Mercedes-Benz owners in Russia now face a tightening situation when it comes to duplicate car keys, and the supply of genuine spare parts is delayed by long waiting periods. Reports circulating through the Shot Telegram channel indicate that key duplication is effectively blocked, and that spare parts for German-made vehicles must be ordered through specialized channels with an estimated lead time of two to six months. These insights are linked to connections with Panavto and Mercedes-Benz dealerships operating within Russia. (Citation: Shot Telegram channel reporting alongside links to Panavto and local Mercedes-Benz dealerships.)
Industry representatives from local car dealerships described the underlying bottleneck as a breakdown in the communication lines between Russian outlets and the automaker country itself. Without direct coordination from the manufacturer, authorized service centers are unable to issue or authorize key copies, complicating routine maintenance for owners who rely on legitimate factory-backed support. In addition, Shot claims that the sale of service certificates for service cars has been halted, and that parts availability for Mercedes vehicles must be sourced from the United Arab Emirates, bypassing traditional regional channels. (Citation: Dealer statements and Shot Telegram claims about disrupted communications and service certificate suspension.)
The impact of these obstacles has been felt beyond key access and parts supply. Industry observers note a noticeable rise in maintenance and repair costs for Mercedes-Benz models in Russia, driven by longer sourcing times, increased logistics expenses, and potential premium pricing from import channels that still fulfill limited orders. Owners may encounter higher labor costs as service centers extend waiting periods, and some owners might consider alternative certification routes or non-original parts while awaiting official stock replenishment. (Citation: Market observations and industry analysis on price shifts and procurement delays.)
These developments arrive in a broader context where multinational automakers have faced regional disruptions and changing diplomatic and trade dynamics. For Mercedes-Benz customers, the practical takeaway is to plan well in advance for routine services, to verify the status of key replacement options with authorized centers, and to confirm whether UAE-sourced parts meet local compliance standards and warranty terms. In parallel, vehicle owners should maintain documentation of service history and seek official guidance on any constraints that affect key programming, immobilizer compatibility, or remote services that rely on manufacturer servers. (Citation: Manufacturer guidance and regional policy considerations.)
On a related note, industry news earlier highlighted that Chinese automaker Chery filed a patent related to a car seat featuring a catapult mechanism. While this relates to automotive innovation more broadly, it underscores how the sector continually evolves with new design concepts and safety arrangements, sometimes prompting regulatory reviews and potential shifts in safety standards and manufacturing approaches. (Citation: Patent filing by Chery for a seat concept with a catapult.)