2000 Mercedes-Benz S-Class Key Replacement

The 2000–2013 S-Class uses the same key setup, so everything on this page applies to those years too. The full picture is on the Mercedes-Benz S-Class key guide.

2000 Mercedes-Benz S-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

W220 DAS3/FBS3 infrared SmartKey era (the W220 also introduced optional Keyless Go — push-button start on equipped cars). Industry sources cover the era brand-wide, but we did not find W220-specific tool documentation this session, so this is marked unverified; all-keys-lost is specialist EIS work, confirmed by VIN before quoting.

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

The 2000 S-Class is a W220, and it sits in the DAS3/FBS3 era of Mercedes security. The key is an infrared rolling-code SmartKey, the chrome-finish style with buttons on the fob. It talks to the car with an infrared signal that changes with every use, so the car only accepts a key that has been properly matched to its electronic ignition switch (the EIS, sometimes called the EZS).

The key also carries a mechanical backup key. If the fob electronics or battery quit, that backup is how you get into the car, so keep it somewhere safe and know where it is.

One detail worth knowing: the W220 also introduced an optional push-button start system called Keyless Go on equipped cars. The key data for this year lists no push-to-start, so we do not assume your car has it. We look at the car and its VIN and tell you what you actually have before any work starts.

Key type: infrared SmartKey with rolling code
Mechanical backup key: yes
Programming method on file: EEPROM work
No NASTF/SDRM access required for this entry

Can you copy my key, or is it an all-keys-lost job?

For this setup, an original key is not required to make a new one. That matters, because it means that if you have lost your only key, you are not stuck. All-keys-lost is possible on a 2000 S-Class.

It is not the same as a routine copy, though. When no working key is left, the work centers on the car's EIS/EZS and the data stored in it. That is specialist work, and it takes more time and care than adding a spare to a car that still has a key.

You call (213) 577-1366 and give us the VIN, the situation (spare needed or no keys at all), and where the car is.
We confirm the key and ignition details from the VIN before quoting, rather than guessing from the year alone.
We come to you with a mobile van, or you bring the car to our Westwood storefront at 10740 Wilshire Blvd if it can be moved.
The new key is cut, matched to the car's electronics, and tested on the ignition, the doors, and the remote buttons before you pay.

Why is my S-Class key not working?

A key this age usually fails in one of a few ways, and they do not all need a new key.

A dead fob battery is the mildest. The remote buttons are the first thing to go, while the mechanical key still works. Cracked chrome shells and worn buttons are cosmetic or mechanical, and often the fob can be rebuilt.

The more serious problems are aging SmartKey electronics that stop syncing with the car, and a worn or failing EIS/EZS, where the key is not recognized or will not turn. If the ignition switch is the problem, a new key alone will not solve it, and we will tell you that rather than sell you a key that cannot help.

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 S-Class key?

We do not quote numbers on a web page, because the same car can need very different work. These are the things that move the cost:

Spare key versus all keys lost: adding a key to a car that still has one is the lighter-cost job, and starting from nothing is more involved.
Condition of the EIS/EZS: if the ignition electronics are failing, that may need repair or replacement on top of the key.
Whether the fob needs a new shell or battery, or a whole new SmartKey.
Whether the car can come to us or we have to go to it.
What the VIN shows about your particular car, including any optional Keyless Go setup.

What we confirm by VIN, and why call us

Here is the honest part. Industry sources cover this Mercedes era broadly, but we did not find tool documentation specific to the W220, so the chip details for this year are marked unverified. That is why we confirm by VIN and in person before we give you a price, especially on an all-keys-lost job.

You will reach Wilshire Lock & Key directly, not a dispatch middleman. We have been in business since 1987, with a storefront in Westwood plus mobile vans, and David oversees the work. For other years and models, see the Mercedes-Benz S-Class key page or the wider Mercedes-Benz key replacement guide. If you would rather write first, use our contact page. The phone is answered 24 hours a day at (213) 577-1366.

Frequently asked questions

Do I need my original key to get a new 2000 S-Class key?

No. An original key is not required for this setup, and all-keys-lost is possible. It is more involved work on the ignition electronics, and we confirm by VIN before quoting.

Does the 2000 S-Class have push-button start?

The key data for this year lists no push-to-start. However, the W220 offered optional Keyless Go on equipped cars, so we check your VIN and the car itself rather than assume.

My remote buttons stopped working but the key still turns. What is wrong?

A dead fob battery is the most common cause, since the buttons fail first. Worn buttons or aging SmartKey electronics can also be the reason. We can tell which when we look at the key.

The key will not turn or the car does not recognize it. Is it the key?

Not always. A failing EIS/EZS electronic ignition switch produces the same symptoms. We check both so you do not pay for a key that cannot fix the problem.

Is there a spare mechanical key in my SmartKey?

Yes, this setup includes a mechanical backup key. It opens the car if the fob electronics or battery fail, so keep it somewhere you can find it.

Is the chip information for this year confirmed?

Not fully. The DAS3/FBS3 infrared SmartKey is what the data points to, but we found no W220-specific tool documentation, so it is marked unverified. We confirm by VIN before any work.

Can you come to me, or do I need to bring the car in?

Both work. We have mobile vans and a storefront at 10740 Wilshire Blvd in Westwood. Call (213) 577-1366 and we will work out which makes sense for your situation.

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.