The key is mechanical so you are right, moving it is not an option. Anyone know if mercedes has a car that the key for the trunk is electronic and not physically connected to anything? That we could mount behind the license plate and rekey it to match the factory cylinder and problem solved. Other thing to do is find a really small waterproof button that can be drilled into the door handle, drill a channel in the side of the handle and then bondo and paint.

I love the participation from everyone as these are things that either I may have overlooked or didn't think were a concern from others but are. Thanks to everyone posting and keep up the good work.