Engine Wiring harness....W124 E280

[mjtray]

Hi,

This question has probably been asked before, but here goes. I have just purchased an August 1993 E280. I have read that W124's of a certain age had problems with the engine wiring harness.

Question: Does my car potentially have one of these dodgy harnesses or can anybody tell me the Chassis No's of the cars it effects?

Question: I have also read somewhere, that if your car is effected, its worth having a chat with MB as they may contribute towards a new harness as long as the car has always been serviced by them.....in my case, I'm lucky as I have full MB service history......can anyone comment on these rumours?

Many thanks

Martin

 

[sidpick]

Wiring Harness

Hi Martin, Yes there very definately is a problem with Mercedes Benz wiring harness. I just had the experience myself with my 1995 C280. I was warned of the problem a little over a year ago by the local dealer. They told me that since the harness was defective Mercedes would pay for the part if I would pay for the labor. Since I couldn't get it done at the time, and it wasn't causing me problems, I said I would bring it back later. My next visit to the dealer was 11 months later to get a "check engine" light issue resolved. I asked that the harness be replaced at that time. Now, Mercedes says they would only pay for 25% of the part and their earlier offer had been rescinded. I asked that they reconsider since they told me it would be replaced at no charge. They came back and said they would only pay the 25%. I sent MBUSA an email outlining the situation and asked for consideration. They said it was totally up to the dealer and they would stand behind the dealer. I called the dealer and they said the MB zone rep would only allow them 25%. While trying to settle this issue, the harness indeed failed. I asked again that MB honor their commitment, again they refused. The harness cost $895.00 plus tax. I wrote the President of MBUSA, Mr. Paul Halata. Today, I received a telephone call from his office essentially saying I was wasting my time.

If you can sell your Mercedes before the harness goes out. Get out of it and never buy another Mercedes. :x :cry:

 

[Spike]

Strong words Sidpick.

I can understand your frustration but your car is eight years old and way beyond warranty. The mere fact that MB agreed to pay even 25% of the cost shows that they are trying to honour some commitment to you as an owner of the marque.

I agree that mistakes were made in the design of this loom and MB should burden some of that responsibility but on an eight year old car...things are bound to fail and MB have to draw the line somewhere don't you think?

Please don't let this bad experience leave such a sour taste in your mouth that you deprive yourself of ownership of such fantastic cars again.

As a matter of interest, what year did they change the wiring loom over to the 'Bio-degradeable ' flavour?

 

[leith]

No words are strong enough for any M-B policy of dodging claims, however old (or new!).
After 8 years fuel pipes should not be any more biodegraded than wiring looms, door hinges, brake pedals or steering wheels.
There seems to be a good chance there's a safety issue here from the danger of fire, sudden engine stoppage ... etc ...
1. what fails?
2. What is the clue to owning biodegradable (!!) electric wiring??
3. What components are affected?
4. Is it just parts of the wiring or does the whole darned thing quietly
vanish into thin air? :lol:

If owned in the USA has the appropriate safety authority been informed and is there a recall in progress?

 

[mjtray]

Wiring harness

Hi,

Thanks for the comments re my original question.

Does anybody out there know what chassis No's onwards, the new wiring loom affects?

Cheers

Martin

 

[joe bloggs]

Confused, I've worked with MB electrics for 26 years now and don't think I have come across a dodgey wiring loom (apart from when the mice have been at it). 124's are generally dead reliable with proper bolt on connections for main supplies, screwed fuse connections also good, newer 16valve 111 engine coil supply wiring on n/s of engine can break after (very) high milage, also alternator wires on other side worth a look. Newer MB models showing some bugs which MB are quick to sort out.