Mercedes Ignition Keys

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Brad Naylor - 27 Jul 2008 13:20 GMT

My wife's key recently stopped working on our '99 E320 wagon and, after
trying a new battery in the fob with no success, we purchased a new key
from the dealer. Subsequently I've heard that these keys usually don't
break or wear out, but that they 'time out', i.e., they only are programmed
to start the vehicle a limited number of times, say 100,000, after which
they must be replaced. Also, that the ignition system itself will only
work for a limited number of starts, say 600,000, after which it too must be
replaced Can this possibly be true?

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- - 27 Jul 2008 15:24 GMT

I don't know if those particular numbers are correct, but it is true that
after a certain number of uses the "smart" keys and computer components that
control the ignition are going to have to be replaced. There was an example
posted on the internet that told how long it would take to reach the limit
for an average driver to exceed the limit and it was quite long, so I
decided to not worry about it. I think it has to do with the finite number
of rolling codes (which change with each use) that are available to the
system..

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Roland Franzius - 27 Jul 2008 17:20 GMT

- schrieb:

> I don't know if those particular numbers are correct, but it is true that
> after a certain number of uses the "smart" keys and computer components that
[quoted text clipped - 4 lines]
> of rolling codes (which change with each use) that are available to the
> system..

Nothing is known about smart keys really.

Except their functionality is switched off if used very often without
making contact to the car they belong to. Thats a security feature. So
don't press your key too often just of fun. After a certain consecutive
number of calls from the key without an answer from the car you have to
reprogram your security system.

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Roland Franzius

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