1993 Mercedes Benz 300 electrical problems

Filed Apr 10, 2013 · Electrical · 71,000 miles · MN

The engine harness problem after owning my car since 1993. It is clear that the engine harness was made with biodegradable material which has now lost it's plastic covering over the metal wires. With wires exposed after the engine harness degration, the car which was supposed to last me for a long time, has become impossible to use. Without the proper harness replacement, the car is totally useless. Upon checking into this problem I have found out that every e300 built between 1992 and 1997 is built with the same harness. All these cars that are still on the road are having the same issue. I am told this is a major fire hazard, therefore I have stopped using my car. This problem sooner or later will hurt someone until mercedes recalls and replaces the harness for the cars that they have on the road.

Filed Nov 28, 2011 · Electrical · MS

My wiring harness has failed on my 1993 300e mercedes benz the insulation come off wiring.

Filed Aug 6, 2011 · Electrical · 37,854 miles · NJ

My research indicate that this engine wiring harness problem is an ongoing issue for many mercedes benz, 300 e, and 300se cars with the twin cam engines made between the years of 1993-1995. Not only I am unable to have routine maintenance done, but I am told by the repair facility that this presents a safety problem, because there is a risk of fire associated with this defect.

Filed Apr 27, 2011 · Electrical · 127,000 miles · IL

During normal operation of my vehicle, the vehicle began to act erratically. At start, the vehicle would not normally idle; instead it lurched between 500-1500 RPM. During operation, at a random points, the vehicle would not respond to pressing the gas, instead surging power until I stop and idle for a minute. It turns out that the problem is attributable to the wiring harness, which is disintegrating. This well-known problem is attributable to the use of inferior materials by mercedes-benz which are not suitable for use in high-temperature environments. Recently, the problem has gotten worse; today, the vehicle does not achieve any good acceleration nor is it very responsive when the gas pedal is pressed. Operation of the vehicle is seriously impaired at this time. So far, this problem has necessitated the replacement of a battery. I've been advised that the cost to repair this problem will be upwards of $2,000 due to the cost of the replacement harness, a part which is normally designed to withstand the entire lifespan of the vehicle.

Filed Nov 12, 2008 · Electrical · 120,000 miles · FL · fire

1. Burning smell 2. Poor running fast idle to no idle 3. Bm never heard of the problem.

Filed Jun 2, 2008 · Electrical, Fuel system · 150,000 miles · MN

The engine / fuel injection wiring harness of my 1993 mercedes-benz 300e has cracked insulation throughout and is beginning to short out with the risk of causing dangerous engine malfunction and even fire inside my engine compartment. I have read many reports of other mercedes-benz cars of the same age range having the exact same defect. I have brought it in to my mechanic several times because of the hesitation and shorting that occurs - especially when I have the AC or heater running and have spent a significant amount of money on trying to remedy it by attempting to re-wrap the wiring but it only afforded me a temporary fix at best. The estimate I was given today was for $1,400 for the wiring harness and another $700 - $800 for the labor cost associated with it's install. From the number of similar anecdotal stories I have read online while researching this issue, I wonder why mercedes benz has not issued a recall on this obvious design defect.

Filed May 15, 2008 · Electrical · 130,000 miles · CA

Vehicle is 1993 mercedes 300e sedan. 1. Strange things go on with the electrical system 2. When unlocking key, sometimes the alarm will go on. 3. Check engine light will not go off even after repair was done. 4. Sometimes air blower will work, sometimes not. 5. Sometimes antenna will come up, sometimes not. This leads me to believe that the wiring harness might be affecting the car's electrical performance. I would hate to strip the harness to find out. But there are plenty of complaints now on this wiring harness problem. I wish that mercedes will do a recall and repair these cars.

Filed May 8, 2008 · Electrical · 70,000 miles · CA

1993 300e 3.2 m104 engine wiring harness disintergrating, wire insulation falls apart entire wiring harness wires even not exposed to heat damaged. Chronic problem all 3 of our mercedes have this problem the 300e the worst. I worked at mercedes and replaced these harness every week. This is very unsafe can result in fires, ECM failure, drivable issues, no start, and many more problems.

Filed Apr 27, 2008 · Electrical · 97,400 miles · CA

The engine wiring harness of my mercedes 1993 300e wires had disintegrated causing shortages on the wires. It is unbelievable mercedes with such high reputation on quality would ignore such failures on their part.

Filed Aug 3, 2007 · Electrical · 183,000 miles · VA

I own a 1993 mercedes 300e that for the second time has had engine wiring harness failure. I find this to be a very unsafe problem with insulation from the wire becoming brittle and falling off. I of at least three other mercedes owners that have experienced the same problem. This is a time bomb waiting to happen.