Ignition Key Replacement

[ChrisInNashville]

Yesterday, the key required a lot of “jiggling” to get the ignition to turn.
The key is very worn, so I’m guessing it’s time to figure out what to do before it lets me down.
I’ve found some VERY old posts on the topic, but I’m wondering if there’s been any evolution on this over the last 10-15 years.

If I need a new key, what’s the best alternative now?
Dealer based on VIN (assuming something hasn’t changed)?
Get a locksmith to manually copy the key?
Something new?

[mrfatboy]

Maybe not so good idea posting your a picture of your key 😳😳

https://youtu.be/pohVT1nKZig

[Pawel66]

I did both, ordered the key by number form the dealer, ordered blanks from the dealer and then ordered copies form the locksmith corner shop. The MB replacements are quite poor - the plastic part and the metal part are separate and plastic just breaks. replacement form the locksmith are good.

Yes, I ended up having 6-10 keys to my car and some blanks as well.

[ChrisInNashville]

Wow!  Fixed that!  Picture removed   

[Charles 230SL]

hi Chris, I had the same problem with my key about 7 years ago. I sent Tom Hanson an email along with the key number, and a scanned copy of my registration and driver's license. Tom ordered the key from Germany and had it shipped direct to my home. Surprisingly, the total price tag was less than $20.00 including shipping.
Note that a 230sl key doesn't have any plastic.   

[ChrisInNashville]

Here's an update I wouldn't have expected...I've had my car 17 years and had 5 homes in that time (so I'm still finding stuff)
So, I rummaged around and found some old keys that work.
What's interesting is that the key that I've been using doesn't have nearly the precision of the keys I found.
It's almost the difference between a coin worn bare vs one recently minted.

In any event, I'm going to try to add to my key collection with this feedback - thanks!