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UPDATE! SOLVED! Old key fob broke so it won's stay on keyring—I need a replacement

1377 Views 10 Replies 5 Participants Last post by  smart_mick
I've seen several very old posts with various key fob chat, but none of them seemed to cover my problem, so I'm updating the discussion.

The bits that hold the fob onto a keyring have finally broken. The plastic fob housing in general has seen better days after 13 years of use. The interior "circuit board" is fine, though. My hope is to find a new blank key fob, move the circuit board into it, and have it cut to fit my car.

Possible? How? Alternatives if this isn't possible? FYI—I'm used to dealing with getting parts from Canada, France, and Germany, so that won't be a problem.

Thanks, everyone!
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Check eBay. :)
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If the fob itself still works and you have access to a 3D printer...

print Smart fortwo Ignition Knob by Rioryan
then put the fob back together and stick it in your pocket. You can now leave the key in the car and the car should recognize the fob in your pocket; anyone else can't start it because they immobilizer will disable the car.

Or if a dab of glue can delay that expensive spare key a while longer...
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Check eBay. :)
Thank you, jwight. On a worldwide EBay search, only one or two auctions seem remotely legit and applicable—emphasis on remotely, no pun intended 😆
If the fob itself still works and you have access to a 3D printer...

print Smart fortwo Ignition Knob by Rioryan
then put the fob back together and stick it in your pocket. You can now leave the key in the car and the car should recognize the fob in your pocket; anyone else can't start it because they immobilizer will disable the car.

Or if a dab of glue can delay that expensive spare key a while longer...
Thank you, gtdump.
oh, DAMN!!! One of this might be just the thing! And I know I have buyers protection with Prime if it doesn't Thank you again, jwight! (y)
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Dealer price for shell is very reasonable - don't have part number handy.
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I'll try that as well—thank you phillysmart 👍
I've seen several very old posts with various key fob chat, but none of them seemed to cover my problem, so I'm updating the discussion.

The bits that hold the fob onto a keyring have finally broken. The plastic fob housing in general has seen better days after 13 years of use. The interior "circuit board" is fine, though. My hope is to find a new blank key fob, move the circuit board into it, and have it cut to fit my car.

Possible? How? Alternatives if this isn't possible? FYI—I'm used to dealing with getting parts from Canada, France, and Germany, so that won't be a problem.

Thanks, everyone!
View attachment 63478
Try this one on eBay: Hot Silicone Car Key Case Cover Fits for Benz Smart City Roadster Fortwo 3Button.

Or, try this one:Leather Keybag for Mercedes Benz Smart Fortwo Forfour City Roadster Fob Case
I found a couple of dealers on Amazon selling (apparently 3D-printed) fobs with blank keys. I ordered this one: Amazon.com: uxcell New 3 Buttons Car Uncut Insert Key Fob Remote Control Case Shell Replacement for Mercedes Benz SMART Fortwo: Automotive .

With a little bit of jerry-rigging (filing down some rough edges, drilling a tiny hole to insert a tiny lock-in screw to hold the key in place, nipping off an internal bit interfering with proper seating of the internal circuit board) this works perfectly! And at $4.49, it beats everything else in the market, which isn't a big market, including the $30 version of the same thing from Smart Madness AND the $300+ price tag for a Canadian dealer replacement programmed for my car :eek:. Thanks to everyone for their various suggestions.

Problem=SOLVED!
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