program as well.

This is one of those threads you should have read some of the OP and replies..