Wiring insulation failure

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tempest

1/28/2004 10:02:33 AM

My investigation into an on-going SRS problem (described in other postings) has revealed an alarming wiring issue.

It seems that, between 1993 and 1995, MB used wire with insulation that disintegrates when heated, in effect meaning that the whole wiring loom under the bonnet will eventually need replacing. Apparently, the wiring harness fails due to the use of recyclable/biodegradable plastic as the insulating material for the copper wires.

Supposedly, it's a common problem with the M104 wiring harness and this problem is widely documented by many W124/202/210 owners and technicians. If so, why hasn�t a manufacturer�s recall been issued?

I came across three owners of 94/95 C280 models with electrical problems who were told that the insulation on the wiring harness was breaking down.

Also, the owner of a 94 Mercedes (model not mentioned) claimed that, when an independent mechanic opened the loom up, he was staggered by the extent of wiring decomposition. The same mechanic maintained that he had replaced hundreds of these engine looms on the 1990 to 1995 300's and E-Class.

Would anyone like to add his or her own experience?

tempest

1/29/2004 3:21:02 PM

Addendum: National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)

Reports of M-B engine wiring harness failures

Make : MERCEDES BENZ	Model : E CLASS	Year : 1994
Crash : No	Fire : No	Number of Injuries: 0
ODI ID Number : 10026308		Date of Failure: June 15, 2002
Component: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING
Summary: THE WIRING HARNESS FAILED WHILE CONSUMER WAS MAKING A HIGH SPEED MERGE ONTO THE FREEWAY CAUSING THE VEHICLE'S AUTOMATIC STABILITY CONTROL TO ENGAGE. THIS REDUCED THE ENGINE'S POWER TO APPROXIMATELY 20%, SLOWING THE CAR DOWN, ALMOST CAUSING A COLLISION. 1994, MERCEDES BENZ, 320.*AK

jondita

4/14/2004 3:12:38 PM

I have a 1995 E280(124) and encountered serious starting problems. Checked by Mercedes garage in Israel they found the same problem with my car - the engine
wiring harness insulation disintegrated! Luckily I did not encounter any safety situation
but the price of this harness is about one grand (not including work).
Does Mercedes recognize its responsibility?
P.S. My son has a 2001 A190 (secondhand,no warranty)and he had a problem with the
gearbox computer which caused a gearbox failure - they accepted the responsibility and
changed the whole thing without pay. Sometimes they are O.K.

catalytic converter failure on ML320

Camshaft failure on R129 500SL

420 se intermittent brake failure

Hood Insulation WTB

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