2002 Mercedes Benz ML320: fire, smoke or burning smell

Filed Jun 3, 2011 · 104,000 miles · AZ · fire

After parking the car a smell of smoke was noted. The car had been driving very well and was recently serviced by a mercedes dealership which included a new battery among other things. Black smoke was noted coming out of the hood. As it was attempted to pop open the hood, flames darted into the compartment through a created hole just under the glove compartment. Flames were noted coming out of the hood, around the tires and soon engulfing the entire front of the car. The flames were put out by the fire dept. The car is a total loss. The entire engine and it's components completely disintegrated, the interior filled with black soot and odor. This was a huge shock and surprise to the owner since the vehicle was driving so well and never had a serious problem before.

Filed Dec 30, 2010 · Seats · 166,027 miles · GA · fire

After being on for about five minutes the driver's seat heater overheated resulting in a strong burning smell, burn mark on the car seat and a red burn mark on my bottom. The seat continued to be very hot even when turned off.

Filed Jun 17, 2010 · Brakes · 22,000 miles · TX

2002 ml 320 front brakes locked up by themselves nearly causing an accident. Burning smell detected from front wheels. Vehicle taken to dealer who claimed sensors had failed and that this was a rare problem; consumer charged to replace sensors. Less than one month later the same thing occurred, dealer now states it is a pressure issue but wants to keep vehicle overnight to duplicate stated problem. Owner initially noticed this problem over 1 year ago, taking it to the dealer thinking the emergency brake was sticking, causing the burning smell and sluggishness. During that visit the dealer stated it found no problem with the emergency brake. Owner paid to have rotors and brake pads replaced due to pitting and groving caused by the front brakes self-engaging; this did not fix the problem and the dealer is currently investigating a pressure issue. Vehicle has less than 24k miles on it and was purchased from the dealer brand new.

Filed Dec 29, 2009 · Engine · 76,000 miles · CA · fire

Tl* the contact owns a 2002 mercedes benz ml320. While driving up a hill the vehicle began to accelerate very slowly. He pulled over to the side of the road, opened the hood, and noticed smoke. Within a few seconds, the vehicle caught on fire. He will contact the manufacturer. The insurance company was notified. The current and failure mileages were 76,000. The VIN was not available.

Filed Nov 23, 2009 · Seats · 101,000 miles · WA · fire

Driving 2002 mercedes ml320. Smelled burning. Pulled over and checked under hood and found no smell. When I got back into the car, I noticed a burned spot on the drivers seat. Corresponding burn mark was on my back left pant pocket. I turned of the seat warmer and the problem has stopped.

Filed Apr 27, 2009 · Electrical · 74,500 miles · CA · fire

I was driving at 40-45 MPH when I noticed an orange glow under the passenger side mirror. Within a few seconds the light turned yellow, and suddenly I noticed flames are shooting out of the side mirror along with thick black smoke. I immediately turned into a gas station and put off the fire with water hose. I was afraid of the fire to get inside the car.

Filed Feb 8, 2005 · Seats · 65,000 miles · MI · fire

I have a 2002 mercedes ml320. The driver's side seat heater was on, it started to smoke, was very hot in one spot, almost to the point of melting the leather. The heater had only been on for less than 10 minutes. Could also feel an electrical pulsing, like a current at the sight.we parked the car outside overnight, for fear of it starting on fire. Contacted black forest motors the next day, they said it was out of warranty and that we could order a new seat at our cost. This took place on 1-27-05. On 2-8-5, in the detroit free press, there is an article of this happening in 2003 models.