How many original keys?

[SL113fan]

How many factory keys came with a 280SL post August 1969 (same key for doors, trunk, etc.)?  My vehicle came with only two--a "fixed head" OEM key and another key with a removable black head.  The removable head allows this key to be used as a wallet "reserve" key.

[Richard Madison]

There has been some confusion (at least I'm confused) about keys...
General wisdom is that the earlier cars (230 SL) came with three keys, later cars had two keys...a few say that some later cars had only one key.

I doubt that a car came with only one key since there would be no "valet" key.

My late car (Nov 70 build date) uses two keys for the locks...

The main key (Haupt Schlussel) works the ignition, one door, trunk, and glove box. The secondary key (the valet key) works the ignition and the other door.

Some cars had a gas cap keyed to the main key while others had a third key for the gas cap.

I believe "original" keys for the 280 SL had the removeable black plastic top. Both of my old keys have the black top.

Richard M

[blairwag]

My late model 71 280 SL was delivered with just 2 keys, also clearly indicated by teh 2 keycodes on the data card.  One key opens everything, including the gas cap (which I no longer have). The other key opens the driver door and the ignition only.

There is a little detail about chronological model changes at this web site/page. There is some mention of the combination of keys in August 1969...
http://113.mbz.org/chrono/

--
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William Blair Wagner: blairwag@earthlink.net
Education is not always knowing the answer,
...but rather knowing where to look for it!
1971 280SL US Automatic
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[tobacco]

The dealer delivered my 280 SL with two main keys (with identical black molded caps) and one valet key, which I recall had a more rounded gray cap.  None of my caps were removable.  

(Only one of these three original keys, a main one, survives.)


Bill Greffin
Chicago
#22375