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#16
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I don't think anyone has argued not to replace it - only that if it's not a present problem replacing it now is a personal choice. Certainly an engine fire is horrific but that doesn't address the probability of it happening. There have been very few wiring harness related fires, perhaps odd but true, and the few that I'm aware of were all 104 motors. The likelyhood of going from running fine to fire without any forewarning is even more remote. Forum folks tend to be very free with other people's money but in the real world these preventaive things generally don't get done on cars without substantial market value - because the risk of doing it and not doing starts to equalize. Different analysis five years ago. Again, it's a personal choice - the owner has to consider the condititon of the car, their long term committment to it, the value they put on reliability, etc.
BTW, the story of the $2100 new ignition control module part is suspect - theoretically possible but the part is around $800 list, available for less new and $100 to $200 used which in my mind would cast some doubt on the diagnosis as well. |
#17
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That's what Phil charged me.
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It is a truism that almost any sect, cult, or religion will legislate its creed into law if it acquires the political power to do so. Robert A. Heinlein 09 Jetta TDI 1985 300D |
#18
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Thanks for the feedback!
It's great to hear from everyone and it sounds like a pretty unanimous consensus on the approach to the problem. I think my biggest fear is the expedited deterioration due to -10 degree winter weather consistently stressing the wiring in the upcoming months. The shopping for the harness has begun.
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1995 E420 1998 SL500 Sport 2009 E350 Sport 1995 S500 Coupe 1992 500 SEL |
#19
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Replaced...
I just wanted to post a follow-up on the this topic. I replaced the wiring harness yesterday and the worst was true. After slicing open the sheathing it was crystal clear how bad the problem actually was. The usual cracking and disintegration of the insulation in the harness was everywhere. (maybe I'll post a picture of the unit but I'm sure everyone has been there and done that)
Thanks again for the input on the replacement!
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1995 E420 1998 SL500 Sport 2009 E350 Sport 1995 S500 Coupe 1992 500 SEL |
#20
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Please post, I have not seen.
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All it takes for evil to prevail is for good men to stand by and do nothing. Too many people tip toe through life, never attempting or doing anything great, hoping to make it safely to death... Bob Proctor '95 S320 LWB '87 300SDL '04 E500 wagon 4matic |
#21
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It is not a pretty sight. Just look at that fine German quality.
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1993 400E, 256,000 miles (totaled) 1994 E420, 200,000+ miles 1995 E420, 201,000 miles |
#22
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This same problem happened to Volvo back in the mid 80's. My 1986 740T had the 'biodegradable engine wiring harness' and the insulation turned to dust. I replaced the harness which cost me $300. I should have repaired it for $50, or so.
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Regards Warren Currently 1965 220Sb, 2002 FORD Crown Vic Police Interceptor Had 1965 220SEb, 1967 230S, 280SE 4.5, 300SE (W126), 420SEL ENTER > = (HP RPN) Not part of the in-crowd since 1952. |
#23
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don't forget the harness to the starter they were affected too.
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David S Poole European Performance Dallas, TX 4696880422 "Fortune favors the prepared mind" 1987 Mercedes Benz 420SEL 1988 Mercedes Benz 300TE (With new evaporator) 2000 Mercedes Benz C280 http://www.w108.org/gallery/albums/A...1159.thumb.jpg |
#24
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Did this fix your idle problem?
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93 300D 2.5 Turbo, Black/Palomino 273K 09 E350 Black/Black 41K |
#25
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Idle is a little bit smoother (especially in the morning when the engine is cold) but I'm still pulling CEL codes. The EGR valve is a big one (Code 5) that may have a play in the idle as well as a good cleaning of the MAF (Code 4). I'll post pictures within the next few days and keep everyone posted on the idle with the EGR connection and MAF cleaning.
Also, from what I've researched, the secondary harness (starter, o2 sensors, etc...) isn't exposed to the high temp engine heat so it doesn't break down as quickly? Does this sound correct?
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1995 E420 1998 SL500 Sport 2009 E350 Sport 1995 S500 Coupe 1992 500 SEL |
#26
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Pictures of the harness...
Closeup of the injector Closeup of main harness cable... Closeup 2 |
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