My mercedes c class (1999 MODEL) IS giving me infra red key issues, sometimes the key wont be accepted by the ignition and would need to be reprogrammed, this has happened twice since i bought the car in dec last yr and has costed me 25k each time to re-program,
tho when this happens the key still opens the door, only the ignition that it rejects

Is there a permanent solution to this? and can i get a manual key and how much will this cost me,

Either way it's going to cost you soome. Its possible that the transponder chip in your key is acting up. You could try replacing your current key with a new electronic key. This should cost about 30K and I might solve the problem.

The way it works is that when you put your ket in the ignition to start the car, a signal is sent to your car's ECU by the transponder in your key. This signal is checked, and if found to be the correct one stored in the meemory of the ECU, the engine will be allowed to start. My suggestion is on the premise that your transsponder is the culprit and the ECU is in order. With the electronic key, you will be duplicating the signal sent by your transponder key. So this signal will always be the same and your ECU should see it all the time.

All the best.

Thanks