2000 Mercedes C-Class Key Replacement in Los Angeles

The 2000–2014 C-Class uses the same key setup, so everything on this page applies to those years too. The full picture is on the Mercedes-Benz C-Class key guide.

2000 Mercedes-Benz C-Class: key facts

Key type: Smart / proximity key
Push-to-start: No
Transponder chip: Varies by trim — we confirm by VIN
Programming: EEPROM
All keys lost: We can originate new keys on site

Final US W202 year. Industry sources date Mercedes' infrared DAS3/FBS3 SmartKey era brand-wide from 1997, but we did not find W202-specific tool documentation — treated as unverified. All-keys-lost is specialist EIS/EZS work; we confirm by VIN before quoting.

What kind of key does a 2000 C-Class use?

The 2000 model year was the last U.S. year for the W202 C-Class, and it sits in Mercedes' infrared key era. The key is a SmartKey: a plastic-and-metal key with an infrared window and a rolling-code chip. The car's ignition system talks to it, and the code changes each time, which is why a plain hardware-store copy will not start the car. It is not a push-to-start car, so the key still goes into the ignition.

The key also carries a mechanical backup blade. That matters when the electronics fail, because the blade can still open the door while the infrared side is dead. It does not start the engine on its own.

For the owner, the practical meaning is simple. A key this age has been through twenty-plus years of pockets, rain, and dropped keychains. Most of the calls we get about this setup come down to a few repeat problems.

Failed or worn EIS/EZS electronic ignition, where the key is not recognized or will not turn
Aging SmartKey electronics that stop syncing with the car
A dead key-fob battery, where the remote buttons fail first
Cracked Chrome-key shells and worn buttons

Do I need an original key, or can you work from all keys lost?

For this setup, a working original is not required to get a new key made. All-keys-lost is possible. That is good news if you have one key that barely works, and also if you have none at all.

The difference is in how much work is involved. With a key still in hand, the job is usually more straightforward because we can read what the car already expects. With no key, the work centers on the car's electronic ignition unit (EIS/EZS), and the programming method for this car is EEPROM-based. That is specialist work, not something every locksmith van is set up to do, and it takes more care than a simple copy.

It also means you do not need dealer-only software access to get started. Our data shows no NASTF/SDRM requirement for this year.

How we handle it, step by step

Here is the usual order of work on a 2000 C-Class, whether you bring the car to our Westwood storefront or we come to you with a mobile van.

You call (213) 577-1366 and tell us the situation: working key, weak key, or none.
We confirm the car by VIN before we commit to a plan, since we want the exact setup on paper, not a guess.
We check whether the problem is the key, the key battery, or the ignition unit, because a failing EIS/EZS can look like a bad key.
We cut or prepare the new key and program it to the car using the EEPROM method.
We test every function: door, ignition turn, start, and remote, then hand over the keys.

Locked out or need a locksmith now?

We answer around the clock, every day of the year.

Call (213) 577-1366

What affects the cost of a 2000 C-Class key?

We will not quote numbers on a page, because the honest answer depends on your car. These are the factors that move the cost up or down:

Whether you have a working key or all keys are lost, since all-keys-lost involves more ignition work
Whether the real fault is the key or a worn EIS/EZS ignition unit that needs attention
Whether you only need a new battery or shell, which is usually the more economical route
How many keys you want programmed at the same time
Whether we come to you with a mobile van or you come to the storefront

What we have not verified, and why we confirm by VIN

Industry sources date Mercedes' infrared DAS3/FBS3 SmartKey era brand-wide from 1997. We did not find tool documentation specific to the W202 C-Class, so we treat the exact chip family for this year as unverified. We would rather say that plainly than guess.

That is why we confirm by VIN before quoting. If something differs from what we expect, we will tell you before we start, including if a part of the job turns out to be a dealer-only matter.

California requires locksmith companies to hold a BSIS LCO license, and you should ask any locksmith for it before they work on your car. You can read more about the make at our Mercedes-Benz key page, the model overview at C-Class keys, or the wider car key service list.

We have worked in Los Angeles since 1987, and David oversees the work. It is one company, with a storefront and our own vans, not a dispatch service passing your call along. If you would rather write than call, use the contact page.

Frequently asked questions

Is the 2000 Mercedes C-Class a push-to-start car?

No. It uses a SmartKey that goes into the ignition. It is not a push-button start system.

Can you make a key if I lost every key?

Yes, all-keys-lost is possible on this setup. It is specialist EIS/EZS work, so we confirm the car by VIN first and explain what is involved before starting.

Do I need my original key to get a new one?

No, an original is not required. Having a working key can make the job simpler, but it is not a condition.

My remote buttons stopped working. Is the key dead?

Not always. A dead fob battery is a common cause, and the remote buttons are the first thing to fail. A worn button or cracked shell can also cause it. We check the simple causes first.

The key will not turn in the ignition. Is that the key?

It might be the key, but a worn or failed EIS/EZS electronic ignition can cause the same symptom. We diagnose before replacing anything.

Does the dealer have to do this?

Our data shows no NASTF/SDRM requirement for this year, so a dealer is not automatically required. If we find a dealer-only part of the job on your car, we will say so.

How do I get a quote for my C-Class?

Call (213) 577-1366 and have your VIN ready. We answer 24 hours a day, and we explain what applies to your car before any work begins.

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Reviewed by David, Owner & Lead Technician, Wilshire Lock & Key — in the locksmith trade since 1987.

Last updated 2026-10-11.