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FBS3 Specialist Mercedes Keys

Mercedes key specialists.

Spare keys, all-keys-lost, EIS/EZS work and ELV repair for FBS3-era Mercedes (roughly 2009-2015) — C-Class W204, E-Class W212, ML/GLE W166, B-Class W246, A-Class W176, Sprinter and more. Mobile across London & the South-East. Same software as the dealer.

Mercedes key programming illustration W204 W212 W166 SPRINTER FBS3 MERCEDES FBS3 KEYS EIS · ELV · ECU
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Mercedes keys.
FBS3 era specialists.

Mercedes uses generation-specific immobiliser systems. The FBS3 generation (roughly 2009-2015) covers a huge chunk of the cars on UK roads — and it's where independent specialists can still legally programme keys without going through the dealer-server-tied FBS4 system. We work on FBS3 every day.

01 / C-Class W204

C-Class W204 (2007-2014).

The most common Mercedes we see. Saloon, estate and coupé (C204) all covered. Spare keys, all-keys-lost via EIS module, and ELV (steering lock) repair — a notoriously common W204 fault. Mobile on the driveway.

W204 · ELV covered
02 / E-Class W212

E-Class W212 (2009-2016).

Saloon, estate (S212) and coupé/convertible (W207/A207). Same key platform across all four bodystyles. Spare keys and all-keys-lost both straightforward. E63 AMG also covered.

W212 · all bodystyles
03 / ML / GLE W166

ML/GLE W166 (2011-2018).

The W166 platform — sold as ML until 2015, then renamed GLE. Same key system throughout. Includes ML63 AMG, GLE 63, and the original GLE coupé. Mobile programming on the driveway, KVM-style module work.

ML & GLE both
04 / Sprinter & Vito

Sprinter & commercial.

Mercedes-Benz Sprinter (W906) and Vito (W447 early years) — FBS3 commercial vans. Fleet operators and tradesmen welcome. All-keys-lost on a Sprinter is one of our most common commercial jobs.

Fleet rates available
05 / A/B-Class

A-Class W176, B-Class W246.

The smaller hatchback Mercedes — A-Class W176 (2012-2018) and B-Class W246 (2011-2018). FBS3 platform, same key procedures. Includes the A45 AMG and CLA/GLA variants on the same platform.

CLA & GLA included
06 / FBS3 vs FBS4

We're honest about coverage.

FBS3 cars (roughly 2009-2015) we can fully programme. FBS4 cars (2016+) require dealer-server access we don't have — and neither does any independent. We'll tell you straight up before travelling, no surprises.

Honest scope · no surprises

Identify first.
Programme properly.

Mercedes key work has a clear divide: FBS3 (programmable by independents) vs FBS4 (dealer-only). We confirm your car's system before travelling, then follow the manufacturer-spec EIS procedure exactly.

  1. 01

    Confirm FBS3 vs FBS4

    First we confirm from your registration whether your Mercedes runs FBS3 (we can do it) or FBS4 (only the dealer can). Roughly 2009-2015 cars are FBS3, but there are transition models — we always check exactly.

  2. 02

    Read the EIS / EZS

    The EIS (Electronic Ignition Switch, also called EZS) holds the key data. We read it, identify the immobiliser state, and extract the cryptographic data needed to programme new keys. All-keys-lost is done by reading the EIS directly.

  3. 03

    Programme & verify

    New key is programmed and paired to the EIS. We verify start, lock, unlock and (for keyless cars) passive entry before leaving. Any lost keys are disabled for security.

Mercedes key programming illustration W204 W212 W166 SPRINTER FBS3 MERCEDES FBS3 KEYS EIS · ELV · ECU

All variants,
all platforms.

Mobile key programming covers most modern marques and immobiliser systems. These are the makes we programme keys for most often:

C-Class W204
E-Class W212
E-Class W207
ML W166
GLE W166
A-Class W176
B-Class W246
CLA C117
GLA X156
GLK X204
Sprinter W906
Vito W447
S-Class W221
CL W216
SLK R172
R-Class W251
Audi
Mercedes
VW
Porsche
Mini
Land Rover
Jaguar
SEAT
Škoda
Ford
Vauxhall
Toyota
Citroën

Don't see your make? Give us a call — Japanese, Korean, French and Italian marques are all on the list, just send the registration over and we'll confirm.

Mobile · On your driveway
Dealer alternative
for Mercedes keys.

Mercedes dealers charge £400-£900 for a key replacement, plus a recovery fee, plus a 1-2 week wait. DashTech comes to your driveway with dealer-grade software and a fraction of the price — often same-day.

Real Mercedes
key jobs.

★★★★★
5.0 / 5.0Trusted by UK drivers
"

All keys lost on my 2013 C-Class W204. Mercedes wanted £900 and the car towed in. DashTech sorted it on the driveway in 90 minutes. Saved a fortune on recovery alone.

CR
Chris R.
Croydon · W204 C220 CDI
"

W212 E-Class spare key — dealer quoted £540. Family-friend specialist quoted £350. DashTech: £260 on the driveway in 70 minutes. Easy decision in the end.

KM
Karen M.
Tunbridge Wells · W212 E220
"

ELV (steering lock) fault on my W204 — wouldn't turn the ignition. DashTech diagnosed the ELV, fitted an emulator, programmed both keys. One visit. Brilliant.

NT
Nick T.
Wimbledon · W204 ELV repair

Mercedes keys, explained.

How much is a Mercedes key replacement?
FBS3 Mercedes: spare key £220-£320, all-keys-lost £400-£550. ELV (steering lock) emulator fitting £180-£280 on top if needed. We confirm fixed pricing from your registration up front — message us via WhatsApp for a quote within minutes.
How do I know if my Mercedes is FBS3 or FBS4?
Rough rule: 2009-2015 cars are FBS3 (we can do them), 2016+ are FBS4 (only the dealer can). Some transition years overlap — we confirm exactly from your registration before booking. If it's FBS4 we'll tell you straight up rather than waste your time.
My W204 won't turn the ignition — is that the key or the ELV?
Usually the ELV (Electronic Steering Lock) — a notoriously common W204 fault. The motor inside the steering lock fails and the car interprets it as a key/ignition issue. We diagnose it on the driveway, fit an emulator (much cheaper than a new ELV), and verify operation. Often a single-visit fix.
Can you do all-keys-lost on a Sprinter or Vito?
Yes — FBS3-era Sprinters (W906) and Vitos (W447 early years) are fully covered. Fleet operators welcome. We come to the depot, the driveway, or the roadside. Same-day in most cases.
Do you supply OEM Mercedes keys or aftermarket?
OEM (Mercedes-branded) and quality aftermarket fobs both available. OEM carries the original star logo and Mercedes Benz branding; aftermarket fobs are mechanically and electronically identical with the same chip at significantly lower cost. We discuss options when you book.
Will existing keys still work after a new key is programmed?
Yes by default — adding a spare doesn't disable existing keys. For all-keys-lost jobs, any previously-programmed keys are automatically disabled (because we're writing fresh key data to the EIS). If you find a "lost" key later, it can be re-added.
What if I've lost all my keys to my car?
No problem — we can programme a new key from scratch with no working key needed. We come to wherever the car is parked, programme a transponder and remote on the driveway, and verify everything works before leaving. Most all-keys-lost jobs are completed in 60–120 minutes on site. See our dedicated All Keys Lost page for emergency details.
Will the new key be a genuine OEM key or aftermarket?
Both options available. Aftermarket keys are good quality, identical function, lower cost — the most popular choice. Genuine OEM (manufacturer-branded) keys are available on request at slightly higher cost. We discuss both options when you enquire.
Do existing keys still work after a new one is programmed?
Yes by default — adding a new key doesn't disable existing ones. If you've lost a key and want the missing one disabled for security (so it can't be used to steal the car if found), we can do that during the same visit. All-keys-lost jobs automatically clear any previously-programmed keys.
Do you cover my make and model?
BMW (E-series, F-series, G-series), MINI, Audi, VW, SEAT, Skoda, Mercedes, Porsche, Ford, Vauxhall, Land Rover, Jaguar, Renault, Peugeot, Citroen and most modern Japanese and Korean marques. Send the registration over and we'll confirm before booking.
Where do you cover for mobile key programming?
DashTech Services is based in Wimbledon, South-West London. We cover London, Surrey, Kent, Sussex, Hampshire, Berkshire, Buckinghamshire and the wider South-East within an 80-mile radius for same-day mobile work. Pre-booked jobs further afield are also welcome — get in touch.

Free quote.

The quickest way to get a price is to call us — or WhatsApp with your reg and the symptoms. Most quotes back within minutes, 7 days a week.

Tap to call now 07550 006 999 7 days a week, 7am–9pm. We answer when we can; voicemails returned the same day.
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