After I got my car back from being painted, my windshield wiper fluid leaked when turned on. Turned out that the wiring inside the black hose (inside the hood) that connects to the driver side nozzle shorted and burned a hole through it. I learned that there is a wire in there to keep it warm.

I need the hose that connects from the splitter to the nozzle? Is this hard to replace? Can I order it here?

you can get that hose from any auto parts place it is the same as vauccm hose. it costs like .79 a foot or something. you do not have to worry about the heating wire you spoke about because the windshield washer fluid is part alcohol and does not freeze easily. also you just need a size that fits right .ask for a small piece and see what works.

I agree I don't need to be fancy, but are there any drawbacks to not getting the stock MB hose with the heating wire inside?

if you have the time and the parts available then by all means replace them with orignal hoses. check fast lane for the parts.