I've read alot of information on this board regarding the degradation of the wiring insulation. Unforturnately the information is scattered all over the universe and most of the discusion centers around the complaint of MB not dealing with the issue. I'm more concerned with determining if I have a problem and how best to resolve it. The first question I have is with the nature of the degradation. Does it occur in a certain place or is the whole wiring harness affected? Has anyone taken pictures of the problem? My first intinct is that the wiring in and around the top of the engine where the fuel injectors are would be the major problem area since this is where the high temp of the engine would have the most impact. Can anyone shed some more light on the specific nature of the problem? Thanks

The problem is throughout the wiring harness. It is due to the poor insulation that MB used for the wiring harness. The heat under the engine bay accelerates that degrading process.

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1987 mercedes 300E
1995 e320 conversion(hated the 300e grill)
HID/Xenon (D2S)
Keyless Entry
Monochromatic Paint (Custom Blue)
Smoked Tails
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Debadged (rear)
custom "carbon fiber" console
18 inch HP EVO rims
Sold! Now I drive a Monte Carlo SS
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I also have a 94 C220 with a wiring harness that is going bad. From what I understand the problem primarily shows itself with the Engine Wiring harness, though I've heard someone mention transmission wiring harness.

Can someone confirm this?

Thanks,
Chandra

The insulation on the wiring harness degrades along the whole harness, but your instincts are right. I think it is the degradation along the top where it connects with the fuel injectors as this causes the driveability problems: misfiring, missing, backfiring, etc.

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Paul S.

2001 E430, Bourdeaux Red, Oyster interior.
79,200 miles.

1973 280SE 4.5, 170,000 miles. 568 Signal Red, Black MB Tex. "The Red Baron".