Hello,

I bought a '94 c280 with 150k on it, in what appeared to be great condition, but in the 5 months since I bought it, I have found the engine wiring harness problem (deteriorated insulation, and the pre-buy inspection didn't catch it. I should have come to this site before buying it, although it was a great price.)

My ??: I can solder wires to connections. Is there any problem in me just replacing the wires with standard gauge wire? I can't afford a new harness right now($760.00) ....How hard is this job?...I've already relplaced the wires to the ignition coils to solve a miss....

Any advice / experience would be greatly appreciated....

Richard

As soon as you open the wire wrap, you will see what kind of mess you really have. At that point, you will find the money for the new harness. Trust me on this... Replace it with a new part before the car starts on fire or leaves you stranded... You'd spend a significant amount of money on wire and your own labor trying to limp the car along. Apply that money towards a new harness and your life will be easier. This is why God made credit cards...

It is a do-it-yourself job, just stay organized. My E320 took me about 3 hours. I had never done anything like that before and I was worried I'd screw it up halfway through... It's not as hard as it sounds or looks...

-GH

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For Now:
1992 Mercedes Benz 500SL
1998 BMW 528i
2003 Honda Element
2002 CBR600F4i
1977 Coachmen Motor Home

People do it, try a search, there's a number of threads on the subject.

Thanks for the replys....I''m running on two possible solutions as I pour thru the threads...1)Does anyone know of harnesses available for less than $760??

2) I would take the harness out of the car as whole as I could, and then replace all wire. Lots of soldering, but that's affordable anyway....

Also, I am looking at finding a hungry auto electrician in Phoenix who could and would do it for less than $400.....

Richard
'94 c280