82 240D Key - $22!?!

The chipped key set me back $250. Your problem is ?

In news:401affaf$0$28869$ snipped-for-privacy@news.optusnet.com.au, Miro decided to enlighten our sheltered souls with a rant as follows

Key for my 82 500 cost me £11.18. From M-B, from the chassis number, sent from Germany, arrived next day

so $22 isn't cheap.

In Scotland maybe, but in the USA it would be a whole $1.80 cheaper. Dang, there goes the Happy Meal.

In news:401b1577$0$4260$ snipped-for-privacy@news.optusnet.com.au, Miro decided to enlighten our sheltered souls with a rant as follows

NOOOOO, don't take my happy meal :-(

I needed a key for my 84 500SEL. Called locksmiths in the area and got prices of $30 to $35 if they could cut the key. They said that if the key was worn too much, they couldn't even start to cut it. I call MBZ and got a price of $19. I was so happy, I ordered 2 keys. All I had to do was give them the VIN. The keys were in in 4 days. At that time I had to proove that I owned the car. Try that with GM, Ford, Chrysler, or any other manufacturer. They may be able to get you a key if the car is less than 5 or 6 years old, but not a car 20 years old. I would say, count your blessings, and order your key.

Paul McKechie

I have an extra blank for my 74 240D that I'd be willing to sell you. Send me a close-up photo of your existing key, and I'll see if my blanks match your key.

I payed approx 30$ for a key for my 1987 MB - 190e (2.0i). The key was order trough my MB-dealer in Sweden, and manufactured in Germany using the chassis number of my car as a referense.

/CC

I am a locksmith, and a duplicate of that key should be $4. If you had the laser key those are more pricey.

IIRC The blank number for your key is an X 82.

well then dont forget, there is someone also keeping your cars VIN filed vor

"Roger Shoaf" schrieb im Newsbeitrag news: snipped-for-privacy@jaguar.syix.com...

Don't go to the MB dealer for keys unless you have lost all keys, or your 'master' key to make copies from is worn out and won't make copies.

Find a good locksmith. The key style you need has been used by MB for decades. The one with the square rubber head is the main key. There's also a round headed one which is the valet key (it won't open the trunk lock or glove box lock).

Go to a local locksmith who has experience with import car locks/keys.

-Jack '81 230CE '82 300CD