I'm trying to fix a problem that has now jumped from one problem to another.

94 E320 100,000 miles. I've had the car for roughly 70,000 miles.

I had two independent observations on the leaking oil problem both said "head gasket". I ended up finding a mechanic with solid experience working on German cars but not a 94 e320. After the head was off I inspected it and came to the conclusion there was nothing wrong with the head gasket. The gasket/seal was not compromised. (My background is diesel engine rebuilding.)

New gaskets were put on during re-assembled and the oil leak(s) have stopped. Enough said here.

Now the engine runs extremely rough. The mechanic is telling me that some MB mechanic told him (sight unseen) the wiring harness is shot and needs to be replaced. I drove the car home only 1 mile and barely made it. I smell a gasoline.

The wiring harness is original. Prior to making this repair the car ran good except the oil leakage. The build on the VIN/OEM nameplate note 2/94. Can anyone provide some sound guidance.

I need to get this car back running normally.

It seems that a bad wire harness might not manifest itself in failures if not disturbed, but flexing it as much as you would have to R&R the head could have killed it.

Fuel smell is something else, have you checked the fuel pressure regulator vacuum hose for fuel?

If you're near SW Michigan, I might be willing to trade an almost-new engine harness for an engine swap (M104 out, OM603.960 in, I have the diesel engine and parts).

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Gone to the dark side

- Jeff

I agree with Jeff. What you experienced is rather typical. Replacing the head gasket traumatizes the wiring harness insulation from the flexing. It's never been flexed before. Peel back the wrapping on the wire bundle and you'll probably see a bunch of naked wires and dust.

Most likely wire harness issue...but your guy does not seem to be E320 experienced, so I mention two VERY common mistakes Tech/Diy make on a head gasket change on this engine, ..............just to be on the safe side.
One is the tensioner has to be reset before re-install and the other is the valve timing on that engine is Variable Intake valve and there is a specific procedure to set it.

Here is some good reading addressing both and you may want to print it out for info in the event your harness is not the prolem [ but most likely is]

Might also just want to show your guy this info just for re-assurance, specially the tensioner reset..failure to reset that can lead to broken camshafts , real quick. He may well be aware of both of these 104 specific procedures, but we see many good Techs who are not, simply b/c they have not done one of this type before. If he was not aware of the specific harness issue on this chassis, he may also not be aware of these , being 104 engine specific...[ not to imply he is not a good tech]

http://www.peachparts.com/Wikka/M104HeadGasket

Better that you know.

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A Dalton

I actually pulled this down off the web site just prior to re-assembly for my mechanic and he was greatful. I think I'll engage a MB mechanic at this stage.

Thank's all.

That was a wise move.............my bet is there was stuff there he was un-aware of, but with that info he should have it correct .

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A Dalton

I've got a wire harness available for sale in the parts section available if your part number is 124 440 56 32. Price is $350 (they go anywhere from $800 to $900 on the web) plus actual shipping. Shoot me an e-mail at awhitley@sc.rr.com if interested. Thanks!

I appreciate the offer. I'm about to make arrangements with a MB mechanic to have him check out what was done and determine what the problem is. If wiring harness is the problem and yours will work I'll have him contact you directly to make arrangements.