One problem related to air bag light on has been reported for the 2003 Mercedes Benz E320. The most recently reported issues are listed below.
This vehicle is equipped with sensotronic brake control that has a service threshold. When this threshold is reached the brake system defaults to non power assisted hydraulic mode to the front wheels only. This occurs without any prior warning and results in increased stopping distance. I do believe that this issue is relayed in the mercedes service bulletin s142. 46-p-0012a which addresses this issue. Mercedes stopped installing this system in 2006. I purchased the vehicle in December of 2007 as a used vehicle with aprox. 40,000 miles. I have not been sent anything from mbenz notifying of this issue. Vehicle put in shop 4-16-20015 at mercedes. Diagnois was faulty sbc pump system at a cost for repair $2400. 00. At the very least, mercedes should issue a mandatory recall to interrogate these vehicles with star das to determine how close to the service threshold the sbc unit is and replace them at the dealer's expense. This is a major safety issue that needs to be addressed. Lastly, passenger air bag light has been on since shortly after purchasing the vehicle. Known as the srs system. This issue is spelled out as a major safety concern in mercedes e class operator's manual, told by mercedes service dept,this is a $800. 00 bill to have repaired. Question,, does something tragic have to happen before, Mercedes Benz live up to their obligation of keeping those who purchase their vehicle,,,,,safe.