The problem isn't limited to the engine wiring harness. ALL the wiring on affected MB cars are made from this defective insulation. Nearly all discussion is about the engine wiring harness because it sees a lot of underhood heat and deteriorates first. Your discussion with the SL500 lady reflects this.

I've had to repair other wiring on my car because the insulation became brittle and broke from flexing. I bought my car for the long haul. I only drive 4K each year with it. I shudder to think that my otherwise perfectly maintained collectible E320 will need to be scrapped in 15 years because the miles of wiring are too expensive or too difficult to replace.

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95 E320 Cabriolet, 169K