TannTheMan

The 02 ML320 that I just bought came with the remote pretty beaten up. Although it still works perfectly but it kind of sore to the eye carrying it around. Its tear just doesn't match up the age of the car! So instead of getting a brand new key from the dealer for $200, I am thinking just swapping out the body cover by buying a better looking remote on ebay and change it out.

searching this forum and none has tried opening the remote up...maybe you guys not recommending it for some reason? Should I throw in a $20 to give it a try? or it is a stupid idea not worthing a try?

If you have any better idea to do this 'make over' cheaply, please advice! Thanks.

pleubner

Removing & Installing Folding Key in Remote

pleubner

Removing & Installing Batteries in Remote

pleubner

Re-Synchronizing Remote with the Vehicle

pleubner

Lost Key , or replacement of Remote

pleubner

Service Information

pleubner

General Information (Purpose , Design, Function)

sdanville

It helped me determine my key did not in fact survive the wash and rinse cycle in the GE washing machine. I dried it out...checked the batteries, they were poor, bought new batteries then followed the directions. The key is fine but the remote wont lock the doors.

I read many conflicting statements on reprogramming used ones.
I would be happy to pay $50 for an EBay Fob and $50 for the dealer to program it but am gun shy as the failures seem to be 2-1 on success stories after 3 hours of reading the forums.

Crazy MB Rob

I have never heard of an eBay key working. But ... then again no one has told me they had one work. Where are all these "new" keys on eBay coming from anyway???

sdanville

I spoke to service and parts at the Grand Rapids Dealership.

The programmer never had an aftermarket one work.

I ordered a new one. Too bad i am a hetero.

I wont enjoy taking this up....

AsianML

LMAO!! Betten Imports isn't too bad. Do they usually give you loaners there? Service is okay, not too bad, but not too friendly either. Kind of a get you in and out as quick as possible thing from what I've seen. I don't blame them though as they cater to VW and Volvo folks as well.

sdanville

I cant answer about the loaner. I have been there 3 times for recalls.
they have free coffee and fresh cookies, a chauffer that will drive you to the mall or whatever, and a large screen TV in the waiting room. Last time I was there they replaced the cats under warrenty. The service guy asked me if all else was ok. I said I had a small mis in the idle but wanted to fix that myself and see if the new cats made a differance. They connected a vacuum line and charged me $75.
I didnt argue and just paid them.
Maybe I shouldnt own a Mercedes ML as they are rated worst reliable in the midsize SUV and money does matter to me.

nothing out there really excites me and the ML does drive nice and has long been paid for. I buy my cars 3 years old. Honda Pilots dont depreciate enough...maybe a Chevy Trail Blazer next.

sdanville

Next week I will report
If the $120+ key form the dealer works better then the
$30 Key off Ebay. With all my research on the Used Keys being reprogrammed and no answers... I soon should have a personal testimony.

DO NOT OPRN THE NEXT REPLY IT IS FULL OF VIRUS;s

sdanville

to stop the confusion...there was a post after my last one that someone posted full of virus's perhaps to stop my results. It appears the Webmaster removed it.

Recap - lost my 1st remote key. 2nd went through the wash and failed to work.
Ordered a $120. ley from Betton Motors in Grand Rapids Michigan and bought a used one on Ebay for $30ish.

I called Jim in serivce at Betton Imports and he said he would give the used one a shot. He was the key programmer.
Over the phone it was $40 per key to program. I was charged $55.
Jim said he could not program my used key.
He said 1) it would defeat the purpose of the system 2) he said the key must be in the ignition to program so the wrong key obvioulsy will not fit.

I said no problem, 1) only Mercedes computers can reprogram them so that part shouldnt defeat the purpose,,I am here with I.D. and proof of ownership..AND i have a spare key and through think link know the pin can be popped out and replaced.

Then the language went from "Cant" to " We dont do that".



If anyone has had success with a Mercedes Dealer cooperating here would be a great place to post.

Anyone want to buy a good used ML320 key ? I even put new batteries in it.


Updates Update. I thought tonight I would put my origional Blade in the remote bought on ebay and try and program it using the button pushing technique information here. Anyone know if I will melt down my security system ? ?

janoe55

Thanks for the info