Hi!

What's the best and most cost efficient way to get a new and fully cut/programmed key fob and what is needed for that?

​​​​​​I only have 1 key and would love to have a backup. Also, my case is literally destroyed and not nice to look at anymore. When I first got the car in 2010 I transferred the inside of the original key to a new case but I'm afraid since I super glued all the parts into that case, I might destroy it if trying to take it apart a second time?
Has anyone tried that?

But besides transferring the chip, transponder and key to a new case what's the cheapest way to get a replacement fob made and programmed?

Thanks for your help.

Nick

 

https://www.needswings.com/crossfire-replacement-key

 

Wow! This means 2-3 weeks without my car as I only have one key. I guess you have to send in that key...if not the key you have to send in a few different parts including ECU and Screem module. That's ridiculous. I can't believe this is the only way to get replacement keys for our cars.

 

There are at least two other suppliers, Josh is one of them.

 

You can get one at the dealership
They don’t need your key so you can keep driving your car. Required by dealer, VIN and proof of ownership
and A LOT OF MONEY
THIS IS THE MOST EXPENSIVE OPTION
WOULD MOST LIKELY BE $600+
and the wait time is months

I got one last year, I waited 16 months

the only upside is that you get to keep driving your car while you wait
(but don’t lose the key while you’re waiting).

Best option
in the event you decide to procure one from Needswings or another forum member consider getting two new fobs..

What’s the condition of the existing fob?

 

Contact Josh Chase at the Mercedes Swap Shop. It is online. Usually, a few days turn around.

 

I mean it's in working condition but just doesn't look nice. Let's scratched up, Chrysler Logo missing, small crack and also alarm button is gone.

Here is the thing...when I bought this car, I bought a brand new in programmed key fob and just switched the chip, cut key and transponder from the old key to the key I use now.
I would do that again but I'm afraid I'll damage the chip etc because I made sure to super glue it into the key I'm using now. Do you think there is a way to swap the insides even though I used a lot of super glue to tie everything down many years ago?

 

Unfortunately, I have no insight into the lifespan of the superglue adhesive.

I suppose you won’t know unless you open it up. Damaging it would also be of concern to me.

tough call.

Looking forward to hearing what you decide to do. If you proceed, please take save a few images along the way.

 

All I can think of is a Dremel tool. Josh Chase makes new keys for about $250.00 and a few days turn around.

 

Did the swap two times already but both times with a factory crossfire key. I guess I could try and use a blow dryer to hear up the super glue and hope I don't damage the transponder and chip when I remove them.
But that's exactly what I'm afraid of...if I mess this up it means I have to send skreem module, door lock and whatever else not to Needswings LOL

 

I would send your existing working Key FoB to Josh Chase (Mercedes Swap Shop) or Chad Edwards (sosdiagnostics.com) or Needswings.com and have one of them make 2 copies (if you need/want to have pristine-looking Key FoBs). (Note: Needswings is a good supplier for OEM hardware & parts for our Crossfires.) That's still cheaper than getting a single key from a Dealer and the time to delivery is not even comparable. Then you can try to disassemble your key that you superglued to see if you can retrieve the internals to insert into another generic Key FoB purchased on eBay, Amazon or wherever. That would give you 3 working Key FoBs.

Or when you get 2 new Key FoBs from whatever supplier you choose, trying to take apart your superglued key may not be worth the effort. Just trash it, after you confirm the new FoBs work properly, since you have 2 new keys.

Getting replacement keys for these cars is an ongoing issue since M-B isn't really interested in whether we can drive our cars anyway. And Chrysler marks the keys up so much, I don't consider this path to getting a spare key an option anymore. $250-$350 for a spare key is really a good bargain in this day for these pseudo electronic cars. Just about any Key FoB from a dealer nowadays for these electronic gizmo cars is costly. Be thankful the Crossfire still has a manual key lock on the Driver's door handle. Our 2016 VW Beetle Dune doesn't have any manual key locks on the exterior. Full electronic access or nothing! (That reminds me, get 1 new Key FoB from a vendor of your choice and have them make a working Valet Key for your spare; and your superglued Key FoB will be returned to you and still can be used as a spare. Who cares what it looks like if it's a working spare & not you primary key.)

Just talking out loud, so to speak. Us seniors tend to do that!

 

Get one before your not able to get one. There was a multi year wait before we were able to have keys made again. Dont wait is all I can say. We have a 1 generation aging platform that is not really supported by anybody accept a few dedicated crossfire vendors.

 

try themercedesswapshop on Instagram. I have 3 fobs Not the crappy EBay or Amazon ones

 

Gonna have to wait a few weeks to get a replacement key because I have two cars but won't be able to use the second as family will be operating it for next 6 weeks. I guess I will have to wait to get a new key untill then since it takes 7 days to get a replacement key no matter how I bend it or who I go with. Gonna do Needswings or Swapshop but it just takes a moment.

Figured I will get two of them. Then might still swap the insides of my current Fob. I just don't wanna risk sitting here without a working key if the super glue I used a few years back destroys the chip/transponder while I try to pry it out.

Thanks for all the advice and all the help. It is much appreciated.

 

I have had great success with key fobs from the Mercedes Swap shop I have 3 Fobs that look like OEM Great price & turnaround timec

 

What was turnaround time and how much was it?
Also what did they need? A functioning key?

 

yes I supplied a functioning key , I do believe he can do it with VIN #, Turnaround was less than 2 weeks including when I mailed it , im gonna say around 300/350. Email or call easy to deal with

 

I swapped out transponder to one of eBay type keys , every time I turned the key the case felt like it was gonna split in half 😜

 

I just paid $250.00 for one or $400.00 for two plus 15.00 shipping.

 

Great deal! Did you send your key in?

How can I get in touch with him? Also what color are the keys?