Wiring Problems of Mercedes Benz SL320

(xxxx) biodegrading wiring harness redacted to protect personally identifiable information pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u. S. C. 552(b)(6).

The contact owns a 1995 mercedes-benz Sl320r. The contact stated that the check engine indicator illuminated. Upon inspection, the contact noticed that the plastic on the wiring harness was peeling. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the wiring harness needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact called mercedes-benz of augusta at (706) 860-1111 (located at 3061 washington rd, augusta, GA 30907) where it was confirmed that the wiring harness needed to be replaced. The dealer confirmed that no recalls were associated with the VIN and there would be a fee. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 140,000.

My vehicle is a 1995 Mercedes Benz Sl320r and was built with biodegradable wiring insulation in the engine harness. The insulation is deteriorating and causing problems throughout the electrical components. The vehicle has 131,000 miles. I'm the 3rd owner. Postings on the internet indicate potentially fatal failures are possible. It is likely that the previous owners were not aware of this problem. Do I have any recourse?.

The engine bay wiring harnesses have disintegrated on the car due to use of heat susceptible wire insulation. This has caused bare wires to short out in the engine bay. While driving the vehicle, it caused the engine to spontaneously surge resulting in uncontrolled acceleration. Subsequent to the surging, it caused the engine to die resulting in a loss of power steering and braking power. While attempting to diagnose with was causing these engine malfunctions, electrical arcing and smoldering of the wiring became apparent. This is a serious safety issue and mb has refused to correct it. The repair involves the relatively simple replacement of 4 wiring harnesses in the engine bay. This is a wide spread issue affecting many mercedes vehicles produced between 1991 and 1996.

Today, after a routine lof service, my mechanic informed me that the wiring harness on my Sl320 had deteriorated to the point that my car was unsafe. He claims that the insulation on the wiring harness was made of a biodegradable material and that it has now biodegraded to the point that there no longer is any insulation, he claims that mercedes knows that their harnesses are defective but they will take no action in solving the problem, indeed for many years they sold replacement harnesses with the same defect. Who knows what the current wiring harness now being sold, will soon develop issues as well?.

Engine wiring harness, eta wiring harness, fuel injection wiring defective causing engine to stall and electrical to cease while in motion.

Engine wiring harness overheated and started smoking. Engine stalled this reduced vehicle control. Was able to pull over safely.

Upper engine wiring harness deteriorated shorting out wires controlling engine. Causing intermittent engine stalling causing reduced and/or loss of control of vehicle.

While parked in a garage the consumer attempted to use the keyless entry remote but it did not unlock the vehicle. The consumer then tried to start the vehicle but it would not start. The consumer then opened the trunk and at that time the consumer smelled a strong burning odor. The consuer then noticed that the black box, immediately above the batter, burned. Teh vehicle also leaked oil.

See all problems of the 1997 Mercedes Benz SL320 🔎.

Burn smell coming from electrical harness box. Mr the harness box was located in the trunk. The vehicle also had an oil leak.