Neighbor just bought a ML500 ... while examining the engine, I noticed what appears to be an electronic device inside an aluminum assembly that is mounted on the edge of the cooling fan housing .... the aluminum body has several heat sinks cast into it and the assembly hangs out about 2 inches into the airstream just downwind of the fan blades ... wire bundle with larger red wire runs from device down to left of the block (facing the rear) ... I'll bet someone knows what this is.

I guessed an electronic receiver, but that doesn't require that much power. Generating device for the spark plugs?

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George Stephenson
1991 350 SDL (200K and she ain't bent, yet)
former 2002 E320 4Matic Wagon - good car
former 1985 300 CD - great car
former 1981 300 TD - good car
former 1972 280 SEL - not so good car
a couple of those diesel Rabbits ...40-45 mpg