Life span of 2001 ML320?
 

Hi, all.
Just last week my second replacement key of my ML320 went out and my dealer told me new key replacement is $375. My 10 year old car key should be lower but it seems going higher....

Anyway...when I took it to dealer for service last time (yes I still take my car to the dealer for service), service manager told me everything was fine and they worked on Power Steering recall problem and all good. However, about two weeks ago, automatic lock when driven above 15mph don't work and the key stopped working (again). I did some research and it seems like it has to do with AAM for automatic lock and key needs an replacement. (am I right?)

My question is: Should I put out some $$ to fix and get a new replacement or should I seek for a new car. My car has 125,000miles on it and it seems to run fine but I don't know if I will face more problems as it is getting mileage on it.
Also can local mechanics specialized in MB reset service meter? I know taking to the dealer for oil change is crazy but I don't want to see nagging service reminder.

Any advice is appreciated. Thank you in advance.

Many people do their own oil changes and the service reset procedure is very easy but I don't have it on me right now, it's in my glove compartment.
Oil change will cost you about $75, if you DIY.
Please search the forum for service wrench mileage or oil change display reset, I know I have post it here little while ago.
About the key, some AAM unit were bad needing software upgrade because of loosing synchronization but I believe it was on older models then yours, Star manual have a buletin for it with list of effected VIN numbers.
Bernard

todesto,

first ask dealer or local independent MB service center to replace key battery's and to reprogram key for door locks & see if it will program. if not net key will be needed.

second any MB service center / mechanic should know how to reset service reminder. here goes sit in car with key on but engine not running, make sure on display you have odometer reading then , this has to be done with in 4 seconds, push button on left side of instrument cluster 2 times should be on miles left on service let go & turn key off then hold button down & turn key on still holding button and with in 10 seconds should reset to 10,000 or 13,000 mile service

third life of ML , i have 254,000 miles on my 1999 so enough said