Finally, an answer for extra keys (I hope)!

[smartie yank]

Hi Brent, I'm not sure of the confusion here. As I understand it the FOB or electronics housed in the plastic disc control the immobilizer on the car and the door locks. The key part of the unit just enables one to turn the switch part of the ignition, or the tail gate lock. I think Evilution has instructions on how to remove the key from the disc so you can carry the disc without the key part. MDC in Germany also made a fancy buttom switch that replaced the keyhole in the ignition switch. You merely disengaged the immobilizer with the disc and once in the car pushed the button. The car was safe from theft as the button did nothing unless the immobilizer was disengaged with the disc.

Don removed his key and mounted it in a plastic disc/cup and leaves it in the ignition. It looks like part of the consul. Even a smart owner would be had pressed to know anything was there. I have seen it and it looks good. Once Don unlocks his car, he leaves the FOB in his pocket and rotates keyhole cover with key already in the car.

I hope this makes sense to you. I think this is what you are talking about but maybe I'm the one who is confused.

Good luck, Dan

[buell]

Ron,
We are picking up our newly purchased '06 cabriolet on Thursday.

I am told that there is only 1 key but that I will get an "blank", i.e., an assembly without the metal being cut.

Can I get this key cut (and programmed) inexpensively? Or am I looking at a hassle to have 2 key sets??

Thanks.

Bruce
Central Texas

[jimvw57]

From what I have read and heard, a second replacement key is 400-600 dollars and involves removal of the computer to re-program it. I would make the seller replace the second key before you purchase the car, or discount the price by the cost.

[24-42]

Originally Posted by buell

Ron,
We are picking up our newly purchased '06 cabriolet on Thursday.

I am told that there is only 1 key but that I will get an "blank", i.e., an assembly without the metal being cut.

Can I get this key cut (and programmed) inexpensively? Or am I looking at a hassle to have 2 key sets??

Thanks.

Bruce
Central Texas

I should apologize for the attempt at humor in the title. . . . But I don't.

I too have a 450, the metal blank being cut is the least of the concern. that is easily done. I have four metal keys for my Smart.

Yes you are looking at a hassle to have 2 key sets. Programming the round black electronics holding part is the hitch. It can be done but will require the services of, and a willing Mercedes dealer.

Personally, I would ONLY accept delivery after the seller got the second key programmed or after you have confirmed by your own research the ability and cost to program the complete(metal and electronic) key provided by the seller.

(Since/IF) it is so easy, then the seller should have no problem taking care of the key situation before you pay and take delivery.

If having the second key is a prerequisite, I implore you to be careful. The actual car, in this case, is a pawn.

Donald LaFavor

[forestacademy]

Don't take the car with only 1 working key. If something would happen to the 1 key you are S.O.L.

[Leroy]

If you want an extra FOB you just buy a new one for about $80.00 and then bring your car to me where I hook my Mercedes DAS system to your car and reprogram the remotes. The TAN code for the reprograming is about $45.00. It takes me about 2 minutes to reprogram both keys or 4 keys FOBs. Even if you had no FOBs because you lost all the keys. it is still the same thing. Now if you do not want to drive to me I can reprogram the FOBs if you send me the ECU and the SAM unit. Now if you get in a real hurry I have an extra ECU and SAM unit that will get you going until the orginal one gets reinstalled.
Remember there are lots of people that can do this, so you do not have to go to the Mercedes dealer.

Leroy

[briansmart]

Leroy,

Thats a great source that we can bring out cars to you. However, Missouri is not an easy drive for a lot of us what with the USA being so big.

That being said, I have five questions.

1. Can you do a TAN code service to activate a tachometer?
2. If so, how much do you charge?
3. Would activating paddle shifting without having a steering wheel with paddle shifters attached mess anything up? I am awaiting a steering wheel with paddle shifters. Also I am having a hard time deciding between the Brabus steering wheel from the roadster and the regular 450 smart steering wheel w/ paddle shifters.
4. Can you do a TAN code service to activate paddle shifting? I am aware that a wiring harness will need to be changed under the drivers side footwell.
5. If so, how much do you charge?

Ok really, I have six questions.
6. How (and where) did you get a Mercedes DAS system? You can private message me if you'd prefer not to answer that in public. I have been actively trying to track one down for a little over two months now with no luck.

[24-42]

Originally Posted by Leroy

If you want an extra FOB you just buy a new one for about $80.00 and then bring your car to me where I hook my Mercedes DAS system to your car and reprogram the remotes. The TAN code for the reprograming is about $45.00. It takes me about 2 minutes to reprogram both keys or 4 keys FOBs. Even if you had no FOBs because you lost all the keys. it is still the same thing. Now if you do not want to drive to me I can reprogram the FOBs if you send me the ECU and the SAM unit. Now if you get in a real hurry I have an extra ECU and SAM unit that will get you going until the orginal one gets reinstalled.
Remember there are lots of people that can do this, so you do not have to go to the Mercedes dealer.

Leroy

Please PM rgaus with your abilities and facilities, You, he and all us 450 owners will benifit by the possible access to your service.

Donald LaFavor

[Fernblatt]

since I have fewer than 15 posts, I can't PM Leroy to see what Smart diagnostics he is set up to do, so I must ask here and hope he reads it.



Tom Norris
Murfreesboro, TN
2006 CDI Cabrio, cleverly
disguised in Brabus clothing.

[Leroy]

HI Tom:
What do you need? The test equipment I have will work on all smart cars. New or Old.

Leroy