TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 MERCEDES-BENZ ML350. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 35 MPH WITH THE DRIVER SIDE HEATED SEAT ACTIVATED, THERE WAS A BURNING ODOR FOLLOWED BY SMOKE. AFTER THE DRIVER PULLED TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD, THE DRIVER-SIDE SEAT IGNITED INTO SMALL FLAMES. THE DRIVER EXTINGUISHED THE SEAT CUSHION. THE VEHICLE WAS ABLE TO RESUME OPERATION WITH CAUTION TO THE RESIDENCE. THERE WERE NO PERSONAL INJURIES. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN IN OPERATION. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 35,000. UPDATED 01/08/10 *BF UPDATED 01/12/10.*JB