TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 MERCEDES BENZ ML320. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING, THE BATTERY LIGHT ILLUMINATED AND THE STEERING WHEEL BECAME HARD TO TURN. THE ENGINE TEMPERATURE INCREASED AND SMOKE RELEASED FROM UNDER THE HOOD. THE VEHICLE WAS DRIVEN TO THE CONTACTS HOME. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 121,700.