I own a 1982 Mercedes-Benz 380 SL and have my own story about its ignition key. A few months ago I realized that I had only one workable key -- the second key I had would open doors but not turn the ignition switch. So I ordered a key blank from an eBay seller, and went about getting a copy. Easy, you would think?
I first went to a local locksmith in Centerville, Ohio. Remember, this is a key from 1982! He couldn't do it! So I went to the most prominent locksmith in Dayton, downtown at Gem City Lock and Key. Surprise! They could not do it either! 2 sided security key! Then I went to the M-B dealer in Centerville. There I found that M-B has only pone key duplicating service, located in Dallas -- you send them the VIN.
Well I finally found one dealer outside a locksmith in Cincinnati who said he could do it, in Beavercreek, Ohio. He did it, and did it right. Prestige Lock & Key on N. Fairfield. Just in case you also need an auth key copied.
160 vehicles and a total of 1,500 exhibits are presented in the varied permanent exhibition of the Mercedes-Benz Museum. The “33 Extras” are a particular highlight: they can bring the history of personal mobility and motoring culture to life using details that are often surprising. The Mercedes-Benz Museum Inside newsletter series draws attention to the “33 Extras” and focuses on their background stories. Today’s edition is all about the ignition key.
31/33: Ignition key
User-friendly: So convenient around 100 years ago – vehicles were equipped with an ignition starter switch. Simply insert the ignition key, quickly turn it and the starter motor turns over the combustion engine. A very pleasant system, making it possible to just set off. Up to this point, the electric starter, in many cases still optional equipment, had to be activated using a separate switch. The key simultaneously acted as an access authorisation to use the motor vehicle.
Autonomy: The ignition key was quickly established as the standard. It became a beacon of modern ways and individual mobility. Keeping it on the key ring made a clear statement: owners had access to a car, steering it to their desired destination without having to accommodate the restrictions of other forms of mobility. Later in the motor vehicle’s development history, the steering was literally associated with turning the key as it not only started the engine, but simultaneously also unlocked the engaged steering wheel lock.
Making things simpler: In fact, the ignition key initially only operated the ignition lock, serving as a mechanical access authorisation. There were separate keys for the door locks. A universally suitable combination key only prevailed after the Second World War.
One impulse, all doors: The ignition key became a signal transmitter for the very first time with the introduction of central locking systems, starting in the 1960s. Turning it in the lock sent an impulse to final control elements in doors and tailgate to lock and unlock. The first Mercedes-Benz to offer a central locking system was the 300 SE with a long wheelbase (W 112).
At the push of a button: Over the years its functionality was continuously enhanced. Car keys became remote controls for doors in the 1990s. Doors unlocked and locked at the push of a button. Initially a conventional key with a key bit remained part of the package. It was simply folded out and inserted into the ignition lock.
No more key bit: The next step was to do away with the key bit. The small plastic housing resembled the shape of a key and featured an electronic system that communicated with the vehicle: the vehicle accepted the command to turn over the engine once the correct “key” had been inserted into the “ignition lock” – the command was still given by turning the key with a flick of the wrist. A slim key with a key bit was actually still included to open the driver’s door in an emergency in case the central locking system failed.
Evolution: Many cars still employed keys with a metal key bit. However, even then the plastic part of the key still accommodated electronics in most cases – to deactivate the immobiliser and provide a remote control. Depending on the equipment scope, other vehicles allowed users to leave the electronic unit in their pocket or handbag. The vehicle locked and unlocked automatically. Mercedes-Benz introduced KEYLESS-GO in 1999 in the Mercedes-Benz S-Class. And in many cases all it takes nowadays is to softly press the Start/Stop button on the dashboard to start or switch off the drive system. As a result, it is no longer necessary to turn the ignition key, the last remnant of starting the engine using the hand crank, an exhausting process dating back to the early age of the motor vehicle.
Digital: Nowadays we have compact smart keys to exchange driver profiles with the vehicle. Or smartphones feature a virtual key and act as high-tech substitutes. Sensors within the car identify the authorisation and grant access to the vehicle.
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