ML 164 Battery light

[Rabt]

Hi.
I've had a look on the forum but cant find any answers, so apologies if this has already been asked.
The last time the car was driven the Red battery light came on, the car was driven for a few miles back to the house. The following day when the car was started again to see if the light came on, the car ran for about 2-3 mins before the light reappeared. I checked the battery and alternator through the dash which said the battery had 11,5 volts with the engine off and the alternator was reading 10.3 volts on the dash display. The car is going into the garage to get the alternator fitted next week. Today I when I moved the car the power steering failed, all ABS and stability warning lights came on. It was then difficult to select any gear, although it did go into gear after a few attempts but kept on jumping back out.
The car had been running fine before the battery light came on, its a bit long winded but the question I have, is all this related to a faulty alternator not charging the battery?
If anyone can shed any light on this it would be appreciated.
Rab

 

[Uncle Benz]

You have electric steering. Your battery is getting to the point of being too low to run the car. This will happen pretty quickly with no alternator output.

 

[CrustyClam]

Similar to when the serpentine belt shredded on mine. Started with the battery light and loss of all electrical functions in the end. Idler pulley had given up on life.

 

[Rabt]

Thanks for the reply's.
I`m a bit confused about what the serpentine belt is?
I meant to add there was a burning smell when the car was reversing, could this be the belt as opposed to an alternator?

 

[mioba]

Get the battery on charge for when you go to garage. Ideal time to check/replace all pullies if needed and change the belt. Wont need looking at for next 10 years, and tensioner.

 

[mioba]

Serpetine belt is the big rubber belt that goes around lots of pulleys at the front of the engine.

 

[EmilysDad]

....
I`m a bit confused about what the serpentine belt is?
.....

What we always used to call a 'fan belt' aka auxiliary belt

 

[Rabt]

I have checked the belt today and it looks fine, the whole belt is fully on the pulleys and doesn't look to be torn or damaged. After reading the posts, which I appreciated the info I thought the burning smell may have been the belt. But after inspection today I`m further confused than before.
As the car can`t be move I think I`ll have to take the plunge and get Mercedes to pick it up, as I cant find any independent garages in Edinburgh who will come out.
Thanks to everyone who got back and the advice.
Rab

 

[Rabt]

Update on the problem. It was the alternator that was causing all the issues. A local garage picked the car up and we got it back the following day. No complaints they were excellent and not to expensive, well I thought so.
Thanks for the advice.
Rab