1998 Mercedes-Benz ML320 Electrical system Problems

“My battery was low and unknown to me the ML320 for this year loses its transponder codes in the das security module when you try to start the vehicle with a low battery. This is evidentally the third key that has lost its programming on my vehicle due to low battery voltage. Cost so far is 499 for a key, weeks waiting for the key from germany, and 300 to program it once they recieve the key. Its a dealership only item so its very very costly. …”

“Car fails to start. We had this car towed to a dealer 40 miles away from our daughter's school in mi. Needs new key system as chip not recognized and ignition system needs to be re-keyed. 8 keys have been issued to this car,(we bought it used). We only received 1 with our purchase! Everything that needs a key has to be changed. Cost estimated at $4000. We see this as a major design flaw, not a security benefit. Especiallly since their keys just quit working.”

“On my mercedes ML320, 1998 the key refuse to start the engine. I was told at plaza motors in st,. Louis mo. That the car did not recognize the key any more. Upon my research I found that it is common problem with the ML320 series which is an engineering problem on the part of the manufacturer especially the earlier once 1998-2000 and it will cause $6700.00 to fix. I will appreciate an investigation, it's so common that a lot of people are selling their cars because of this.”

“Laundry list of failures. Jack has almost killed me while changing tire. Vehicle fell, almost hitting me but catching side of vehicle before landing on me! Hood latch has failed on a few occasions, causing hood to open while vehicle was in motion. Air mass meter failed. Has required 5 (five!) alignments in two years. When brought to dealer's attention, was told nothing was wrong. A month later requires another alignment. Alignment problems causes wear on tires, which has caused hydroplaning and loss of control of vehicle. Vehicle swerves uncontrollably when hits anything other than flat road. …”

“Car failed to start as key security chip not reconized. Needs new key. Towed to dealer who said 8 keys have already been issued to this car, must replace all locks, engine modules, etc cost $3600.00. Consider this major design flaw.”