Hey there ILUVMILS!!!

My car has the black flip-out key with the circuit board and proximity chip inside the key housing. I know this because I dropped the key one day, it came apart and I tried to start the car with just the actual metal key part and the car wouldn't start!....Is this type of key the "smart key" type that you mentioned?

Also, if you have a moment could you post the major components that are on the CAN amd what they do?

Thanks a lot for you reply, I'm an ex ASE certified mechanic that's been an electronics technician for 7 years now and most of the technological advances in the auto industry are new to me. I'm attempting to catch up, at least on a basic level......I have great "old school" automotive troubleshooting skills and I was hoping that my electronics background would help me to better understand the newer MB technologies........I from the days of removing trigger points from 450sels and cleaning them, so forgive me for my gross ignorance!

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Currently Driving
2006 E320 CDI
1999 E300 Turbo Diesl
2002 ML500
1995 E320 Station Wagon


MBs I've owned
1997 E320 Assassinated by Pine Tree
1987 300E Wife Killed Engine
1981 300D Stretch Limo Total Loss
1970 250 Coupe 212,000 mi.
1974 450sel 184,000 mi.
1974 240D 377,000 mi.
1977 300D 204, 000 mi.
1979 280se God Only Knows!
1983 240D 130,000 mi.
1972 220D 280,000 mi.
1983 300SD 244,000 mi.