Can anyone help? When driving normally and with no other indications of a pending problem a warning "PRE-SAFE inoperative - See owners manual" came up. I stopped the car and checked around. Nothing obvious so, went to start the car again. Nothing! The dashboard lights up with that same message but I cannot start the car.
The car has now been checked with a diagnostic software and has been to a Mercedes dealership and a Mercedes authorised garage. No one can find the problem. But, it must be solvable - yes?
I have replaced the batteries (just in case).
See photo attached
Car is an S320 W221 year 2008 102,000 miles

Much thanks, in advance

 

I have same issue with my car currently. With no warning the car flashes SAFE Mod, dash lights up like a Christmas tree with warnings. Once you turn it off it will not start again and it locks down and will not even roll to be flat bedded. Took to dealer total waste of a month they were useless in addressing the problem. did you find a fix yet?
r

 

Hi Brad. Thanks for your response and my sympathies with your similar situation. In short, no, I have not found a fix for this and the car remains 'locked down'. I have had the car transported to two Mercedes workshops and neither have been able to identify and resolve the problem. Following some internet links for PRE-SAFE mode I tried disconnecting the electrics for the seats, seat belts, air-bags, etc. Nothing! The car still cannot be started. I have a Softcar diagnostic tool which I have used to reset all the faults that show up but none are for Pre-Safe. Still the car is locked down.
Unfortunately you are the only person to respond to this thread so, it seems, we are both left in the dark!! It just seems incredible to me that a car can be so disabled without a way to resolve the matter. Someone must know!!
Good luck with your frustrating quest.