The 2000–2005 GLE (incl. ML/M-Class) uses the same key setup, so everything on this page applies to those years too. The full picture is on the Mercedes-Benz GLE (incl. ML/M-Class) key guide.

2005 Mercedes-Benz GLE (incl. ML/M-Class): key facts

Key type: Smart / proximity key
Push-to-start: No
Transponder chip: DAS2b/DAS3 (infrared rolling-code SmartKey)
Programming: EEPROM
All keys lost: We can originate new keys on site

M-Class (W163) lineage covered under the GLE slug. Black-plastic infrared SmartKey — industry catalogs date it 1998-2006 on the ML — though some catalogs class the early W163 under the older DAS2b scheme rather than DAS3. Either way it is specialist EIS work, not a hardware-store key, and all-keys-lost is possible without the dealer.

Same key system as the 2000â€“2005 GLE

Mercedes-Benz kept the GLE's key system unchanged across 2000â€“2005, so everything about replacing a 2005 key â€” blanks, programming, and what happens if every key is lost â€” matches the rest of that run. The full year-by-year breakdown lives in our Mercedes-Benz GLE key guide.

What drives the price is the key type, whether you still have a working key, and where the car is parked. There's more on Mercedes-Benz programming in general on our Mercedes-Benz key page.

We cover all these cities

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

Last updated 2026-10-11.

2005 Mercedes-Benz GLE key replacement

2005 Mercedes-Benz GLE (incl. ML/M-Class): key facts

Same key system as the 2000â€“2005 GLE

We cover all these cities