Question about changing locks on 2001 ML 320

[marlboro]

My car was stolen from my house with a stolen key. The police recovered it, seemingly none the worse for wear, but I have to change the locks, as the thieves still have the key. I don't have any more of the remote keys, just the rabbit eared valet? key.

I understand that this is going to be an expensive proposition, but my local dealer is not very helpful with some of the issues.

I was told that I would have to buy the locksets which come with two keys (just the steel part), then I would have to buy the remotes. Now comes the problem, they say that they can't guarantee that after changing the locks, that the new keys will start the car. They don't know if they have to change a couple of computer modules. One is almost reasonable . . . a few hundred. The other is outrageous . . . a few thousand!! Something about a change in production between 2000 and 2002, and they dont' know when it occured, and can't really say why it won't work, but just that it might not work, and if it doesn't, have to change the computer modules. But of course, they can't tell me ahead of time whether or not it will work. If I need to spend over $4000, I'm going to buy a new truck, not rekey this one. They say that they have to change the locks first, then tell me if it's going to work or not.

Can anyone shed any light on this? Is there an easier way?

Thanks.