I tell them that #1 they are being absolutely immoral in trying to hose me in such a way. $3,800 to take 3.5 hours to replace a $650 part. AND, I already spent $500 on a repair that was evidently unneeded (crank sensor).

I'm going to replace the harness myself and then see where we stand with the starting issue.

The car runs perfectly and has no other electrical issues at all.

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1994 C280, dark green metallic
105k miles

1991 190E 2.6, Black
191,500 miles
(sold to another forum member)

2003 Chevy Tahoe LT, Redfire Metallic
105k miles

1989 Mustang GT Cobra Convertible
43k miles

I have no idea what "the book" quotes for the labor time required to replace your harness, but I think at 3.5 billed hours to replace your harness, you'd be getting screwed for labor costs, big time.

I replaced the harness in my 500E myself in under 2 hours. That was going at a slow, relaxed, pace, taking coffee breaks, looking around at other stuff, etc. And, that's having never replaced one before.

I imagine an experienced MB mechanic, given that they must replace these harnesses so often, should be able to swap in a new harness in under an hour--without breaking a sweat.

Did you mention the dealer's name that is trying to do this to you, or is that considered taboo by the mods?

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MERCEDES-BENZ 1991-1997 ENGINE WIRING HARNESS DEFECT NHTSA COMPLAINTS

Did you check the DIY thread here on the wire harness R&R.

Doesn't seem ALL that hard to do even with minimal skills.

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Current Benzes

1989 300TE "Alice"
1990 300CE "Sam Spade"
1991 300CE "Beowulf" RIP (06.1991 - 10.10.2007)
1998 E320 "Orson"
2002 C320 Wagon "Molly Fox"

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