This is a common problem on 1000's of Crossfire's and Mercedes (all models from 1998 forward). This issue is the bas system and brakes. Intermittingly, and usually during warmer weather when applying the brakes the bas light comes on, as does the light indicator. The issue is that the brake lights do not come on. There is a fault where if the bas is not working, the brake lights do not come on. They are tied together in the electronics. The bas is not required to stop the vehicle, however no brake lights because of the fault is extremely unsafe. The vehicle cannot be driven. Research online has found 1000's of complaints, no resolution and typically hundreds or thousands in repair costs that do not fix the issue. The brake lights should run independently of the bas system. A common fix is connecting an inline fuse from the brake switch to the brake light, if one is mechanically inclined to do so. Contacting mb states they know the issue but cannot determine the cause they also stated too costly to change the system for a % of owners. Other car manufacturers have brake lights wired separately from bas systems.

- Boonton, NJ, USA