Mercedes Benz Of North America Key Ripoff Internet

Mercedes Benz has a policy of only making 8 keys for each individual car for the ML320.

Their rational is that it makes the car safe from theft.

These are electronic keys.  The ignition recognizes the electronic signature of the key in order for the car to start.  Once all 8 keys are lost or go bad (the keys typically have a "dos recognition" problem--the key is in tact, but the electronic signiture is lost--no fault of the user), Mercedes Benz requires that all the electronic ignition modules be replaced before 8 more keys are made.

* Mercedes Benz does not publicize this policy anywhere to the public

* There is no place else to go for parts except the dealer

* The dealer says its hands are tied by Mercedes Benz of North America

* The parts they are requiring me to replace are, in fact, working

* The total charge for replacing the ignition modules is $4,500--this is before any charge for new keys, which are about 260$ a piece

The Kelly Blue Book value of the car is somewhere about $5,000.

Please advise... thanks.