I had to leave my ML320 behind in Baja California Sur yesterday, about 600 miles south of the US border. I am asking the forum members for your advice on what I can do to get it up and running and/or back to the U.S. again.

Here is the story:
After a regular stop, the car won't get started again. When one turns the key, the car will either react with a "click-click-click" and the engine would not start at all or it will start up for a moment and immediately switch off.

With the help of local Mexicans, I got is somehow to run again - however, it was running only at "stand-by" speed (limp mode ?); i.e. 5-10 mph. I would not accelerate at all, when I pressed the gas pedal and/or switched gears. At least, I made it back to a main road, from where I could organize that the car was towed to the next mechanic. At the mechanic, we checked on all mechanical parts and all fuses/relais in regards to the fuel pump and fuel filter. Everything seems to be o.k. and the fuel pump actually works.

I checked on the Internet and could not find a Mercedes Dealer in Baja California. Thus, I called Mercedes US roadside assistance and some dealers in California. Most of the time I was told to bring the car back into the US. However, this is difficiult to organize and quite costly. One Mercedes engineer told me that it might be as simple as the key was going bad and therefore, the car will not allow to start and/or run only in "limp mode". My spare key is unfortunately home in California. I will try to have it send with a friend to Baja beginning of next week to try it out. I also took the complete controller with me back up north. I was hoping, that a Mercedes shop in California (US) can read out the controller and detect the defect part - however, so far, I was told that this is impossible.

My questions:
- any similar experience with a broken key on an ML320 ?
- any other idea what might be broken and I shall organize to send to the mechanic in Mexico ?
- any idea whether the controller might be of any use to identify the problem ?
- (if not repairable in Mexico) any advice on towing the car up and over the border ? I could not yet find a company which will do this. I am even insured for tow service, but only up to 300 Dollar and they would also not bring my car across the border....

Partial answers/suggestions are very appreciated.

Thank you.

Helfried