What people call about
Two situations account for most Mercedes key calls: a spare is needed while a working key still exists, or every key is gone. Those are very different jobs. Adding a key to a car that already has one is normally quicker and less involved. An all-keys-lost Mercedes depends heavily on the platform and the year, and that is the first thing I check when you call.
What I need from you before the visit
The year and model, the shape and type of the key you have or lost, and whether the car starts with a push button or a key you turn. Photos of the key help. With that information I can tell you whether the job is something I can complete at your location, and roughly what is involved, instead of arriving and discovering the platform needs a different path.
Proof of ownership
Key work on a Mercedes requires proof that the vehicle is yours — registration or title in your name plus matching photo ID. This is not negotiable and applies to all key work, not just Mercedes. It protects you as the owner as much as it protects me.
On-site work
Where the platform supports it, the replacement key is prepared and paired to the vehicle at your location, then tested: starting the car, locking and unlocking, and any remote functions the key carries. If during diagnosis the vehicle turns out to need equipment or a service path I do not offer, I tell you that directly rather than experimenting on your car.
Key blades and cutting
Depending on the vehicle and available authorized key-code information, a replacement blade may be originated by code or by another appropriate key-generation method. Which applies is confirmed per vehicle.
Pricing
Service call starts at $49. Final pricing depends on the type of service, lock, vehicle, hardware, complexity of the job, and any required parts.