diff --git a/bson/son.py b/bson/son.py
index e2b1c984f..3c0794069 100644
--- a/bson/son.py
+++ b/bson/son.py
@@ -104,7 +104,7 @@ class SON(dict):
         return "SON([%s])" % ", ".join(result)
 
     def __setitem__(self, key, value):
-        if key not in self:
+        if key not in self.__keys:
             self.__keys.append(key)
         dict.__setitem__(self, key, value)
 
@@ -130,9 +130,6 @@ class SON(dict):
     def has_key(self, key):
         return key in self.__keys
 
-    def __contains__(self, key):
-        return key in self.__keys
-
     # third level takes advantage of second level definitions
     def iteritems(self):
         for k in self: