Table 1 shows two common electrical system related problems of the 1998 Mercedes Benz 320.
| Problem Category | Number of Problems |
|---|---|
| Underhood Wiring problems | |
| Battery problems |
As the vehicle was being parked driver heard a loud noise, power steering was lost and a fire erupted under the hood. The vehicle was totaled. It took 5 fire trucks to put out the fire out.
Battery "exploded" trying to start car. Batttery acid was spreyed all about, and acrid fumes filled our garage. Was compensated $2500 by mercedes and the dealer offfered a new vehical "at cost" which we accepted. Were told this was not the first time a battery had exploded in a ml320. These batteries and/or the ignition system need to be recalled. Fortunately no one was hurt in this incident, but it did occur in a garage in close proximity to gas lines and pilot lights for the water heater and home heating unit, with my wife and children in the car. Thank goodness they didn't all blow up with the battery!.