hello out there and thanks in advance.

i have a 2000 ml320, around 84k miles and a strange problem occurred recently.

i was on the highway, pulled into a rest stop and put the car into park. when i opened my door, the gas warning light started blinking. it continued blinking until i turned off the car, miles later.

now, the check engine light is on for the past 4 or 5 days. Checked the gas cap, seems fine, and stopped and started the car a dozen times to try to clear the light....
still on!

last time i idled, the blinking gas light happened again.

any ideas?? this car has cost me soooo much money in repairs - i'd love to have a clue so i dont get ripped off at the dealership again!!!

thanks
/christina