2014 Mercedes-Benz E-Class Key Replacement

The 2014–2016 E-Class uses the same key setup, so everything on this page applies to those years too. The full picture is on the Mercedes-Benz E-Class key guide.

2014 Mercedes-Benz E-Class: key facts

Key type: Smart / proximity key
Push-to-start: No
Transponder chip: FBS4 (DAS4)
Programming: Dealer-only (we'll tell you before you spend anything)
All keys lost: We can originate new keys on site

Facelifted W212: Mercedes' own fallback-process bulletin (S-B-80.57/62e, hosted at static.nhtsa.gov) lists the W212 from April 2013 production, so MY2014-2016 E-Class keys are FBS4 and effectively dealer-only — unlike the 2010-2013 cars, which specialists can still handle. The insert-and-twist ignition remains standard (KEYLESS-GO optional); the bulletin itself says to confirm FBS3 vs FBS4 per vehicle in Vedoc, so we check by VIN on cars near the 2013/2014 boundary.

What key does a 2014 E-Class use, and what does that mean for you?

The 2014 E-Class is the facelifted W212. Its key is a smart-proximity fob carrying an FBS4 (DAS4) chip family. The fob does not start the car with a push button in the standard setup. You insert it into the ignition and twist it, the way Mercedes has done for years. KEYLESS-GO was an option, so some cars will have extra proximity features, and that varies by car.

The detail that matters most is the production date. Mercedes' own fallback-process bulletin (S-B-80.57/62e, hosted at static.nhtsa.gov) lists the W212 from April 2013 production as FBS4. That puts MY2014 to 2016 E-Class keys in the dealer-only category. The 2010 to 2013 cars are different, because independent specialists can still handle many of those. For a 2014, the honest answer is that new keys are normally ordered and coded through a Mercedes dealer.

Your fob also has a mechanical backup key inside it. If the battery dies or the fob stops responding, that key still opens the door, so you are rarely locked out for good by a dead fob alone.

Spare key or all keys lost: what is different on this car?

On this setup you do not need an original key in hand to get a new one made. That is useful if you have one fob and want a spare. All keys lost is also possible, so losing every fob does not mean the car is finished.

What it does mean is a VIN-coded dealer order. Expect a multi-day wait, because the key is built and coded for your specific car rather than cut and programmed on the spot. We will not tell you otherwise. If you are stranded, the practical steps are getting the car safely secured or moved, then starting the order as soon as the VIN and proof of ownership are in hand.

Spare key: no original key required, but still a dealer-coded order.
All keys lost: possible, through the same VIN-coded process.
Timeline: plan on several days, not same-day.

Before you order a key, check the cheaper problems

Not every no-start on a 2014 E-Class is a bad key. Several common problems look like one, and they are usually the lighter-cost fixes.

Replace the fob battery if the dash says the key is not detected. A weak battery is the most common cause.
Try the mechanical backup key on the door, then the fob in the ignition slot, to see whether the car recognizes it at all.
Think about moisture. A fob that went through the wash or a pool may be water-damaged and may fail intermittently before it quits.
If a fresh battery and a known-good fob still fail, suspect the keyless antenna or the start-button circuit rather than the key.

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 replacing a 2014 E-Class key?

We will not quote a number on a page, because it depends on your car and situation. These are the real factors:

Whether the fault is only a battery or antenna issue, which costs far less than a new key.
Spare key versus all keys lost, since all keys lost involves more steps.
Dealer fees for the VIN-coded key and coding, which we do not control.
Whether your car's VIN falls on the FBS3 or FBS4 side of the 2013/2014 boundary.
Where the car is, and whether it needs to be moved or someone has to come to it.

What we confirm by VIN, and why call us

One point is not clean-cut. The Mercedes bulletin itself says to confirm FBS3 versus FBS4 per vehicle in Vedoc. So on cars near the 2013/2014 boundary, we check by VIN instead of guessing from the model year. If yours turns out to be on the earlier side, the options may be wider, and we will say so.

Wilshire Lock & Key has been in business since 1987. We run a storefront at 10740 Wilshire Blvd in Westwood plus mobile service vans, and the same company answers the phone, with no dispatch middlemen. David oversees the work. Our line is answered around the clock at (213) 577-1366.

For other model years, see the E-Class overview or the wider Mercedes-Benz key page. If you would rather write first, use the contact page. Our full car key services list covers other makes.

Frequently asked questions

Can a locksmith make a 2014 Mercedes E-Class key?

For this year, the key is FBS4 and effectively dealer-only, so a new key is normally ordered and coded through a Mercedes dealer. We check your VIN first and tell you plainly whether any other route applies.

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

No. An original key is not required, and all keys lost is possible. It still goes through a VIN-coded dealer order.

How long does a replacement take?

Expect a multi-day wait for a lost or damaged fob, because the key is ordered for your specific VIN. Dead batteries and similar faults are quicker to sort out.

My car says key not detected. Do I need a new key?

Not necessarily. A dead fob battery is the usual cause. Water damage or a keyless antenna or start-button fault can also look like a bad key, so rule those out first.

Does the 2014 E-Class have push-button start?

Not as standard. The insert-and-twist ignition is standard, and KEYLESS-GO was optional, so we confirm what your car has.

How do I get in if the fob is dead?

The fob contains a mechanical backup key that opens the door. Then try a fresh battery or place the fob in the ignition slot.

Why do you check my VIN on a 2014 car?

Mercedes' bulletin says to confirm FBS3 versus FBS4 per vehicle. Cars near the 2013/2014 boundary can differ, so the VIN settles it.

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

Last updated 2026-10-11.