A 4th Door Handle
A 4th Door HandleIn 2023, Mercedes-Benz added a 4th door handle that hides the key hole to its model line up. Thus far they are seen only on the CLE Cabriolet and 2024 GLC models.
Effectively, it continues a trend is to move away from the need to remove a piece of 
the door handle to use the mechanical key if the battery in the key fob dies.
Pulling the driver’s door handle to the open position reveal the key hole underneath the back of the handle (right). Its a simple process to then insert the key and turn to get inside. This will 
likely set off the alarm. It will shut off when the car is started.
This compliments the flush door handles first seen in 2021 Maybach models. This has now been added to AMG and EQS models in 2023, EQE, E-Class, S-Class and C-Class models in 2024. The key hole is revealed in the center of the space when the door handle is pulled open (right).
Smart Keys or Intelligent Keys, or Access Keys – or whatever the manufacturer of your chooses to call them – that let you into your car and start it with just a touch use up their internal batteries at alarming rates, catching busy drivers unawares – even though the car had tried to warn you.
Our goal is to help you feel safe – and keep you moving or get you moving if at all possible – rather than leave you fretting whenever your key fob stops working. The instructions for getting into and starting most keyless start cars can be found on our pages – without roadside assistance.
We’ve updated the back up entry page here.
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Remember that only proper service and repair procedures will ensure the safe and reliable operation of your car. In addition, proper safety procedures and precautions, such as the use of safety goggles, the right tools and the equipment should be followed at all times to eliminate the possibility of personal injury or improper service which could damage the vehicle or compromise its safety.
These posts are for information sharing purposes only, and should not be used in lieu of an OEM service manual or factory authorized service procedure. We are not in the auto repair business nor do we publish automotive service manuals. Nothing we include on these pages and posts has been reviewed, approved or authorized by any vehicle manufacturer.
Technology is always changing and what is current and accurate today may be literally out-of-date and inaccurate tomorrow. And when it comes to the current state of flux in the auto industry, nothing is more true.
The author has 25 years of automotive experience and has assembled the most extensive collection of symbols and warning lights anywhere (over 1,000!) and can help you open and start any keyless start car with a dead key fob battery. BA, St. Joseph’s College, ME: MS, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, NY