Out of curiosity I also rang Rob (after you did), as I do
remember that at one time he was able to order spare
keys and code them in on 454 ForFour's (and 451's).
He told me that it is only in the last 3 years or so that
security has become a major issue with MB as 'undesirables'
were ordering keys for expensive MB cars and 'separating'
them from their rightful owners. Owners of these 'requistioned'
vehicles took MB to Court and it was deemded that MB had not
taken sufficient care or had a proper secure process in place
to stop this from happening. So now we know, ok.
MB now require quite extensive proof from people before they
will now order a replacement key. Not only will one have to
produce/provide documentary proof, they now; or so it appears;
want to see the actual car....to photo the VIN number and the
vehicle registration, as well as logbook, proof of your identity etc etc.
It is best that one asks MB direct for a 'list' of their requirements.
The other so far undisclosed issue is that even if you have 2 keys,
there is no distinguishng mark or marks to let one know which of
the 2 is the master. Yes there is a master, but it is only when the
key is in the ignition and connected to a Star machine that one can
then know which one it is.
If you only have 1 key and it is a master, then coding a replacement
is straightforward.
If the only key you have is the 'slave', then that has to be 'coded' via
the Star that it is now a master, and then that key can be used to code
any new/additional key as a slave.
As one can now see, this is not a straightforward or simple process,
which is why the cost (according to Rob) for a replacement is now
in excess of £150. I'd be inclinded to 'guesstimate' nearer £200.
(Maybe someone who goes down this path will let us/me know
the actual cost, and I will then amend this post accordingly, ok)
Sounds a lot ?
Yes it is, but when one considers a replacement key for a Golf or
even a Punto used to be around £300+, then perhaps it isn't so bad.
