[QUOTE=timz]I recently realized I lost the panic button to my remote for my 98 ML320. Not to mention the remote's in pretty bad shape. I'm thinking about just buying a remote from ebay and swapping out the guts.

Is this do-able? Has someone done it before? Is there a trick to taking apart the case?

Thanks for any information.

Tim

I just got mine out of the shop Tuesday. When I bought my ML it came with only one key assy, which only worked mechanically in the locks and would start the car, no remote functions worked.

To save money, I ordered a key, cut to my vin number, from the dealer at a cost of $10.90. I had bid on a remote fob with the correct frequency range and buttons and got it on EBay for $25. I put the new key on the EBay fob and it would turn the locks and the ignition switch, but a crank lock out was in effect. So I paid for shop labor to try and program it to work. It would not program, indicating the transponder in the fob was not correct.

The dealer ordered me a new key, cut to my VIN, and a new remote Fob with the correct transponder. About $94. When they came in, I had them programmed and they worked. I also asked them to check the programming on the AAM (all activity module) and somehow the remote control feature had been turned off since before I bought the car.

The good news is I now have two key assemblies that work perfectly and my remote controls, and along with it, the security system is working.

My cost was just over $200, with two 1/2 hour labor charges for my two visits.
While I could not have done this by myself, it was very traumatic to pay, and is the first time I have paid for shop time on ANY of the 6 Mercedes I have owned since 1970.

Tim, I will sell you my spare remote with nice buttons for $20, postage paid anywhere in the USA. Let lme know. Jfreezn@aol.com

Jim in Phoenix