Mercedes-Benz Key Questions, Answered

With Mercedes Key Programming, a new Mercedes key starts at $249, programmed where the car is parked. Dealers in Atlanta commonly quote about $400 to $1,000 or more. The model, the year and whether you still have a working key set the final price. See the Mercedes key price guide by model.

No. On an FBS3 Mercedes, most models from about 2003 to 2014, we program the new key on site, with no tow. For FBS4 cars, most from about 2015 on, we order a factory key for your VIN through NASTF and bring it to you; that takes longer. You can check your model and year first. The dealer vs. specialist comparison covers every case.

Yes. FBS3 cars, most models from about 2003 to 2014, get a key made on site the same day. For FBS4 cars, from about 2015 on, we order a factory key for your VIN through NASTF and deliver it, usually in one day to a week. Call with the year, model and VIN, and have a photo ID that matches the registration or title. We confirm by VIN before we drive out. Here's what to do when you lose your Mercedes key.

On an FBS3 car, no. When we program your new key, we can remove the lost one from the car's memory, so it won't start the engine even if someone finds it. Ask for it on the call if you think the key was stolen.

Once the technician arrives, cutting and programming a Mercedes key takes from about 10 minutes to over an hour. All-keys-lost jobs sit at the long end. On FBS4 cars the factory key has to arrive first, which usually takes one day to a week. The model, the key system and whether you still have a working key change the total, and we estimate it on the phone.

Quality varies, so ask which one you're getting. An original (OEM) key matches the factory fit and finish. Some aftermarket keys work well and others fail early. We tell you which key we'd install on your car and why, before the job, so you choose with the facts.

Get a full price on the phone and be wary of a very low quote that grows once they arrive. Ask for NASTF VSP registration and proof of insurance. Georgia has no state locksmith license, so those checks matter more. A real locksmith also asks for your ID.

Yes. A legitimate locksmith has to see proof that the car is yours: a photo ID that matches the registration or the title. If the car isn't in your name, call us first and we'll tell you what we need. Anyone who skips this step isn't protecting you.

Sometimes. Standard auto policies often don't pay for a lost key, though a stolen key may be covered by the theft part of your policy. Some owners also have a key protection plan sold with the car. Check with your agent before the job. We give you an itemized receipt for any claim.

It can help with a lockout or a tow, depending on your plan, but it usually doesn't make you a new key. A tow to the dealer just moves the problem. A mobile specialist can program the key where the car is parked in Atlanta.

Maybe not. A weak battery is the most common reason a Mercedes SmartKey stops working, so swap it first. If the fob still won't open or start the car, the key or the car's receiver may have failed. Read the signs on our key fob replacement page.

Usually not. Used or online Mercedes keys are coded to one vehicle and in most cases can't be reprogrammed to yours. People often lose that money. Call us before you buy one and we'll tell you honestly whether it can work on your car.

It means the locksmith is registered as a Vehicle Security Professional with the National Automotive Service Task Force, which vets who can access Mercedes key data. Mercedes Key Programming is registered, and that's how we order factory keys for FBS4 cars. See what NASTF VSP means and how to check it.

We come to you. We cut and program the key at your home, office or parking lot, and we usually arrive in about 30 minutes. You don't need to tow the car anywhere. Here's how our mobile Mercedes locksmith service works.

We cover Metro Atlanta, including Buckhead, Midtown, Sandy Springs, Alpharetta and Marietta. If you're not sure about your street, call (470) 229-2853 and we'll confirm the arrival time. If your street is near the edge, call and we confirm it on the phone.

We're Open 7 days, 9 AM to 7 PM. Call (470) 229-2853 during those hours and you'll talk to someone who works on Mercedes keys, not a call center. We'll give you the price and the arrival time on the same call.

It could be either, and the signs help. If the key goes in but won't turn, the dashboard doesn't react or the steering stays locked, the electronic ignition switch (EIS) is a likely cause. We test both before we quote. See our Mercedes EIS repair page.

Yes, if you only have one. Copying a working key is the cheapest moment to do it, because an all-keys-lost job takes more work. A spare costs $249. More on our spare Mercedes key page.

Yes. We serve Mercedes owners in Atlanta in English and in Spanish. Call (470) 229-2853 and ask for Spanish, and we'll walk you through the price and the visit in your language.

Your car's year, model and VIN, where it's parked, and a photo ID that matches the registration or title. With that, we can quote on the phone and confirm we can do your car. Our contact page has the number.