Mercedes: Electrical., seat belt alarm, type fuses

Question
After returning from 2 weeks holidays my E320 electrics are not functioning properly : no computer readout,no indicator clicks even though they are working,no control over exterior lights which come on when engine started,exterior mirrors dont retract on locking,no radio control on steering wheel,no seat belt alarm,no fuel level indication,no temp gauge and a few more oddities that I just cannot recall.The car started on first turnover which possibly rules out battery...there seems to be too many malfunctions to be a single fuse...but clock has also stopped so maybe there is a second battery which has failed. Help please!

Regards

Pat.

Answer
Pat,
Corrosion can become a major issue on Mercedes electrical systems. Especially if they are operated in an humid environment. Research shows the this model is particularly susceptible to electrical failures.
I would begin by removing the Battery terminals (-) then (+). Clean post and terminals with a wire brush and leave disconnected. Leave the hood up or unlatched.

Remove the fuse cover lid. If this vehicle uses ceramic bullet type fuses and replace all the fuses with copper type fuses making sure to install the correct color fuse as shown on the schematic. Clean the fuse clips and the fuse tips with scotch bright pad before reinstalling. Locate ground bonding straps and remove the bolts clean the chassis and frame or motor contact points grease with petroleum jelly and reinstall tightly.

Once you have completed this process, turn off all accessories and the radio. Close and lock the doors on the vehicle.
Grease the post on the battery with petroleum jelly or other suitable battery terminal lubricant. Reattach the cables (+) and the (-).

Mechanically unlock the vehicle and start the car.
If this has not corrected the problem, it is beyond my expertise. I would suggest that you locate an independent Mercedes mechanic who has a diagnostic computer.
You may want to also check out this URL. www.benzworld.org and post your problem there in the forums.
Good Luck and let me know what you find.
Rob