1992 Mercedes Benz 400E electrical problems

Filed Jun 19, 2014 · Electrical, Transmission · 135,905 miles · PA · fire

The check engine light came on and before I could pull over there was smoke coming from under the hood. When I opened the hood the air cleaner assembly was melted through and some flame was still glowing in the driver side air filter. The upper engine wiring harness was charred along the driver side and the connector to the cam actuator had disintegrated. After getting the car towed home I followed the harness back to the amp connector and all of the insulation on the wires had completely degraded to a powder. I also checked the wires on the maf sensor and the throttle body and found the same condition. This is a manufacturing issue: substandard wiring insulation on all wiring in the engine compartment.

Filed Oct 31, 2008 · Electrical · UT

1992 mercedes benz 400e. I am concerned about the safety of the wiring harness on this vehicle. Insulation on wires is cracking and peeling off exposing wires to other wires and the engine. I am concerned about this causing a fire. I am aware that this is common to this model because of the composition of the insulation material. I do not want injury to myself or others while driving this automobile.

Filed Oct 13, 2008 · Electrical · VA

Mb wiring harness failure 1992 400se.

Filed Jul 9, 2008 · Electrical · 145,000 miles · IL

The engine / fuel injection wiring harness of my 1992 mercedes-benz 400e (145,000 miles), 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.

Filed Jun 18, 2008 · Electrical · NC

I have a mercedes benz 400e and the wiring harness eventually withered and deteriorated due to faulty manufacturing.

Filed Jun 11, 2008 · Electrical · 135,000 miles · TX

1992 mercedes-benz 400e wiring harness multiple failures. Replaced engine wiring harness shortly after I purchased this car (used) in 2005 due to deterioration of insulation from the wires. I was told at the time that this is a common problem with this era of mb due to some planned obsolescence or targeted self-destruction by the manufacturer. Today I am told that I need to replace the wiring harness leading to the starter motor for the exact same reason. These are expensive parts, only available from the manufacturer and require extensive labor to replace. This is absolutely a manufacturer's defect and should be resolved by a company that clearly advertises a "long-life" product.

Filed Mar 26, 2008 · Electrical · 95,000 miles · NJ

The wiring harness on my 1992 400e has disintegrated, as I've read to be common of the mercedes of the early 1990's. My car shudders dramatically when idling, and alternates between periods of slow/no acceleration to unexpected lurching forward.

Filed Oct 19, 2007 · Electrical · 125,000 miles · NC · crash

1992 mercedes e 400 main engine wiring harness failure. Harness fried due to poor wiring insulation. I own two mercedes and both are for sale. Will never buy a car from mercedes ever again. Too much money and too mant problems.

Filed Jun 25, 2007 · Electrical · 165,000 miles · TX

Automobile repair shop showed me the problem with the wiring harness. The wiring harness wires were fried and became brittle.

Filed Apr 20, 2007 · Electrical · 13,000 miles · KY

Tl*the contact owns a 1992 mercedes benz 400e. While driving 35 MPH the vehicle shut off on the highway. He restarted the vehicle and depressed the accelerator pedal, causing the vehicle to idle. The dealer stated that the vehicle needed a new wiring harness, and an ait temp sensor. The dealer stated that the bearing harness was defected and metal was visible. The wires inside were deteriorating. The vehicle was taken to the dealer on april 6th, 8th, 9th, and 18th, and the failure remained. The current mileage is 132,000, and failure mileage was 13,000.