Mercedes Key Programming (1997-2014)

What is involved in programming a Mercedes and what should be known. Let me be clear that I can NOT handle all Mercedes. I’m equipped for the 1997-2014 era cars that used the infrared “Fobik” style of key. If you own an older Mercedes, yes, I can be of service to you.

Please beware though that beyond 2014, your options are pretty much dealer only and the prices are sky high. The reason? Mercedes switched to a newer immobilizer system called “FDS-4” that is not programmable by anything outside the Mercedes system called “Xentry”. It’s very expensive and not widely available outside of the dealer.

I do not know when or if the newer system will ever be programmable. We’re talking 10 years now and there really aren’t any viable systems I can see out there that handles these vehicles. Maybe there is and I’m not aware and I’m doing research as we speak.

Additionally, I am also not yet equipped to handle Mercedes flip keys, which are used in early 2000s models as well as Sprinter vans and Chrysler Crossfire vehicles. Fortunately the systems those vehicles use are not dealer locked, but require a separate programmer called “KR55”. That unit seems to be the only one that can make the remotes function and the key start the car. It may be possible to make a key only with my existing equipment, but to do everything right, you need that specific programmer.

If you have any questions or comments, I invite your input below.

Thank you.