OK, cool. I'm learning that prices for these key fobs are all over the place. Perhaps there is a direct relationship between the orginal cost of the vehicle and the price charged for the keyfob....

Its the same part number for all vehicles (of a certain year, I think 06+ without Comfort Access), so that won't affect the cost. The price will be the same whether you have a 1,3,5,7,X, or M. The cost difference between dealers is based partially on their mark up. Go to www.bmwmercedesparts.com and search for PN: 66120413690 and 51217069547. They have some of the best prices I have found, but I highly doubt they will mail you a key (but its worth a shot). Call all your dealers within reasonable driving distance and ask for a quote on those 2 part numbers I gave you, and see which is cheaper and go with that one. Programming should not be required because (from my understanding) the key is shipped blank in basically a ready to receive state (probably locked to whatever VIN it was ordered for). Once it is inserted in the car, the vehicle codes it and then its ready to use. That is my best guess on how it works, but I could easily be wrong.

OK, outstanding! Excellent advice, very helpful. I will follow contact that link.

Also, what about the "mechanical key" inside the fob that needs to be cut?

When you order it, you will give them the VIN to your car. From that, they will cut the key and have both ready when you come to pick them up.

www.bmwmercedesparts.com is Husker Auto Group in Lincoln NE (Husker Auto Group in Lincoln NE | New & Used Cars & Trucks Sales Service & Parts). They no longer offer keyfobs via the internet. Local dealer item only ... I'll start calling around to my local dealers. Fortunately there are quite a few in the PA -NJ area.