keys

[roy]

           Just wondering, has anyone used their data card to
           order keys for their pagoda? If so do you know the
           address, how much they cost, and how long it takes
           before you receive them? Thanks---Roy

[DaveB]

It's worth a try but it may not work out. I used the data card key code to order a set of keys for my 230SL from Tom & Woody at the Classic Center, Irvine, California. Only one key worked, likely because the other locks had been changed out by a previous owner. Email thomas.hanson@mbusa.com
I don't remember the price but it was reasonable, and I received them in only a few weeks (US to Australia).

I forgot to add - the ignition barrel, and possibly the other locks, have codes stamped into them. But I think they have to be semi-dismantled to read them. Perhaps just order from the data card and hope for the best.

[CCollum]

I did the same. Ignition key did not work, but the rest did.

It was very inexpensive.

[bjudd]

I just got ignition and door handle key based off the data card from the Classic Center. Both worked perfectly. I believe all they need is the VIN #. Had to email copy of the pink slip and my drivers license to verify ownership.

[Pawel66]

I ordered and received keys for the car (280SL) as well as fuel filler cap based on my key code from data card through MB dealer.

However: the replacement key for 280SL (with the plastic head) is of very poor quality - the head is composed of two pieces that you clip over the body of the key. It has a tendency to break and fall apart. So I just went to a key guy around the corner to make the keys for every day usage based on the ones from MB.

[450sl]

Pawel, The plastic keyhead  assembly can be ordered seperately.  bought some  ; was a tight fit.

[Pawel66]

Yes, I know, did it as well. But it falls apart when you start using it. At least that is what happened to me. Twice already, one for Pagoda, one for 300GE from 1991 - using the same keys.

It is just wrong design.

[kampala]

I ordered sets from classic center a couple years ago based on the data cards  for the 280 and the 250 and both worked perfectly.  Price is shockingly low. 

[Pawel66]

It can be that I have a "heavy hand".

The type of Hoff keys that was used in 280 was still used in MB in 90ties. Perhaps that is why these sets are not expensive.

[kampala]

Pawel

I agree that the plastic part can break.  I meant that the keys lock and unlock everything as intended.  I don’t use the NEW sets as they are too nice.  I continue to use my old sets. 

[Tyler S]

What do the ancillary keys look like? Pic? Just wondering if the shape and waffle texture is retained like the originals.

[Pawel66]

Pawel

I agree that the plastic part can break.  I meant that the keys lock and unlock everything as intended.  I don’t use the NEW sets as they are too nice.  I continue to use my old sets.

I see. I also use the "fake" ones for "every day", keeping the "originals" fresh. The "fakes" done by the locksmith around the corner are good ans solid - it is difficult to spot the difference at arm's reach distance.

Tyler, I will post a picture, I have just hidden those "originals" somewhere deep and cannot find them now... Will double the seeking efforts..

[Tyler S]

Thanks Pawel, I too hid one of my 2 original to the car sets and cant find them anywhere. Is why i need another set. 😜

[Pawel66]

Doubling efforts yielded results. Pictures enclosed.
I provided incorrect information, might have misled the entire Pagoda community: the repro is not form the "locksmith around the corner", but from the "subway key guy". "Locksmith around the corner" did the tumblers for me.

"Original" is what I got from MB about 5 years ago.

[Tyler S]

Thanks Pawel. Those look pretty close. Does anyone have pics of the replacement ancillary keys (3 key system) from the earlier cars? Specially ones provided by the classic center.

[Pawel66]

Tyler, would you be so kind and post the pics of originals so that we have it in one place?