'99 CLK320 EIS Issue
 

Purchased the running CLK320 at auction last week. Went to pick her up the first of this week. Upon trying to start her, the key would not work. The alarm wouldn't set, nor would any function of the remote work. I had the car towed to Fullerton 76 for further evaluation. Ruben indicated that we should start with a new key and go from there.

Ventured to Mercedes-Benz of Anaheim, where I met with Travis Usary. After a one hour discussion, I was permitted to order the key without having to bring the car in. Spoke to Travis today and it seems that this car has already had 9 keys made for her. He indicated that they ordered replacement key number 2 for her. I seem to recall that once you go through the 9 keys, you have to replace the entire EIS and start anew. Am I correct in this assumption?

Any input would be deeply appreciated.

Vague recollection of the same, but I have nothing definitive.

No, there are 24 keys available for 1998 later cars with "smart-key"..

The 1998/99 ML's have only 8 keys available though.

Thanks MBDoc for your answer. When we get the "smartkey", do we have to program it, or is it plug and play? Dealership says we have to bring the car in to program it, but we need the key to start the car and get the trans out of the locked position. Thanks in advance!