Fiber optic line severed... help!!
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From: Europe
223.168 & 213.012 & 906.633 & 214.005
Airmatic issue
On your connector, have a WIS printout.With your VIN one could see the exact fiber layout, the nearest connectors etc.
MB would not have the fiber connectors as a spare part. But sure someone is making those, perhaps you can find one from the actual manufacturer. And hope it goes with the tools the telephone company guys have.
MB is supposed to fix the car in a way it appears as from the factory. They are not supposed to run parallel wires on broken ones. They are not supposed to fix broken fiber cables but to replace with new. Nothing odd with that. Doing it the cheaper way would not necessarily mean the full wire harness but another fiber that comes as a spare even if it is intended elsewhere in the car, or for even for a completely different car. Finding one may not be straightforward for a dealer.
Are you sure you are not mixing the fiber cables and the wake up line? See the attached figure. Note that the fiber connection always makes a ring.
Last edited by Diesel Benz; Jun 28, 2008 at 09:18 AM.
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From: Louisiana
03 E500 and Corvette
[QUOTE=JohnCL;2324214]This statement is not true, fiber can be repaired. Most people do not have access to the tools required to do the job so they must resort to replacing the whole line. You are probably looking at a $1500+ basic fiber repair kit to get the job done and you would probably never use it again.
Unfortunately you will probably have to pay the dealer to do this unless you know a cable TV or phone guy to help you out on the cheap.
QUOTE]
When I stated they could not be repaired I had considered options, However, Technically you are right they can be repaired, but you should consider:
1) Skills necessary to repair
2) Cost to repair
3) Reliability after repair
4) Impact on warranty from MB if not repaired in an authorized shop
It might be that they can't be repaired to meet the 4 items listed.
If it were mine I would let the insurance pay and have Mercedes use NEW factory approved parts to keep the warranty and resale value.
If this could not be done I would still consider the car a total and let the insurance company have it.
I agree if you want, you can have Larry the Cable guy
repair the mercedes.
After all it is just glass strands and if you have a clean interface and exactly match up each stran so light will pass through in the pulses correctly, it can be repaired and work.
It will be interesting to see how this turns out. Hope it works out well and best of luck.
Unfortunately you will probably have to pay the dealer to do this unless you know a cable TV or phone guy to help you out on the cheap.
QUOTE]
When I stated they could not be repaired I had considered options, However, Technically you are right they can be repaired, but you should consider:
1) Skills necessary to repair
2) Cost to repair
3) Reliability after repair
4) Impact on warranty from MB if not repaired in an authorized shop
It might be that they can't be repaired to meet the 4 items listed.
If it were mine I would let the insurance pay and have Mercedes use NEW factory approved parts to keep the warranty and resale value.
If this could not be done I would still consider the car a total and let the insurance company have it.
I agree if you want, you can have Larry the Cable guy
repair the mercedes.After all it is just glass strands and if you have a clean interface and exactly match up each stran so light will pass through in the pulses correctly, it can be repaired and work.
It will be interesting to see how this turns out. Hope it works out well and best of luck.
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From: North Carolina, US
'06 E500, '99 ML430 and '07 SL65
Yep, I was reading the whole thread again and was wondering the same thing. This is a breakin and should be covered by insurance. Just get a copy of the police report and submit a claim. Done deal..... That's why we pay through the nose for the 'service' 
Super Member
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From: Oregon
Harley-Davidson
Originally Posted by Kirkham
. . . My 05 E320 was recently a victim. Some jack-*** forced into the trunk (by cutting through the metal behind the rear seat!!) and jacked the DVD Nav drive. . . Oh and no unfortunately insurance is out of the question.
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From: Germantown, MD
'07 GL450
The full story could prove very valuable to this forum since it is likely to open our eyes and avoid/prevent this type of incident from occurring to any one of us.
Super Member
Joined: Aug 2004
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From: Newark,NJ
2010 Charcoal Grey E350 Coupe
Am I the only one suspect this is more of "inside job"?
1. Apparently this thief know you got a GPS drive in there? ( I don't think there is appearance differeces between GPS-equipped and Non-GPS model)
2. It will take way too much time to cut through the rear seat, let along, know how to carefully remove the drive from its bracket. ( this thief own W211, quite familiar w/ the schematic of metal cable?)
3. If this thief's intension is to make a quick money, why spare your command?
Watch out your so-called "friends"?
1. Apparently this thief know you got a GPS drive in there? ( I don't think there is appearance differeces between GPS-equipped and Non-GPS model)
2. It will take way too much time to cut through the rear seat, let along, know how to carefully remove the drive from its bracket. ( this thief own W211, quite familiar w/ the schematic of metal cable?)
3. If this thief's intension is to make a quick money, why spare your command?
Watch out your so-called "friends"?
Once it's fixed,be careful,and Good Luck with your decision
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Thread Starter
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I just bought the car, don't be so caught up on the personal details. That is why i was clear that insurance is not an option. Before I bought the car I had it looked at by two MB tech's and had conversations with three MB SA's. I was told by all of them that worse case, $2000 to fix it. They were all wrong. I am now just looking for help on how to fix it. Thank you all for your help thus far.
I have a (supposedly amazing) tech brainstorming today on what to do. I am also on the hunt for that connector. These guys http://www.timbercon.com/Fiber-Optic-Repair/index.html
said if I get the connector, the fix is simple as can be.
Thanks again,
James
I have a (supposedly amazing) tech brainstorming today on what to do. I am also on the hunt for that connector. These guys http://www.timbercon.com/Fiber-Optic-Repair/index.html
said if I get the connector, the fix is simple as can be.
Thanks again,
James
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Joined: Jun 2007
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From: Huntington NY
S560
I think he meant he bought it damaged...
At the end of the day with the right connector it will be an easy fix. We are not talking about nuclear fusion here, the component is looking for a clean ray of light. Make a clean cut and use the right connector, the cable companies do it all the time...
At the end of the day with the right connector it will be an easy fix. We are not talking about nuclear fusion here, the component is looking for a clean ray of light. Make a clean cut and use the right connector, the cable companies do it all the time...
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Joined: May 2004
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From: USA
LS7 powered Corvette
Some of you guys kill me with the comments about techs being parts changers. 
One of those optical cables and connector is only a small cable that is used when the nav processor is added... It is maybe 12inches in length and goes directly to the audio gateway which is in the left side of the trunk as well.
PART NUMBER FOR THIS CABLE IS 211 540 68 33
The yellow cable in pin 1 used to be connected to pin 1 in the audio gateway connector and is part of the harness... If you open the left rear door and pull of the sill plate/fold back the carpet, you may find a stash of optical cables in here with connectors joining them. You could disconnect them, then shine a light through to see which one travels to the cut pin #1 at the nav processor. At least this way, you would only need about 3ft of cable.
You also have not mentioned what other accesories you have installed in the vehicle... You may be able to pull out some of the MOST cable that would be used for Sat. radio or UHI phone. The cables for the SDAR are in the right side of the trunk and run into the plastic tray at the front section of the trunk where your digital tele-aid/UHI modules would be.
Also, if you are adding connectors in the MOST ring you are reducing the quality of light.
One of those optical cables and connector is only a small cable that is used when the nav processor is added... It is maybe 12inches in length and goes directly to the audio gateway which is in the left side of the trunk as well.
PART NUMBER FOR THIS CABLE IS 211 540 68 33
The yellow cable in pin 1 used to be connected to pin 1 in the audio gateway connector and is part of the harness... If you open the left rear door and pull of the sill plate/fold back the carpet, you may find a stash of optical cables in here with connectors joining them. You could disconnect them, then shine a light through to see which one travels to the cut pin #1 at the nav processor. At least this way, you would only need about 3ft of cable.
You also have not mentioned what other accesories you have installed in the vehicle... You may be able to pull out some of the MOST cable that would be used for Sat. radio or UHI phone. The cables for the SDAR are in the right side of the trunk and run into the plastic tray at the front section of the trunk where your digital tele-aid/UHI modules would be.
Also, if you are adding connectors in the MOST ring you are reducing the quality of light.
Last edited by csumt76; Jul 18, 2007 at 02:59 PM.
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223.168 & 213.012 & 906.633 & 214.005
One of those optical cables and connector is only a small cable that is used when the nav processor is added... It is maybe 12inches in length and goes directly to the audio gateway which is in the left side of the trunk as well.
PART NUMBER FOR THIS CABLE IS 211 540 68 33
What is part number: A001 545 20 30, adapter for repair?
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From: USA
LS7 powered Corvette
I have no idea.. I didn't get the P# from EPC, nor do I have the capability to look up the second number. If I had to guess, it would be the electrical connector containing the power/ground/most wakeup lines. I have never heard of or seen any MB fiber optic repair parts.
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From: North Scottsdale, AZ
'71 Pinto
MBWorld Fanatic!
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From: Europe
223.168 & 213.012 & 906.633 & 214.005
csumt76, you were upset when dealer service guys were blamed being parts changers, even independent shops need EPC, are you on a shop that isn't specialized for MBs? I don't mean those would not be able to handle a case like this, just curious.
I did not put the "parts changers" comment but it may be quite OK from a dealer, depending what is meant by it. If it means they change parts "randomly" until the problem gets fixed, and charge for all changed parts, that isn't good and an experienced dealer shop would not do it. If it means they do not repair the insides of a power steering pump but put a new one (I don't know what would be a better example, perhaps fixing a hole in the exhaust pipe), this to me would be normal and acceptable even if an indy might be able to fix a part.
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From: USA
LS7 powered Corvette
My mistake, thanks for the correction. At a second attempt I find the same numbers.
csumt76, you were upset when dealer service guys were blamed being parts changers, even independent shops need EPC, are you on a shop that isn't specialized for MBs? I don't mean those would not be able to handle a case like this, just curious.
csumt76, you were upset when dealer service guys were blamed being parts changers, even independent shops need EPC, are you on a shop that isn't specialized for MBs? I don't mean those would not be able to handle a case like this, just curious.
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From: North Scottsdale, AZ
'71 Pinto
In following up these parts are used to repair cable end damage only and not for inline damage. Understandable from a manufacturer’s standpoint since this is where the majority of damage would normally occur during install and repair processes.
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Right, so if I am not mistaken, there are two wires. A yellow and an orange. Meaning one must be an input and one an output. The information myst go into the dvd navi unit through the same port, it processes it then it sends it on the way. Why wouldnt the dealer know about this part (kit)? Anyone know retail cost on this part?
Thanks.
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From: North Scottsdale, AZ
'71 Pinto
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From: Toronto Ont Canada
GL350
Sure is.
Wondering if he fixed the broken window or lock,repaired the cut plate,replaced the trunk liner.
"I have the needed connector for the regular electrical wires I just need to wire"... What is he going to plug this thing into???
Wondering if he fixed the broken window or lock,repaired the cut plate,replaced the trunk liner.
"I have the needed connector for the regular electrical wires I just need to wire"... What is he going to plug this thing into???
Super Member
Joined: Mar 2006
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From: Bellevue, WA
.... nothing to brag about, it is a previous model....
Seriously, can I have the true story behind this?
*Someone broke in for ONLY DVD drive.
*No insurance claim. (you started w/ someone stole it recently. Later you claimed it was broken before you bought it)
*Airomatic was broken. You love to race w/ BMW. (it also sound like you own it for a while)
I am sorry that I can't help you w/ the cable thingy, but it does drive me crazy when things been told doesn't quite adds up? (blame it on my idiot cousin who is in the Feds)
*Someone broke in for ONLY DVD drive.
*No insurance claim. (you started w/ someone stole it recently. Later you claimed it was broken before you bought it)
*Airomatic was broken. You love to race w/ BMW. (it also sound like you own it for a while)
I am sorry that I can't help you w/ the cable thingy, but it does drive me crazy when things been told doesn't quite adds up? (blame it on my idiot cousin who is in the Feds)
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From: Northern Kentucky
2011 E350 4 Matic,1994 C220,1965 Mustang, 2005 Kawasaki Vulcan 1600
[QUOTE=csumt76;2326309]Some of you guys kill me with the comments about techs being parts changers.
I agree!!! I have techs in my dealership that have been to more classes than a lot of college graduates.
The training is mandatory by MBUSA and classes must be taken and passed to keep the certification up at the dealership.
The complexity of these cars is incredible as well as the amount of training that the average technician has to take on a yearly basis.
For the previous poster, Flash Gordon to say that they are "parts changers at best" is an insult to all of us who have spent hundreds of hours in training classes.
I would like to see the average "parts hanger" even attempt to figure out a basic diagnostic problem on a late model Benz.
I agree!!! I have techs in my dealership that have been to more classes than a lot of college graduates.
The training is mandatory by MBUSA and classes must be taken and passed to keep the certification up at the dealership.
The complexity of these cars is incredible as well as the amount of training that the average technician has to take on a yearly basis.
For the previous poster, Flash Gordon to say that they are "parts changers at best" is an insult to all of us who have spent hundreds of hours in training classes.
I would like to see the average "parts hanger" even attempt to figure out a basic diagnostic problem on a late model Benz.
Member
Joined: Apr 2006
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From: Frisco, TX
2004 E500, 2019 S560
With fiber you can have multiple strands and not knowing what to fix and connect to could be an issue. Safer to replace the required length. If its just the navigation found some electrical diagrams relating to the Navigation (Navigation System PE82.85-U-2005DA). Last 2 refers to the optical layout of the MOST Bus (MOST Bus PE82.00-U-2710DA).
Hope this helps ...
Hope this helps ...
