[cmitch]

This is my headlight on the 2002 ML320. I wonder where else this is lurking?

 

[cmitch]

 

[Witek_M]

Other then headlights rest of wiring is just fine.

 

[cmitch]

Other then headlights rest of wiring is just fine.

I would hope you’re right. I did not expect to find this while changing a bulb.

 

[khomer2]

Knock on wood.'
Did not see this when I opened mine up a couple of years ago replacing the xenon servo shaft.

 

[cmitch]

Knock on wood.'
Did not see this when I opened mine up a couple of years ago replacing the xenon servo shaft.

You can barely touch it and the insulation just crumbles off.

 

[12masterr]

Mine was the same in both sides, rebuild one side the best I can, the other side still a fire hazard!

 

[khomer2]

Mine was the same in both sides, rebuild one side the best I can, the other side still a fire hazard!

Please Complete your Registration Profile by adding the year and model of your car, so it will show next to every future post under your avatar.

 

[mattml430]

Mine were the same it’s just from the heat of the headlights


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[Hirnbeiss]

Nothing to see here. Almost all old headlight wires get like that from the heat.

 

[cmitch]

Nothing to see here. Almost all old headlight wires get like that from the heat.

Using your reasoning then the wire around the engine harness should have let go years ago. Much hotter than the headlights.

 

[betapi]

I find bio-degrading type wire in the taillight assembly, going to the side marker light. 2002 ML500. And I get to flex the wire to replace side marker bulbs...

 

[cdk4219]

All German cars are like that, headlights go first, all the Porsches and Mercedes from that era are this same wiring.

 

[zbordas]

Lets make a few components "bio-friendly" and ruin a perfectly good car disregarding the environmental impact of replacing said ruined car. Yes, it makes perfect sense (to some).

 

[cdk4219]

like the Tesla business model that salvages 1 year old cars for light cosmetic damage, and won’t allow reusing most of the taken off parts whether they are in good condition or not, if they do fix it.
They don’t want you to fix the car, and will turn the car off if they don’t like where the car is. You don’t own a Tesla, you pay for the right to drive it. Body shops don’t fix them, just take them apart and write up $35,000 bumper repairs, no structure damage,

 

[Hirnbeiss]

Using your reasoning then the wire around the engine harness should have let go years ago. Much hotter than the headlights.

Your reasoning is understandable. Yet, we see that insulation frequently deteriorates in headlights, yet not in engine harnesses. This could be due to 2 reasons:
1. Your premise is faulty, and headlights frequently get hotter than the ca. 220F found on engine tops, or
2. The current in the headlight wires causes them to overheat.

let’s see the answer:

Melted Headlight Harness - Causes and Fixes | Standard

The headlight harness (connector) can melt when the OE wire gauge is too small. Standard's line of headlight wiring harnesses is the perfect fix.

www.standardbrand.com

 

[cmitch]

Your reasoning is understandable. Yet, we see that insulation frequently deteriorates in headlights, yet not in engine harnesses. This could be due to 2 reasons:
1. Your premise is faulty, and headlights frequently get hotter than the ca. 220F found on engine tops, or
2. The current in the headlight wires causes them to overheat.

let’s see the answer:

Melted Headlight Harness - Causes and Fixes | Standard

The headlight harness (connector) can melt when the OE wire gauge is too small. Standard's line of headlight wiring harnesses is the perfect fix.

www.standardbrand.com

You left out no. 3.
3. The company that manufactured the headlights used ‘bio friendly’ wire instead of the wire used in the rest of the vehicle.
As per the picture, this isn’t a current problem. They just crumble to dust. I just ordered two new headlights so problem hopefully will be fixed Wednesday evening.

 

[guillcolon1834]

This is my headlight on the 2002 ML320. I wonder where else this is lurking? View attachment 2809530

Welcome to MB PAIN.

 

[guillcolon1834]

This is my headlight on the 2002 ML320. I wonder where else this is lurking? View attachment 2809530

I have 2010 C300 with the same thing. Insulation just crumbles, but on brand new cars, wires jut fine.

 

[guillcolon1834]

All German cars are like that, headlights go first, all the Porsches and Mercedes from that era are this same wiring.

And all American, and Japanese wiring lasts forever, keeping their elasticity and colors. Go figure cheaper cars better electrical.