Episode on right now features an SL55 that suffered what looks like a serious trunk fire. It looks like an R230. They are saying it is the wiring harness. It's Episode 1 of Season 2 in case you try to find it online or streaming. It is broadcast on Motor Trend TV on my cable. I haven't found any evidience of this issue with the R231 models. Is this true?

The site of this show is not too far from where I live in western MD. It is further east toward Baltimore

Trunk fires were definitely an issue on R230s, rare, but it happens. I have never seen an R231 trunk fire before.

Interesting. Was a reason given for the trunk fire? I know the R230 I had had the problem with the gas tank baffle coming lose and knocking around inside the tank when coming to stop, etc. The baffle is intended to stop the sloshing around of fuel in the tank, but after several years, the welds break and you have this thing banging the inside of the tank. When asking the dealer about it, I was assured that it was safe.

Very rare, but r230’s had issues with the Battery control module (BCM) catching fire, I believe it’s in the passenger side in the trunk.

They said it was an electrical issue so probably was the BCM. They ended up installing a replacement wiring harness. Said it involved over 400 wires. WOW!

I recently had a 2007 SL559 (R230) that experienced a trunk fire due to the BCM (Battery Contol Module). Insurance company sent it to MB dealer for quote. Dealer said the cost of replacing the single wiring harness that supports all electronics in the car would be $20k - if it could be repaired. The wiring harness is no longer made and there is no source to buy one. The insurance company totaled the car resulting in me ending up buying a 2014 R231.

Well, congratulations and welcome.
No more BCM fires 🔥 for you 😀

Not a good car to have a trunk monkey installed.