Losing your only car key is always a headache, and it’s even worse when theft is involved. Like many owners of classic vehicles, I recently faced this exact situation with my newly acquired 1997 Mercedes G320. After my wife’s car was broken into and my single key was stolen, I needed a solution fast. A locksmith was able to create a basic key to open the doors and start the ignition, which was a relief. However, this key isn’t ideal, and the search for a proper key fob for my Mercedes 1997 model began.
The locksmith successfully crafted a functional key with an MB15 style blade. My original stolen key was a convenient flip-style key fob with a single button for locking and unlocking. The key the locksmith made works, but it lacks the remote locking functionality of the original fob. This is particularly inconvenient as my G320 only has manual door locks on the passenger side and tailgate, not the driver’s side. Without a fob, accessing and securing the vehicle becomes a manual process each time.
Finding a replacement key fob with the MB15 blade style has proven to be challenging. Online searches and local key specialists haven’t immediately yielded a source for the specific flip-style fob I’m looking for. One suggestion was to replace the entire ignition system with a new set of keys. While this would provide new keys, it eliminates the possibility of regaining remote locking, which is a feature I greatly value for convenience and security. Opting for a complete ignition replacement might also necessitate changing the door lock tumblers to maintain a single-key system, adding further complexity and cost.
Are there alternative solutions for a 1997 Mercedes key fob replacement? Exploring options beyond a full ignition replacement is preferable. Perhaps there are specialized key fob providers who can source or even custom-build a compatible flip-style fob using the MB15 blade. Another avenue to investigate is whether it’s possible to program a new aftermarket key fob to work with the existing Mercedes 1997 system. Information on suppliers or methods for obtaining a suitable key fob, or alternative strategies to regain remote locking for my Mercedes 1997 G320, would be greatly appreciated.
Ultimately, the goal is to find a practical and convenient solution that restores the remote locking functionality of the original key fob without unnecessary and extensive modifications to the vehicle’s security system. Any insights or recommendations from fellow Mercedes enthusiasts or automotive key specialists would be invaluable in resolving this Mercedes 1997 key challenge.
