Lower/starter wire harness or starter?
 

So Once in a while I will get a bad starter noise when trying to start the 400E, know I got a oil level light on, but the oil is fine? I read they are on the same harness!! Do the lower harnesses go like the upper ones do? I guessing yes. Anyone have experience with this? is it a easy fix?

Yes their wiring degrades just like the upper harness. Not being on the top of the engine, the cooking temp is lower..

I think DaveM has a writeup out there somewhere and some pics on his website. He's a keeper of W124 data.

You could have a bad sensor in the oil pan.. bad noise I didn't understand what you are describing. Fairly easy to inspect with the splash shield off. They are much cheaper than the upper harness.

Think the P-clamp around the trans dip-stick tube is a real bugger to get off in the replacement. But if you've been doing service on your 400E... you know how things go!

Michael

The starter wire does not degrade, only the sensor and oil sender wire....that was the case on mine at least...

it could be that you are dealing with separate issues,....

Replacing the lower wiring harness
 

While I don't have the 124 series, I have a '95 SL500, my engine wiring, upper and lower went really bad. I changed the upper and have made two attempts to change the lower and gave up because it was cold outside (in Cleveland it was 20 degrees in December, slightly warmer in the garage) and I was not able to get enough "clearance" under the car to remove and route the lower wiring harness. While most is accessible, its hard to work on your back with only a foot or so of clearance. Part of the harness routes around the underside of the motor and trans and its also hard to see. I am waiting for the weather to warm and rent a nearby garage and hydraulic lift to have better access and visibility. Cost of the upper harness was $769 and the lower harness was about $200 from Phil @Fastlane. Neither are difficult replacements. I am going to remove and have the ETA checked and possibly rebuilt to complete my wiring overhaul. Good Luck, Steve

Thanks for the info, Steve

Late to the party, but my post #7 should help regarding the wiring. But keep in mind, info is for a 3.2 L6 not a v8.

http://www.peachparts.com/shopforum/showthread.php?t=271652

The oil pressure sender is part of this harness. It's inexpensive and easy to R&R if wiring repair doesn't correct pressure indication at gauge.