I just had the dreaded diagnosis for the wiring harness needing replacement. I obviously knew that I would have to face this ridiculous $1200 expense during the ownership of my fantastic E320 coupe (I love that car), though I'm still pissed that some idiot @ MB thought that a bio-degradeable harness was a viable specification on a marque with longevity as a core value.
My question is - am I in danger of damaging my ECU (engine brain) by diving the car before I have the harness replaced?
I have 3 cars, so I'm not in despirate need of thebenz, though I have the unfortunate displeasure of living in MI & I'm running out of weeks to enjoy the coupe (always goes away for the winter). I would like to drive it while I wait for the purchase/install of the new harness - but I would hesitate i doing so if it would create more damage.
I just had the dreaded diagnosis for the wiring harness needing replacement. I obviously knew that I would have to face this ridiculous $1200 expense during the ownership of my fantastic E320 coupe (I love that car), though I'm still pissed that some idiot @ MB thought that a bio-degradeable harness was a viable specification on a marque with longevity as a core value.
My question is - am I in danger of damaging my ECU (engine brain) by diving the car before I have the harness replaced?
I have 3 cars, so I'm not in despirate need of thebenz, though I have the unfortunate displeasure of living in MI & I'm running out of weeks to enjoy the coupe (always goes away for the winter). I would like to drive it while I wait for the purchase/install of the new harness - but I would hesitate i doing so if it would create more damage.
Anyone have experience in this?
You can fry the control unit. I have had a few, but not every one that I have replaced the harness on.
Rich
Personally I have no experience with the problem you are describing because I own an older 88 300E but I understand electronics and the issue with the harness. Basically it's britle and falling apart exposing the raw wiring. If you get positive & negative make contact with the right combination you would blow your ECU. Worst case scenario you could even go as far as blowing all your electronics in the car. If it's not that bad, just some cracks here and there then no need to be overly woried but if the wires are falling apart it would be advisable not to drive it until the repairs are made.
__________________
~ Nick
Costa Rica
1996 Mercedes Benz C280
1988 Mercedes Benz 300E (SOLD)
The real question is are you willing to take the risk? I drove for quiet a while with a dried up harness and didn't have problems BUT looking back I shouldn't have done it and since you'll end up replacing it anyway at some time, minus well replace it now.
Sergio
'95 E320 177K miles
P:S:I'm sure MB did not know, at the time, that the harnesses would become biodegradable.
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