[lma1973]

Yep, lost my one and only key to the ML430. Called the dealer and she says i have to have my Merc towed there (how they do that when i cant get it out of Park is beyond me). So, i have to have it towed, bring my Title, registration and ID. She said they can order the key will take less than 24 hours and they program it and im good to go.

Certainly there has to be a cheaper way and a way i dont have to tow my freaking vehicle?? Please.

 

[lma1973]

Im wondering if im the only person this has ever happened to. I dont know why the vehicle needs to be towed to MB. I should be able to program the key myself.

 

[drewbush]

How do you expect the immobilizer to be coded? Its not "Gone in 60 seconds", where you can just order any key for a vehicle and expect it to start. So towing it there is your only solution. Dont want to be a downer, but thats the way the cookie crumbles.

 

[lma1973]

I got ya. I was just hoping there was a way i could program it myself. Programming the key fob is very easy, but if there is something additional the dealer can only do then yes towing is the only option. Thats what im trying to confirm.

 

[DrX]

Deleted - not applicable to MY99

 

[lma1973]

Thanks for the tip!!

Insert a pencil through the small flap adjacent to the "D" on your shifter. When you hit the right spot, you can move the stick out of Park.

Instructions are in your owner's manual.

 

[lma1973]

I was just told no need to tow my vehicle as the key that will be sent to my dealer is for my VIN # and already pre-programmed. Nothing for the dealer to do. Does that sound right?

 

[DrX]

That is correct for vehicle start, but for remote functions you need to have the key programmed to your AAM. You are lucky that they are letting you drive the vehicle in order to get the programming. (Some dealers insist that the vehicle be present before they hand the key over.)

Alternatively, you can put up with having no remote locking until you elect to have the programming done later.

 

[CGL]

Did you lock your ML using the key fob, then key fob went missing? From your description, sounds like you lost your ML key and somehow can get inside...?

 

[43sqd]

Insert a pencil through the small flap adjacent to the "D" on your shifter. When you hit the right spot, you can move the stick out of Park.

Instructions are in your owner's manual.

The OP has a 1999 ML and does not have the emergency selector lever release. That feature came with the advent of the 2000MY

 

[MBML]

Yep, lost my one and only key to the ML430. Called the dealer and she says i have to have my Merc towed there (how they do that when i cant get it out of Park is beyond me). So, i have to have it towed, bring my Title, registration and ID. She said they can order the key will take less than 24 hours and they program it and im good to go.

Certainly there has to be a cheaper way and a way i dont have to tow my freaking vehicle?? Please.

Since you're in Raleigh I would suggest going to CW Performance in Apex , depending on where you are in Raleigh, I got a brand new key for my ML320 from him for I believe around 180 plus 30 to program, but don't quote me on that. I got to him instead of Mercedes since he warranty's his work and does it for a lot cheaper. You should give him call about, it might be worth your while!

 

[saleen351]

Don't waste your money to the dealership. Find a used car dealership (I hope you have a friend who is a dealer) Tell him to take the car to one of the auctions he works or tell him to call a locksmith if he uses any. Before doing this buy a used key fob and a blank key so locksmiths at the auction or at the dealer can cut your blank and reprogram the used key fob which will cost you around $80. That's what used car dealers and auctions do everyday because there is a lost key everyday.