US Market key blanks (very small topic)

[dcseidman]

  After twist-starting my'69 SL with its plastic (safety, according to Uncle Sam) headed key for 45 years, one day the key head split apart.  While I can use a plain key (and am doing so lately), I'd like to have a genuine replacement for the original key.  Of course, this isn't the kind of key blank/unit Benz uses today.  So, Question: where might I get one of these key blanks to replace my original?
Surely, I'm not the only person amongst our number who've experienced this "failure".
  Though I'd like to get two such blanks (at least) since my last one survived for 46 years (one year @ the hands of the original owner, 45 years in mine) and since I'm 76 years old, I'm guessing that I could probably get by with just one replacement.  But......who knows?

   Thanks in advance for your help.

David

[Hans2012]

If you have the key number on your data card you can order replacements from the MB Classic Center.  You could write to Tom Hanson (at Thomas.Hanson@mbusa.com).

Regards
John

[dcseidman]

Hans: Regarding the "data card", I have the warranty plate (a much out-of-date technology) Addressograph plate, which I had issued in my name 45 years ago.  Since the warranty was still valid (11 months remaining on the original 24 month warranty), I felt fully justified in having it in my name - and Mercedes willingly re-issued it.  As for the "data card", could you describe it?  I have everything that came with the car (most of it still in the grey leather pouch with the owners manual, etc.  Voluminous files, documenting myriad service jobs covering the 165,000 that I have logged in her last 45 years, may also have some other papers.  I don't expect MB Classic, or any one else to be able to provide a working key duplicate, just a blank which I should be able to get recut, using my orignal, much like any other old-style key.  My key is still functioning, but the plastic "head" has broken off.  Any thoughts?

[scoot]

you can buy a new plastic key head for like a dollar at autohausaz.com

[scoot]

Hans: Regarding the "data card", I have the warranty plate (a much out-of-date technology) Addressograph plate, which I had issued in my name 45 years ago.  Since the warranty was still valid (11 months remaining on the original 24 month warranty), I felt fully justified in having it in my name - and Mercedes willingly re-issued it.  As for the "data card", could you describe it?  I have everything that came with the car (most of it still in the grey leather pouch with the owners manual, etc.  Voluminous files, documenting myriad service jobs covering the 165,000 that I have logged in her last 45 years, may also have some other papers.  I don't expect MB Classic, or any one else to be able to provide a working key duplicate, just a blank which I should be able to get recut, using my orignal, much like any other old-style key.  My key is still functioning, but the plastic "head" has broken off.  Any thoughts?

No no no no.  Contact Tom Hansen with proof of ownership (a scan of your registration showing VIN is fine) and you will get a PDF of your data card.  That will contain your key code, which will start with HZ or something like that.  Don't re-cut a key from a 45 year old key.  Not a good idea.  MB _may_ be able to order you a rubber-head key, not sure, but they will certainly provide you with keys at a fair price.  As for the rubber-head key, I use key-men.com for things like that.  They will cut a key to key code for a small fee.  Much better than using an old key as your source.

FWIW, you have a single-key car which also should have the key code on the side of the glovebox lock cylinder.  You have to remove the lock from the glove box in order to read it.  Easy.

[jackhughes81]

I replaced mine 2 years ago by going to a MB dealer, showing them my title, then having them contact MB Germany.  They gave me my key code, and I took to an old-time locksmith who made me a new one...  BUT.. the ked did not work-- at all.  I did have another non-working key made a few yrs ago (whick I did not try prior to needing it.. bad idea) which the locksmith tried filing and checking for the next 2 hours, finally coming to a "working" key.  Although it takes some jiggling and a bit of patience, it will start my '65 230.. 
Bottom line is MB will give you the code, but it may not work.. an idea that should work if the key tumblers are not too worn.
hope this helps.. jack

[kampala]

I know others find vendors for keys --- but if your locks are still keyed as originally supplied when car was new, it's really really simple to get factory keys.

I just emailed Tom Hanson at MB Classic center as mentioned by others.   Sent him a copy of Proof of ownership and copy of data card via email.   He ordered keys and I had them within a few days --- they are exactly like my original keys --- could not be simpler and was shockingly reasonable in terms of price.

If you don't know what a data card is or don't have one, please look at technical manual under "data card."

[dcseidman]

Following your good advice and my own instincts, I emailed the aforesaid Tom Hanson @ MB Classic.  He offered to solve the problem with my submission of my contact particulars and a valid credit card, so....it appears help is on the way.  With a little luck, the "cobra is back in the basket"!  When this is complete, I shall report back the results.

[dcseidman]

Follow up report:
(1) received the correct key head from Tom @ MB Classic.  (2) Putting the last piece in place was a lot like stuffing a raw oyster into a parking meter!  However, patience, perseverance and luck completed the job.  Now she starts just like she did 45 years ago!

Thanks, Tom, and thanks to all who advised.

David

[Pinder]

i have ordered three keys from the classic center. I have to say that the rubber head on these keys are very poorly put togther and break very easily,

[Benz Dr.]

We had new keys cut for the 600 using the VIN of the car. Unlike most car keys, 600 keys are high security and have a number of small dots milled into the face of the key. The guy at MB had never seen anything like them before and I assured him he would likely never again.

 Keys worked perfectly but they were costly.