scyukon

The dealer has alerted me that due to the complex wiring in the ML, that the cost of a car starter installed is around $2000. Have others paid around this amount. I live in a cold climate so a car starter is a good thing.

Additionally, curious if owners receive 1 or 2 car keys when purchased new. I only recieved 1, but I am the 2nd owner, and was told the cost of a 2nd key is $1200. Again, looking for the experiences of others.

Thanks in advance.

Jo

have you seen this? http://smartkeystarter.com/

scyukon

No I have not - thank you very much! I see my local audio/car starter installer FX Audio is an authorized dealer, so will have a chat with them about this.

I was a bit depressed about the whole starter thing as a dealer I had talked to told me that the factory warranty was automatically voided if a car starter was installed. Good thing I have an aftermarket warranty due to the car`s age!

Just curious, do you have one installed, and if so, are you happy with how it is working? I worry about messing up this great machine.

B-tsai

I bought a 2nd key for my 08 ml550 for about $225 USD from the Bellingham MB dealer.

Jo

I dont personally have it. I do have the drone on my other SUV that I use in the winter.

scyukon

I did some checking with local dealers and managed to get a price of 298 Cdn, so much happier with that amount. Hopefully there is no charge for programming or anything else required on top of it (other that good old 5% GST of course - that never goes away).

KINGB

I believe they charge labour for programming, unless your dealer is nice and does it for free

scyukon

Indeed, I did get lucky. The gent at the parts counter told me it may or may not be programmed. I went out and tried out the lock and unlock feature, it worked, and the vehicle started up with the new key.

So I was very happy about that as I did not want to have to book an appointment and come back and pay for an hours labor to punch in some codes or whatever happens....

The money I save there will have to be put to a car starter at some point in time. Everywhere I turn, the price is $2000 minimum. I am wondering if this is a local thing, or just a Mercedes thing.

And one other item I had not thought about, but I really should have to begin with is that I went out and bought a Bel GX65 radar detector, before I get thrown in jail. I have never had a vehicle hit a very high speed so effortlessly. So I thought before I paid for the price of a radar in tickets and demerits, I may as well be proactive and purchase one, so I did. I am sure that will be $700 well spent!

KINGB

Good to hear that your key came already programmed. Otherwise it would have most likely taken a max of 10mins to program but the Stealer would charge a min of 1 hour labour

Indeed it will, radar is a must!!

big dogger

Ive heard of problems doing remote starters on a benz. Can I just install an aftermarket remote starter on my 01 ML55 AMG?

scyukon

One dealer I talked to told me because of how complicated it was that it was to do that it would void their honoring the factory warranty if someone put one on.

I check with my stereo/audio shop though, and he has done quite a few ML63s with no problem. His price was $2000 as well though, so that is consistent amongst shops in town who do the install.

Still have not pulled the trigger, not sure I will. Vehicle won't see outside for very long ever, so questioning the need.