Car Will Not Start problems of the 2002 Mercedes Benz ML320

Vehicle's drive authorization system fails to recognize key resulting in a 'start error' displaying on dash and vehicle will not start. This item can only be replaced by the dealer and is a known defect by Mercedes Benz. The dash control unit is part # a163 545 28 32 and is replaced by a modified version a163 545 07 06. Mercedes requires owners to bear full financial responsibility for this repair, even though it is a known defect which can result in stalls and no start situation, potentially putting the driver and passengers in danger. The cost of this repair is approx. $800 to $1000. A technical service bulletin was issued by Mercedes Benz and that bulletin is t-b-80. 57/32 and was issued on February 7, 2005. It covers all m class models from 2000 to 2005 model year.