The owner of a 2013 Mercedes C300 was stuck in a Sarasota parking lot after losing all the keys. The request was straightforward: make a replacement so the customer could drive home, and prepare a second working key as a spare.

I completed the job on-site through Keyman Mobile Car Locksmith. It involved key data recovery, cutting and programming two keys, and testing them with the customer. One issue needed attention along the way: dropping vehicle voltage interrupted the first programming attempt.

Starting with no working key

There was no existing key available to copy or use. I recovered the key data and read the password required for programming, then used that information to prepare the new keys for the vehicle. I also cut the mechanical key blades as part of the replacement.

The goal was to provide two complete, usable keys. The spare needed to perform the same everyday functions as the primary key, including starting the engine and operating the remote controls.

Resolving the voltage drop during programming

The first programming attempt was unsuccessful because the vehicle's voltage was dropping. I connected power support from my service vehicle to stabilize the voltage, then repeated the programming process. With that issue addressed, I successfully completed programming.

This was the specific obstacle encountered on this Mercedes. Correcting it was part of the same visit, and the time spent resolving it is included in the total job duration below.

Checking both keys with the customer

After programming, I checked both keys and had the customer test the result. Each key successfully performed the following functions:

  • Started the engine.
  • Locked and unlocked the vehicle remotely.
  • Opened the trunk using the remote.

The customer received two fully working keys and could leave the parking lot to drive home. The second key was ready to keep as a spare.

What the 30–40-minute job included

The entire job took approximately 30–40 minutes, covering:

  1. Recovering the key data and reading the programming password.
  2. Preparing the two replacement keys and cutting their mechanical blades.
  3. Stabilizing the vehicle's voltage and completing programming.
  4. Checking engine starting and remote functions on both keys, including customer testing.

This duration describes this particular completed job, from recovery through final testing. It is not a promised turnaround time for every Mercedes or every all-keys-lost situation.

Need a Mercedes replacement key in Sarasota?

When contacting Keyman Mobile Car Locksmith, share your vehicle's year and model, your location, and whether you still have any working keys. Let me know if you want a second key made during the visit as well.

For this C300 owner, the completed service meant being able to drive home with both a working replacement and a tested spare.

Case report by Eugene Keyman, Keyman Mobile Car Locksmith.