this problem has made me sick for years as a mb tech and self employed I think Mercedes should replace them for free seeing how they let a problem they know is there just go on and not only up to 95 I put one on a 97 last week , someone should make aftermarket harnesses!!!!

 

MERCEDES-BENZ 1991-1996 ENGINE WIRING HARNESS DEFECT NHTSA COMPLAINT SUMMARIES

As I have changed ISPs, I had trouble accessing my web site to update the MERCEDES-BENZ 1991-1996 ENGINE WIRING HARNESS DEFECT NHTSA COMPLAINT SUMMARIES list. The access problem has been resolved, and I just finished my most recent NHTSA complaints update, having added over three-hundred new complaints, to total 550 NHTSA MB Wiring Harness Defect Complaints.

Among them, I added some 14-15 new reported fire complaints (to total about three dozen fires), a couple more reported accidents (including injury), and perhaps a hundred more reported "loss-of-control" incidences.

Also, I recorded a large number of 1996 model year complaints (noted for those who still believe the issue was confined to the earlier cars).

Mercedes-Benz 1991-1996 Engine Wiring Harness Defect NHTSA Complaints Summary

Mercedes-Benz 1991-1996 Engine Wiring Harness Defect NHTSA Complaints Summary Images

....

 

SO, if I have a 1994 500E and want a new wiring harness where should I get one? What's the cost? If I get it from MB dealer are they going to give me another one with biodegradable insulation, or are they making them with better wire insulation now? Is there no aftermarket company making the wiring harnesses? Look at the Toyota recall of millions of cars with the defective gas pedals and what it's costing them, why didn't MB issue a recall? MB was always a high end, high quality car maker, do they realize the damage to their reputation by not issuing a recall, or possibly by NOT issuing a recall they are saving face? They can say that this wiring business is all a lie?

 

Are you kidding--an aftermarket company making wire harnesses for Mercedes?

Your 500E is an ultra-rare, ultra-high performance, ultra-expensive car.

"Aftermarket companies specialize in the likes of Ford or Toyota, not the above.

You'll have to pay a Mercedes dealer.

BTW, recalls are for two and two only reasons: safety and emissions.

The wiring harness is neither.

To recall this would be just like giving you new tires when yours wear out.

 

Soooo you don't consider the fires these have been causing as an "safety issue". Do you work for Mercedes or something.... jeez

 

Wiring harness life expectancy should be comparable to tires? Have you been drinking?

 

Yeah, wire harnesses have always been a serviced item. Just like tires, wires wear out and need replacing.
As to a big expense for replacement, a dollar is too much for something that should last virtually forever. I will admit that having the A/C evaporator replaced by a dealer will cost several times what a harness replacement will cost. Both faults are inexcusable for a Mercedes.

 

Updated Link

The Mercedes Benz 1991-1996 Engine Wiring Harness Defect website has a new home, and will be updated in due course.

I will note, I have seen a large number of reported fires among the new consumer complaints. In addition, there are a large number of 1996 harness failures now being reported. As well, there are now a number of 1997 wiring harness failures on record at the NHTSA...

http://sites.google.com/site/infoage1/mercedes-benz-1991-1996-engine-wiring-harness-defect

images - infoage1

 

Filed a complaint with the NHTSA, 1995 C220, called MBUSA, and they politely gave me a big, hairy, four knuckled middle finger and told me to bend over and spread 'em.