I have a 2000 C230 and in the last month the BAS/ESP warning light has come on twice (4 weeks from the first and second time). When the light is on I don't notice any change in breaking or performance. I do though recall that the warning light came on during heavy stop and go traffic.
My mechanic suggested I that I turn the car off then restart it to see if the warning light goes out (which it does). Without looking at it (he's trying to save me a little $$ and a 1/2 day without my ride) he says it might be a sensor reading some bad info (or a bad sensor?).
Have any of you experienced this problem?
PS - I have 96k on the odometer and the breaks were changed a while back.

I have a C200K which have had the same problem. Yes out where I am at, there are C200K.

Anyway, I took my car to the dealer for a fix considering it have only 3000km on th clock!

Mine was a lose connection from one of the sensor. The sensor that was lose was the one on the brake padel according to the service manager.

Tha pain is that when the BAS/ESP warning light is not on, i.e. after reset by shutting down, the display will say no malfunction. In this situtation, the dealer cannot (sound like will not) perform any diagnostic. I have to wait until the light come on and drive to the dealer right-a-way!

Speaking on the same note, I also note from the manual that this BAS/ESP warning could also be triggered by a low battery problem. When was your battery last looked at! Is it dirty?? Try those first.

There are at least a dozen items that can cause the BAS/ESP lights to come on. Have the traction system computer scanned to find out why!

WHEN the lights are on the SYSTEM is off!

__________________
MERCEDES Benz Master Guild Technician (6 TIMES)
ASE Master Technician
Mercedes Benz Star Technician (2 times)
44 years foreign automotive repair
27 Years M.B. Shop foreman (dealer)
MB technical information Specialist (15 years)
190E 2.3 16V ITS SCCA race car (sold)
1986 190E 2.3 16V 2.5 (sold)
Retired Moderator

Most likely it's caused by bad Brake Light Switch (Stop Lamp Switch).
That's what happened to my 99 c280 at 77K miles.
The part is about $25. Labor about a half to 1 hr.
I did a lot of research when this happened to mine. After replacing it, No More BAS ESP Light.

We had the brake light switch cause the light on a 2000 ML.

Mine had the switch for the Bas and the steering angel sensor in the steering wheel for the ESP.

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98 E430(sport), 99 ML 320 (sold) , 05 C 230(sport) Mark

Thanks guys! Brake light switch is a cheap and easy replacement (I like that). I'll inspect the lines and electrical connections before I replace (just to be sure something didn't get knocked loose).

Now my CE light came on yesterday! It starts rough when cold, but runs fine soon thereafter. My mechanic will see it on Tuesday to pull the codes and tell me what is is (and i'm sure how much it will cost). Pray for a fouled plug:p.
Shawn

If you have autozone in your area, you can have them pull the code for free. The OBD II plug is under your steering wheel. There is a plastic snap that you have to open.

Low battery voltage can also cause the BAS / ESP lights to illuminate.

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Paul S.

2001 E430, Bourdeaux Red, Oyster interior.
79,200 miles.

1973 280SE 4.5, 170,000 miles. 568 Signal Red, Black MB Tex. "The Red Baron".

Just to give everyone an update, this is what has transpired up to my resolution.

I had a faulty brake lamp switch a while back. Replaced it myslef . And had no problems until about 6 weeks go, the BAS/ESP light came back on. I ordered another switch (installed it). Still the warning light came on. I did though during this time, replace the shocks. Thinking that that one of the wheel sensors were damaged (during install), I replaced them both (those were easy and cost $100 for both out the door from FastLane). No luck, the warning light came on.

So I ran it up to my mechanic(s) and they pulled the body codes. It turns out that the "Lateral Acceleration Sensor" was bad. I had that replaced and no more problems.