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.*AK