1999 ML320 85,000 Miles no longer will turn over used all 8 keys

[gardenguy]

I have a ML320 Mercedes that we bought July 2012 for $7,800 with 74,000 miles. Since then we have only put 11,000 miles on it. Today the car just would not start everything was flashing. Put a new battery car turns over but shuts off right away. The key would unlock and lock the doors so then we put the mercedes code in that is listed in the manual. After we enter the code the FOB now is totally dead no unlock or anything. I just paid off the car 1 month ago. They are saying it will be almost $3,000 to fix because we are out of the keys. I am a mechanic can I buy the parts and install myself or do I have to have MB dealer do it because of the complicated system?

I am wondering is this worth it to fix?

How many miles have people gotten out of their 1999 ML320's?

The Kelly Blue book value is only $4500 now so should I fix it or should I list it on craigslist and hope that someone will buy it for $1500 and they can get it fixed? Or is that crazy? I would hate to spend more money on the car then it doesn't last.

[oldsinner111]

I've heard that the engine is good,and trans will last if you maintain service.But electrical systems can be
a pain.I would buy one.

[hihosilver]

I have 150000 on my 01 only maint. type repairs, a/c, door lock, crank sensor, brakes etc.

[satyr]

I'm not sure I unerstand the post. Did you put a new battery in the key or did you put a new battery in the car? Are you saying the dealer would charge you $3000 to get the car to start using the key you have? Have you tried the other keys? Which code did you enter- for the radio? Are you getting any other power?