Warning Light On problems of the 2000 Mercedes Benz ML320

This is a complaint concerning a 2000 Mercedes Benz ml 320. The srs warning light comes indicating that the air bag system is not functioning. First time was April 2006, vehicle was taken to napervill Mercedes Benz. Advised that there would be a $300 diagnostic charge. Problem was "baby Smart" sensor in right front seat. I was told that I could either eat the $300 charge or have it fixed. Final bill was $1,063. 86 problem re-appeared February 2008. Called same dealer and was advised that same procedure would be required to fix. I have declined to go through this again. Checked on internet by googling "ml 320 srs failure" and found numerous cases of same problem. Checked for recalls and did not find anything.

If the vehicle was driven for 25/30 minutes and turned off and then restarted, the air bag off warning lights came on. The dealership was unable to duplicate the problem.

After driving the car for 30 or so minutes, stopping and restarting the car, the "air bag off" and "srs" warning lights come on and stay on. Per vehicle manual, when these two lights are on it means that the air bag system may not be functioning properly. The air bags may go off when they are not supposed to or they may not trigger when they are supposed to. The manual says the car should not be driven and should be taken to the dealer for repair immediately. I have taken the car to the dealer several times, they told me they could not find anything wrong, but when I asked them if they could assure me the air bags would work properly or not, they said they could not say that either. This has been an ongoing problem for at least the last 10 to 12 months.