Warning: Fire From Rear Seat Battery

The following was posted on the bulletin board from www.bekkers.com:

Hello,
I am posting this as a warning to everyone who has bought the 99 E430 sport. Two days ago while I was at my office a nurse from the office next to mine came to my office frantic, and told my office manager that my car was burning. I walked outside to see that my 4 month old car was completely ingulfed in flames. The car was a complete loss.

I just learned today from my insurance carrier that after their investigation they found that the battery somehow was touching the metal of the seat springs. This is what caused the fire.

I have talked to my local service adviser and she has assured me this has not been observed before, and this is an isolated event.

I would suggest everyone with the rear battery should check to see that the terminals are covered.

IF ANYONE HAS HAD ANY PROBLEMS WITH THIS, PLEASE POST A RESPONSE HERE. IF THIS IS HAPPENING SOMEONE NEEDS TO KNOW ABOUT IT.

Dr. Steven Schaub