I took my '95 C280 to my local dealer last week and showed him the cracks in the insulation at the intake air temperature sensor and the engine coolant temperature sensor. They removed the cover and looked at the harness where it runs along the top of the engine near the injectors, etc. I told them that I have heard that there have been problems with the M104 engine harness and their reply was that they didn't see a problem with mine, other than normal aging and mileage (85000). I asked if they could check with the factory rep and verify if there was or was not a history of problems. They said that they would. The service manager called the next afternoon and said that neither the factory nor any of the technicians had ever seen or heard of a problem with these harnesses and that they would, of course, be happy to repair or replace it at my expense. Let it be said that they treated me extremely well. And since the service manager is a freind of a freind, I wasn't even charged for the evaluation. So, I'm not in a position to push the issue or make waves. Any suggestions out there? How much does the harness cost?

Is the cracked insulation bad enough, and in a location where, a short could occur? If not, I would keep an eye on it and continue to enjoy driving your car.

Good luck,

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Larry Bible
'01 C Class, Six Speed
'84 Euro 240D, 523K miles
'88 300E 5 Speed
'81 300D Daughter's Car
Over 800,000 miles in
Mercedes automobiles

ARJAY, cracks in the wire insulation (such that you can see the wire core) or just the
black tape that wraps and insulates the wire bunch?
I checked mine the other day and found beginnings of wear on the tape due to lean and rub
on a bolt head behind the thermostat. All else seemed o.k. (31K miles)
I've been thinking of buying that light
corrugated plastic insulation tubing that is cut up the middle (some american cars use the stuff) to further protect the factory insulation tape , especially
around critical heat and friction areas.
This seems to me a good protective measure.
If your wires are not split, then why not just mend and improve the insulation?
You could always write a letter to MBZ and make your case for a courtesy repair.
I plan to write a letter to them in order to set a premise in case I really do have problems with this -YES- common problem which
could have been avoided by them in the first place.
keep posting
p.s. go to other dealers and make a case until you find one that will admit and cooperate!

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1979 300D
133K miles
1989 300SE
1995 C280

I have seen no less than 500 with bad harness. You should have them call the service manager of RBM of Atlanta and ask how many they have replaced under the Mercedes goodwill policy. They will replace most of them under 120K miles here in Atlanta!!!

Don't get screwed. If it shorts, it will kill the HFM control unit.


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Benzmac:
Donnie Drummonds
300E
ASE CERTIFIED MASTER AUTO TECHNICIAN
MERCEDES SPECIALIST 8 YRS
PARTNER IN MERCEDESSHOP.COM
OWNER OF MB AUTOWERKS .COM

I too posted a similar thread. Mine also showed cracks on th sheating of the wires. The technician told me that i should replace soonest possible as it will kill the controller unit. And that cost 8 times more than the harness itself. I'm reluctant as mine is 75,000 km only but I know I have to do it in the next few months.

I have sent no less than 100 to RBM of Atlanta and they will do them in most cases up to 120k miles. This IS A KNOWN PROBLEM. IF YOU PERSIST, YOU WILL GET IT DONE!!!

goodwill
 

Benzmac;
Do you know who eats the cost of goodwill repairs like replacing the wiring harness.... the dealer, MBenz, or both?