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.

2001 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.

Same key system as the 2000–2013 S-Class

Mercedes-Benz kept the S-Class's key system unchanged across 2000–2013, so everything about replacing a 2001 key — blanks, programming, and what happens if every key is lost — matches the rest of that run. The full year-by-year breakdown lives in our Mercedes-Benz S-Class 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.

2001 Mercedes-Benz S-Class key replacement

2001 Mercedes-Benz S-Class: key facts

Same key system as the 2000–2013 S-Class

We cover all these cities