Not 202, but maybe someone can help.

[dshenberger]

My dad's E420 needs a new wiring harness, and the dealer wants to charge him $1700 for it! Anyone know how difficult a change this is? I am used to doing a lot of stuff for myself on my C280, but just checking to see if this is a big deal to do. Thanks!

[Ethan]

chk this issue out at www.mercedesshop.com

is ur father the original owner?

what year is the car?

I think it might be the well know wiring harness of bens products well into 1994 - 1995 vehicles.

Some dealers but all dealers should repair this free under goodwill, chk out NHTSA for a complaint or to make a complaint.

[Espresso]

Why not just repair the section that failed. Or send it out to a harness repair shop. I know of quite a few if you need a name.

If you want some pointers on how to FIY, just ask. As it is fairly easy even for an amature. But can be VERY time consuming. Is about 5-6 days downtime worth $1600 to you? If not then bite the bullet & get new.
Mercedes stopped that goodwill repair. It was costing to much fixing harnesses on 10-15 year old cars(cars up to 1997 but not after).

I have done hundreds of harness repairs over the course of the last 20 years, so even though i'm not in the states to do it anymore I can either walk ya through it, or point you to someone who could do it for ya.

[1SIKBNZ]

i used the goodwill repair when i fought with benz over my tranny and it was extended to me. (about year ago) you might still want to check into that. if you push hard enough and make a fuss they usualy will bend. especially if its a know problem.

[dshenberger]

It is a '97 with 206,000 miles. Apparently all the shielding is crumbling. It is having issues with shutting down when it is just idling. Dealer thinks it is the wiring harness.

[Ethan]

1997 was the car purchased new by you.

4 that year that problem could be flood damage. 97 wiring harness should be of quality plastic 4 that year.

but u may want to go over to www.mercedesshop.com and repost the ? with all the details.

[Ethan]

and I forgot - get a SECOND opinion - even if the first is from a dealership.