Dropped off my car today at the dealer cause it went into limp mode and the Check engine/Brake/ETS/ABS lights came on while driving during the weekend. Everything just come on while going about 10mph just after startup.

Limped home after Roadside told me there was nothing they could do.

SA called and told me their technician determined that the entire main wiring harness has "rotted, cracked, shredded" and would need to be replaced for $1000 parts, $1300 labour. This is before they can even check for other faults. They say the wiring harness is preventing them from checking anything else and hopefully, changeing it out will solve everything or at least allow them to see what else is wrong.

I am the original owner of this 98 320 and it only has 36,000 miles. It's garaged on the third floor of a city garage. I drive it 2-5 times a week, wash regularly and 2 times a year I'll even hose out the engine (gently.) It goes to all checkups at the dealer and runs fairly well. How can my wiring harness disintegrate. It's not like some racoons have setup shop in my engine bay. The car is moved all the time so unless there is some rat that hunts my particular car down in the garage to chew my wireing it just does not make sense. I mean they just fixed the brake switch 2 months ago and I poke around the car all the time.

Has anyone heard anything even similar to this?

It's been suggested that I try to work with my SA to see if they will try to help me out. (something about manufacturer hidden warrenty) If not maybe goto MBUSA. The car is out of warranty and I can afford the fix but there is something of a principle here that does not sit right. I can't imagine how a harness can rot even including a design defect but it definitely can't be a normal wear item.

Alternately, I can goto another dealer and see what they find.

Opinions? Options? HELP!!! GILLY.......