An ad for a non running 96 C280 with 130,000 miles has crossed my path and I'm mildly tempted to have a run at it.

They claim the car was parked due to a bad wiring harness. Judging by the picture it looks like the car has been sitting for 2 years +. I know early 90's MB had a issue with crumbling insulation but I thought the problem was solved by the mid 90's.

Do these cars have specific wiring issues?

I'm not looking for generic fix it information / long term storage revival, more for any known issues with this model of car.

They are asking $ 1,200 , a 97 at a dealer in the local market is posted for $ 4,000 so the cars are not worth much. I'm thinking $ 600 given the engine and trans condition can't be assessed and the work needed to recommission.

Thanks

I've only seen two cars with bad harnesses in that year. It's always a possibility. Just take a look at and see if the insulation is crumbled. I've heard of harnesses being repaired before. Harnesses are about $790 for parts and labor at one shot at the right Indy for replacement.

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97 W202

I don't know what specific problem your target car has, but the wiring harnesses range in price significantly, up to over $1.800. Search for my posts from last year about a successful repair (may or may not be the repair you need)>

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1996 C280 289K Traded
1997 E420 167K Traded
2001 S430 240K Traded
2010 E550 4matic 80K
2000 GMC Jimmy 198K Gone to Boneyard
2003 Camry LE 196K
2011 Mazda3 i Sport 31K

Thanks for the info.

I'm going to pass on the car. There was faint hope it was a 4 matic car but no such luck.