That figures. This is the problem with a lot of eco-friendly stuff. They use materials that are less environmentally harmful, but then they have to be replaced my more often. The result is more landfill stuff than ever.

I remember when the photo industry first began the push towards digital. "Digital photography is environmentally friendly!" is the phrase I kept hearing. It turns out now that digital photography is churning out toxic waste in far greater amounts than last-generation chemical photography ever did.

When will we ever learn?

__________________
" We have nothing to fear but the main stream media itself . . . ."- Adapted from Franklin D Roosevelt for the 21st century

OBK #55

1998 Lincoln Continental - Sold
Max 1984 300TD 285,000 miles - Sold
The Dee8gonator 1987 560SEC 196,000 miles - Sold
Orgasmatron - 2006 CLS500 90,000 miles
2002 C320 Wagon 122,000 miles
2016 AMG GTS 12,000 miles

Volvo had the same problem with their Bosch sourced 79 to 87 harnesses and again in mid 90's (850, 900 series esp.) and I have heard of problems on the 1st year XC 90 series-so it ain't just MB its BOSCH but Volvo plays same game as MB. They were successfully sued in several states but only against the dealer NOT the company.

BTW- to the entire issue and MB's "time limit" Volvo had same idea on all ETB's from S70 to S80 and XC series. They ended up "negotiating" with NHTSA to cover up to 200K miles and refund all customers who had to replace an ETB not under warranty but under 200K miles. ETB's were dropping like flys at 45 to 60 K for a unit "designed" to go 100K minimum. TSB was circulated to all techs to clean ETB and reinstall, clear codes and release to the customer. Basicly just "nursing" it until its NOT under warranty then BOHICA! $1700. Same maker supplied Anti Lock controller that dies at 60k but totally FUBARS the ODBIII system on th way out (wonder why the S80 was known as a "hanger queen"?)

So-will MB sell you the harness for a DIY or is it a "dealer only" part?

Sheesh-I should ship the harness to Painless Wiring and get a custom rebuild for less than MB part price!

[QUOTE=Stoney;1413093]So-will MB sell you the harness for a DIY or is it a "dealer only" part? [QUOTE]

I contacted lots of different places when looking for a replacement wire bundle for my ETA. I contacted Bosch as well, and was told that the entire ETA needed to be replaced. He suggested I try MB Europe. I finally dusted off my poor German skills, and e-mailed Mercedes in the Fatherland. Ms. Andrea Bryant was very pleasant and responded quickly with a fax. Unfortunately, they also said the wire bundle was not a stand-alone item. You have to buy the whole ETA. Same goes for the connector on the bundle. That's why I decided to rewire the thing myself. It worked out good.

__________________
1995 S600, 1 of 618 (sold)

"Speed is just a question of money...how fast you wanna go?"

LONG LIVE THE W140!
Visit my Web Page at www.v12uberalles.com

For a forum member.

.

__________________
ASE Master Mechanic
asemastermechanic@juno.com

Prototype R&D/testing:
Thermal & Aerodynamic System Engineering (TASE) Senior vehicle instrumentation technician.
Noise Vibration and Harshness (NVH).
Dynamometer.
Heat exchanger durability.
HV-A/C Climate Control.
Vehicle build.
Fleet Durability
Technical Quality Auditor.
Automotive Technical Writer

1985 300SD
1983 300D
1984 190D
2003 Volvo V70
2002 Honda Civic

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