Real Steel Keys

[TheEngineer]

On my car, over the years, the original keys (a magnet sticks to it)made from steel got lost. The keys which were supplied by the seller were copies made from brass. Brass keys wear quickly and twist off easily. The locksmith told me, they didn’t have steel blanks and couldn’t cut them on their machine, even if I’d supplied German steel blanks. All that changed yesterday when I went to Broadway Locksmith, 918 E. John, Seattle (206)329-4600, Owner Craig Barton. They have steel key blanks made by Börkey and a machine, also made by Börkey, to cut them. The key blanks have a black plastic top. For those of you who value originality, the Mercedes “Key Head” P/N A 000 766 44 06 is available at our MB dealer: It is a two piece part which slips over the metal key head of any key. It makes a “Mercedes Key” out of it. I am so pleased to, finally, have the proper keys for my car.

Download Attachment: Keys.JPG
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1969 280SL,Signal Red, A/T, P/S, A/C, Both tops.    Ret. engr. 1967 230SL - Sold

[rwmastel]

Excellent!  I see in your signature that you have a 280SL.  Did all the W113 keys originally come with the plastic grip surface, or were the earlier keys all exposed metal?

Rodd
Powell, Ohio, USA
1966 230SL, Euro, Auto, Leather, both  tops
1994 E420

[bpossel]

I have a 71 280sl and have, what I believe is "1" original key.  It has the black plastic cover and is steel.  Looks just like the ".jpg" file from "theenginner"

Bob

quote:Originally posted by rwmastel

Excellent!  I see in your signature that you have a 280SL.  Did all the W113 keys originally come with the plastic grip surface, or were the earlier keys all exposed metal?

Rodd
Powell, Ohio, USA
1966 230SL, Euro, Auto, Leather, both  tops
1994 E420

bpossel
Memphis, TN.
1971 280SL
1997 E320

[Naj ✝︎]

Rod,
The plastic/rubber topped keys are cut on both edges and used on the 280s. Early 280s have such an ignition key only (?, mine also has such a trunk key but don't know if its original) while later 280s had the 'one key does all locks'.These are made by YMOS.
230s had the all steel Neimann ignition key cut on one edge only plus various smaller keys for door,trunk,glove box etc.
Don't know if the twin sided keys were ever used on 250s :oops:
naj

65 230SL
68 280SL

[J. Huber]

Hi. I have my originals for my 230SL-- and they are precisely what Naj has described... Niemann Ignition (large & grooved --no rubber) and Ymos doors & trunk. Where I deviate from most (key wise at least) is that my gas cap key is a large two sider. The cap is an anodized grey MBZ.

I was fortunate enough to have a locksmith friend who cut me a couple of back-up sets years ago. Can't think of the brand right he used right now but it may have started with W or H. Real helpful, eh..

James
63 230SL

[mdsalemi]

I'd like to reiterate a former post as this key issue comes up time and time again.  Far too frequently some 113 owners will turn over every stone, investigate every possible source and darn near do everything to avoid simply going to Mercedes themselves.  For most of us, getting a duplicate key is as simple as giving the VIN number to MB and you will get an accurate original key at a reasonable price in a timely fashion.  I believe my keys were about $12.00 each, already cut--original--and steel right from MB-USA.

In some cases when the keyway has been changed, you can bring or send the key to MB and they will work with that.  I've done that as well, because my gas cap was not original.


Michael Salemi
1969 280SL
Signal Red w/Black Leather
Restored

[Joe]

My 1971 280SL came with two keys, which look just like those of theengineer. The more square one fits everything, but the other fits everything except the trunk and glove box. The car does not have a keyed gas cap.
Since I never leave the car with a valet service, I just carry the square key. That's a nice change from the 230SL, which uses 4 keys.
Joe2

[n/a]

Great tip, thanks, though the key blank plastic heads were 20.00 (!!)each at R.A.B. Mercedes in Marin County, California.  I felt like a fool buying those plastic heads,  I could probably just find some old Mercedes keys for free and remove heads and reuse to get that original look.

[TheEngineer]

James Soule: Why didn't I think of that! I have this friend, he says I'm cheap, but I say: "I'm an opportunistic buyer". I paid more than that, but I'd like to forget that part.

1969 280SL,Signal Red, A/T, P/S, A/C, Both tops.    Ret. engr. 1967 230SL - Sold