The replacement harness has the regular insulation that is not prone to "calculated deterioration" as the original. You should be okay.
And yes, MB did originally experiment with using components that would be more suitable for recycling after a predetermined salvage life. The harness insulation was one of them.
Unfortunately, the breakdown was premature, leaving owners and techs alike scratching their heads over the myriad of problems that resulted.
Only the insulation deteriorated...the outer jacket was left intact...so visually, nothing seemed amiss...until someone decided to cut away the outer jacket and inspect...
