1992 400se
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Newbie
Joined: Apr 2006
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1992 400se
sup guys, first time poster.
bought a 92 400se, great car, i go and take my car to get a tune up, generally speaking like cap,rotor, plugs, wires, blah blah.....car was running smoothly until i get the car back from the mechanic, i ask him, "hey man whats with the with the shake?" he tells me "the number 4 cylinder piston has low compression 60lbs" but the car was not like that before ya know...ok so i take it
and what i did was i took it to another shop, benz shop, they told me it cant be the piston so they check it out....so it needs a new wiring harnesss, i was told its common for these to have this, ok but what about the shake it had when i brought it? they told that when they change the wiring harness that they would be able to get a diagnostic
so now, i spent 999$ on the tune up alone, another 1K to change teh wiring harness...and god knows what else...less than two weeks and im having a bad experience with this car...miles on the car 132xxx
bought a 92 400se, great car, i go and take my car to get a tune up, generally speaking like cap,rotor, plugs, wires, blah blah.....car was running smoothly until i get the car back from the mechanic, i ask him, "hey man whats with the with the shake?" he tells me "the number 4 cylinder piston has low compression 60lbs" but the car was not like that before ya know...ok so i take it
and what i did was i took it to another shop, benz shop, they told me it cant be the piston so they check it out....so it needs a new wiring harnesss, i was told its common for these to have this, ok but what about the shake it had when i brought it? they told that when they change the wiring harness that they would be able to get a diagnostic so now, i spent 999$ on the tune up alone, another 1K to change teh wiring harness...and god knows what else...less than two weeks and im having a bad experience with this car...miles on the car 132xxx
Junior Member
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 74
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From: Tulsa
CLK, ML320, 400E, 400SE
I also have a 92 400se. It is very likely while the tech was changing the plugs the wiring harness was moved. I’m surprised the wiring harness has not been replaced before now. The wiring harness is constructed of biodegradable sheathing which is designed to decompose in landfills. Unfortunately, the decaying begins in the engine bay. I would not fault the mechanic for this mishap, this is a common problem experienced by everyone who owns an early model MB. If you’re an average DIYer, replacing the wiring harness isn’t a difficult job. You can find a replacement wiring harness for you model from several sources online for $500-600.
$999 for a tune up seems a little high, but I'm not sure what was included in that price - plugs, rotors, rotor caps, fuel filter, ????
During the time of my owership of the 400se, I've replaced many items, so feel fee to ask if you have any questions or need information.
Russell
$999 for a tune up seems a little high, but I'm not sure what was included in that price - plugs, rotors, rotor caps, fuel filter, ????
During the time of my owership of the 400se, I've replaced many items, so feel fee to ask if you have any questions or need information.
Russell
Member
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 105
Likes: 0
1997 S600 Sedan
So you weren't aware of the wiring harness issues on these cars? If not, then you simply did not do your research before buying.
A couple thousand dollars of repairs on a 14 year old car that cost around $50,000 in 1992 is to be expected. Prepare for more. This forum and a couple other forums (www.mbnz.org, www.mercedesshop.com) will be very helpful
Brett
A couple thousand dollars of repairs on a 14 year old car that cost around $50,000 in 1992 is to be expected. Prepare for more. This forum and a couple other forums (www.mbnz.org, www.mercedesshop.com) will be very helpful
Brett
Junior Member
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 74
Likes: 0
From: Tulsa
CLK, ML320, 400E, 400SE
The w140 S-Class is a wonderful car, but as Brett mentioned, with all the luxury comes a price for repairs. By the way, the sticker price on my 92 400se was $76,000. I couldn’t afford to own my w140 if I had to pay the dealer for repairs and there have been numerous repairs over the last several years. But out of all the MB’s I own, and have owned over the years, the W140 has been the most enjoyable car to drive. Needless to say, it’s been a “love – hate” relationship. 
Thread Starter
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Joined: Apr 2006
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thansk guys for your response,
well, one of you is right i did not do my homework before buying the car, i did know the parts are always expensive i knew that. i was just concerned. the car is fixed now, on top of replacing the wiring harness, they also found out that the cruise control was not working, so they fixed that as well. they also told me that the previous mechanic who worked on it, its not at fault or responsible for the wiring harness, it was in pretty bad shape.
well, one of you is right i did not do my homework before buying the car, i did know the parts are always expensive i knew that. i was just concerned. the car is fixed now, on top of replacing the wiring harness, they also found out that the cruise control was not working, so they fixed that as well. they also told me that the previous mechanic who worked on it, its not at fault or responsible for the wiring harness, it was in pretty bad shape.
Last edited by TINT; Apr 27, 2006 at 06:04 PM.
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Junior Member
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 74
Likes: 0
From: Tulsa
CLK, ML320, 400E, 400SE
Keep up with the posts on this forum and the other MB W140 forums Brett listed and you'll learn many fixes and solutions for problems that you experience with your S-Class The information here has save me $$$$$$$
