My dad just came to visit and I had the opportunity to inspect his engine's wiring harnesses. The main engine harness had been replaced some time ago and looks fine but the starter harness is shot especially in the vicinity of the oil filter. MB would of course attribute this to rough filter changes (the oil filter tool will indeed contact the wires) but the insulation has clearly lost its plasticity and crumbles to the touch (much like friable asbestos). I would surmise that this harness is the one that really can and does cause fires since the un-fused positive battery cable which can carry hundreds of amps is a part of it. I recall seeing the aftermath of a 94 or 95 wagon that inexplicably burned to the ground a couple of years ago due to an engine fire--I wonder if this harness was the culprit. Mark