Valet Key
The key to the story
When I bought my car in April of 2023 I only had one key. I didn't think this was a big deal and I figured I would eventually go to the local locksmith and have one made.
Then in May I joined this forum and I was shocked at how much this one key is responsible for and how vital it was! I started reading about how I would have to send my key to Michigan or California.
Knowing the reliability of USPS and other delivery companies, I didn't want to send my key out. With my luck, the next thing I would be doing is tearing the dash apart to get the SKREEM out.
I called a few places and they had no clue. Then I remembered both my father and uncle used to work for a locksmith that's been around for many years.
I went to him but he said he didn't have the programming equipment and told me he knew another local shop that worked on Mercedes-Benz keys.
I called "The Keyless Shop in Fairfield, NJ. I spoke with the owner and he said he used to do the keys but didn't want to do them anymore. I called a few more places with no luck. So I decided to drive Sven to the shop and I waited for them to show up. I spoke with a technician and explained my situation.
He made an appointment for me to come back and he said he could only make a valet key. He tried to clone my key when I had the first appointment, but couldn't get it to program.
Long story short he was persistent and found the program through the company's main HQ. On July 27, 2023 I had my valet key!
Now I can send my valet key out to Michigan or California to get a new fob made and not have to worry!