I own a 2002 ML320. I have a "start error", the engine will not turn over with the original key in the ignition at position 3 . I also have a spare key that I'm sure was not programmed that I tried to start the car with that probably created the error. I have since tried to start the car with the original key (after the spare) but still get the same error. So, I "shorted" the K8 relay and the starter will turn over the engine (so I have ruled out a bad starter or solenoid). Not sure that there is anything more I can do to diagnose the problem (without spending thousands at the dealer). I'm open to suggestions though.

So I think my only "economic" solution is to go to the junkyard and purchase a new ignition "system", with a key included. Can someone tell me all the components I will need to get from the junkyard car to resolve this start error? I am guessing I at least need the immobilizer, DAS module, ignition switch and key. Anything else?

Otherwise, I am not willing to spend the thousands of dollars that the dealer would want to "repair" and program my current car.

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02 E320 Black (198K)
85 300D Blue (147K)
83 300D Blue (299K)
Plus 2 300D Parts Cars
05 ML350 Silver (165K)
02 ML320 White (207K)

1998 W140 S500 no start, "start error" displayed on odometer

Here's a similar issues on a 98 S=class.

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98 Dodge-Cummins pickup (137K)
13 GLK250 (157k)
06 E320CDI (341K)
16 C300 (89K)
82 300GD Gelaendewagen (54K)

So, after reading that referenced post above, his solution was a "fuse" on the S500. Does my 2002 W163 have a fuse related to the DAS/ignition system? I thought the only "fuse" was the K8 relay. Am I mistaken?

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02 E320 Black (198K)
85 300D Blue (147K)
83 300D Blue (299K)
Plus 2 300D Parts Cars
05 ML350 Silver (165K)
02 ML320 White (207K)

The K8 relay is operated by the engine ECU but its the final step of the start process sequence and there are quite a few things that have to happen before the ECU issues the OK to operate the starter. Being able to activate the starter with a hot-wire of K8 would verify the starter motor is working but nothing else in the start sequence of events.

I'm not very familiar with the W163 particulars but I think the ECU gets instructions to operate the starter from the Drive Authorization system. There are more than a few 'moving parts' to the Mercedes DAS system and they particulars change depending on years and versions of DAS used.

https://www.benzworld.org/threads/everything-you-always-wanted-to-know-about-das.1245088/

My cousins issue with S-class was a fuse that provided power to the DAS module - this interrupted the whole validate/start sequence.

Your ML seems to have something called an 'All activity module' denoted as N/10 in the Star Wiring diagrams that provides this function.

__________________
98 Dodge-Cummins pickup (137K)
13 GLK250 (157k)
06 E320CDI (341K)
16 C300 (89K)
82 300GD Gelaendewagen (54K)