Mercedes ML-Class 1st (W163) (1998–2005) — Key Programming Reference

Key fobs & transponder keys (2 variants)

Programming procedures

What the job needs

• Add a key: 1 existing working key required.
• All keys lost: no existing working key needed.
• PIN / security code: No PIN — IR + tokens.
• Online / server access: required — Cloud token req'd.
• On-board (no tool) sequence: not available — 1998-2005 W163 has no DIY onboard programming. Mercedes XENTRY / DAS dealer relearn requires SCN coding certificate (still available for classic chassis at MB classic-car service centers). Aftermarket Add Key requires VVDI MB Tool + W163 IR adapter + tokens OR Abrites AVDI Mercedes (EU-preferred for pre-2003).
• On site: engine off · 12V+ + charger · Clear EIS + DAS DTCs.
• Bring: Photo ID + vehicle registration. Title strongly recommended for AKL on classic-era Mercedes (W163 is 25+ years old — title chain verification critical).

Tool coverage

Documented for this case on: Autel IM608 Pro II · Autel IM508S · Autel KM100 · Xhorse Key Tool Plus · Xhorse Key Tool Max Pro · Lonsdor K518 Pro / K519 · OBDSTAR X300 DP Plus · AutoProPad G2/G3 · Advanced Diagnostics Smart Pro · Launch X431 IMMO Elite / IMMO Plus. Step-by-step menu paths for each tool are in the app.

Notes & cautions

• This chassis (W163 M-Class, 1998-2005) is Mercedes FBS2 NEC-IR EIS era — the first-gen M-Class SUV with FBS1/FBS2 IR EIS — predecessor to W164 FBS3. FBS2 era uses IR (infrared) read of EIS password via dashboard IR port, not OBD-only like FBS3. Two W163 sub-eras: 1998-2001 early (FBS1 IR, very early-gen), 2002-2005 facelift (FBS2 NEC IR — closer to W163/W203 era). Verify trim + production date — wrong FCC key will not pair.
• FBS2 IR EIS on this variant (W163 M-Class) requires Xhorse VVDI MB Tool + W163 IR adapter cable (W163-specific SKU). Early 1998-2001 builds are FBS1 — even older protocol, more limited tool coverage (Abrites AVDI Mercedes is best for FBS1) OR Abrites AVDI Mercedes (EU-locksmith standard for pre-2003 Mercedes — best IR success rate). Autel IM608 + IMKPA covers W163 FBS2 but IR read is the bottleneck — IM608 password calc itself works once IR data is read. CGDI MB has FBS2 coverage from 2004+ NEC variants (W203 era and later), not pure FBS2 W163.
• W163 AKL is OBD-or-IR — bench EIS removal needed if IR port damaged. IR read success on W163 is moderate (~75%). SUV chassis — verify IR port integrity (dashboard mounting on W163 may have moisture issues). Verify IR port functional before quoting OBD/IR vs bench pricing. AMG ML55 / ML63 W163 variants share standard EIS architecture — no AMG-specific quirk on FBS2 era.
• AKL on this chassis erases all previously paired FBS2 IR keys. Bring minimum 2 new Mercedes FBS2 NEC IR keys matching trim. Wrong chip family (e.g., FBS3 NEC EIS keys from W203/W204 era) will not work — verify chip generation before ordering.
• W163 AKL is OBD-or-IR friendly when IR port is intact (~85% IR read success). Damaged IR port = bench EIS EEPROM read via Autel XP400 PRO or Xhorse VVDI Prog. Bench job adds ~1 hour vs IR. Verify IR port functional before quoting bench-vs-IR pricing.
• AKL erases EIS-paired remotes. Recovered old keys will not authenticate — customer must be informed. Verify trim before scheduling: ML320 / ML350 / ML430 / ML500 / ML55 AMG all share W163 EIS architecture. Classic-era W163 (1998-2005) — title chain verification critical given vehicle age.

Lockout

Door pick / decode: Lishi HU64 (CCW).

26 verified sources · Last verified: 2026-08-10

Step-by-step tool menu paths, verified source links and video guides for this case are in the KeyAssist app — free to start, works offline.

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