I deleted my original post for this revision.....

My 1999 ML 430 ignition key blade broke off last night and blade managed to drop down between seat and tunnel ...

After removing the drivers seat and retrieving the blade....

Anyways, starting it with a pair of 'Vise Grips' and holding fob to key hole is getting tedious.

Mercedes of OKC Parts Dept told me....
Bring car and title.
New flip key and fob, two days to order.
Price :$214.00 plus tax and 1 hour programme .( $129 per hour.)

This sounds about right to you all ?

Here's an inquiry: The AAM and DAS ultimately turn on the engine ECU when correct code given by key fob transponder.

So, why can I not go down line and find where the power to the ECU is sent from and duplicate that with a simple on/off relay? After all, the ECU needs power to operate but not code to operate once running.....as I found out last night.

I started the ML with fob next to key hole, but once running put fob in ash tray.

So, my thinking is there must be a 'go around' by rewiring like the VATS anti theft on the GM vehicles.....for which you can buy a by-pass module.

I'm cheap . My ML cost me $386.00 plus $200.00 to get it running, so, $350.00 on a key is last thing I wanna do.



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