I'm looking for information on harness replacement on 94 c class autos. I have a 1994 c280 with less the 100,000 miles and my mercedes mechanic (who works independant but is mercedes certified) says the wire loom is shot. He said he has heard of dealers replacing them at no charge other than labor. I'm not having problems with it yet but if I keep the car I can imagine I will have toreplace it. Does anybody have any other views on replacement? I have heard this a problem and it seems it would almost be a safety concern that should be covered completely(e.g. under recall).

I have the same problem with my 94 C-220 and have discussed it with my dealer. M.B. may or may not apply some credit for new harness and they only way to find out is to take your car to the dealer that normally services your car and ask for special consideration. They will contact M.B. and let you know but do not get your hope high for a car with 100K on it.

Do a search on this topic and you will find additional info.

Also search for "Good Will"

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http://www.benzworld.org/forums/imag...e_steering.gif
1998 C43 ///AMG
1999 C230 Custom 5-Speed Manual

1994 C280 wiring harness - Any add. info on recall/replacment?

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Paul

I urge people who have this dreaded engine wiring harness to file a NHTSA Complaint Form . Stress the safety aspect of the problem, since they are only interested in safety ramifications, not financial considerations. If the volume of complaints are high enough maybe they'll take action.

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95 E320 Cabriolet, 159K

The only wiring/short-circuit recall item on the NHTSA site is the 94-95 E320 passenger side footrest wearing on the airbag wiring harness problem. It says the right side foot of the metal footrest under the carpeting will abraid the harness, POSSIBLY causing a short circuit-cutting power to the engine, and/or setting off the passenger airbag. This recall is STILL in effect (point being age of car doesn't matter, a dangerous defect is always a dangerous defect, and MBUSA needs to step up to the plate.)

How is this any more dangerous than a brittle, defective underhood harness causing stalling/losing power at speed and engine fires (now documented on the NHSTA site).

It seems that more people have been posting their complaints, but under the 'Defect Investigations' section, there is still no reference to any NHTSA action.

It's also difficult to search through all the complaints, because using their lame 'drill down' search navigation, its difficult to get a complete picture of the extent of the problems being posted. Apparently, people post their complaints using the following broad model number categories: E class, 320, E320, 280, C280, 300 Series, 400 series, E420, 420, etc.. (and before that of course, one has to search by year 93, 94, 95)

One has to search through each of those model categories, then from a defect list providing uncertain choices: "electrical system: wiring"; "electrical system: wiring: front underhood" and so on. Very disorganized and discouraging.

I wonder how many people buying (or rather leasing-maybe that's the problem) newer models would reconsider if they knew how poorly loyal owners of the older models are treated by a very badly run MBUSA.

That's it, I'll shut up now.

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1995 MB E320 Wagon
2001 BMW 530i
2007 MINI Cooper S (!)

Unfortunately, NHTSA does not do a complete and impartial assessment of the different prolems out there among the driving public. I have a feeling that unless an issue has dire graphic mortal consequences, NHTSA shies away from issues that are expensive for a company to recall. Recalling all the defective engine wiring harnesses and defective throttle actuators (which also suffer brittle insulation and are actually more expensive to replace than the engine wiring harness, yet hasn't been widely discussed in this forum) would be rather expensive for MBUSA.

I had a personal experience with the Ford flex fan blade problem back in the late 70s. The blades had a tendency to break off and sometime injure the mechanics working under the hood tuning the engine. NHTSA forced a recall on these flex fans. The one on my car broke. When I went to the dealer, they told me my car doesn't qualify because my engine wasn't big enough!!! The recall was only for the 400 engine, and for some unknown reason excluded the 351 engines.... as if the 351 engines turned at slower rpm's!!!...... how infuriating!! All I can think of is that NHTSA compromised with Ford on this issue.

The Chrysler electronic 4-speed transmissions of the 90's was another lousy design and expensive fiasco that came within an inch of being recalled. This was a design where nearly every owner with these transmissions would have to replace it at least once during the lifetime of the vehicle, roughly every 80,000 miles. They never were recalled, but occasionally replaced under dealer goodwill policy.

It's unconscionable to allow a company to produce new products that are not thoroughy tested and proven before marketing to the public, then expect the public to pay for their mistakes. This is nothing more than using the public to field test new products. There must be some disincentive for manufacturers to continue this practise.

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95 E320 Cabriolet, 159K

As recomended I just filed a NHTSA Complaint Form.

Best Regards

Check out my recent thread on the issue asking for additional information and/or ammunition to get action on my C280. After several letters to EuroMotorcars in Bethesda , MD they basically told me to take a hike. This is for a 94 with 75,000 miles that we inherited from my wife's father, who bought the car there and had it religiously serviced there. What a bunch of a-holes.

As for our situation, we're selling it since I've seen too many problems with early C-classes. Good Luck!