general problems of the 2003 Mercedes Benz ML350

Random loss of power ¿ (the entire panel lights up) as the car suddenly and slowly powers off while taking off from a drop, driving, breaking, and turning, coming to a stop and on the highway. In the past 6 months we have spent more than 3800. 00 for car repair on the ml 350. It shuts off more and more frequently. So much so we do not allow our daughter to drive unless I am there and now not even then until we have had it fixed for the 4th time (we thought) after crank shaft, spark plugs and now electrical work we are at a total loss. This issue is not isolated but Mercedes Benz has had other reports our and others ¿ not repair / or recalled but it seems major to our family ¿ as my only vehicle and other owner that have invested in this make.

Within the past 8 months I have taken my car to the dealership four times with the issue relating engine shut off and check engine light comes on. I was told the crankshaft needed to be replaced two times and as of today the problems remains. Mercedes benz has acknowledged this is problem in this vehicle but has not addressed it. I fear driving this vehicle with my children it shut off in the middle of the highway at one point and they haven't addrssed it. I've spent $4500 to repair and they cannot resolve the problem and I'm not certain they know how.

My family owns a 2003 Mercedes Benz ml 350. A few weeks ago, my mom noticed a burn mark on the driver's seat. We believed one of the mechanics burnt it with a tool during the car's service. So this burn mark was ignored. On Dec. 13, 2008 around 8:20 am, my mom, who was driving the car, smelled smoke and saw smoke and a small fire from the side of her seat. She could not have pulled over quickly because of traffic. She turned off the seat warmer. Then she put it out with a towel she was sitting on, it too was burnt, but prevented my moms leg from getting burned by the fire. The fire has left a burned hole in the driver's seat. I've called customer service, which they have never heard of a case like mine, nor the dealership that I have visited. The customer service agent documented my case and faxed a copy to that dealership. I am going to meet the service manager who is to give me more information on what needs to be replaced, fixed, and how much it is going to cost. The car is no longer under warranty.