R129 Wiring Harness

[yme402]

I am looking at purchasing a 1994 R129 SL320 which is right in with the production run that had the dreaded biodegradeable wiring. The car is a distance away and everything else appears to be in well documented order, however there is no evidence of the wiring being replaced.
Attached are some photos, and I would be very grateful if anyone can advise by going off these if the wiring looks as if it has been replaced at some stage?
Many thanks.

 

[Doodle]

I'm not sure any of those images are relevant, unfortunately. You want images of the wiring loom on/around the engine itself, as this is where the damage will be the most obvious.

 

[RichardF]

Look around the temp sensors etc.

If not done you'll need
Engine harness
TB rewire
Lower harness
A/C fan harness (maybe)

Pic attached of a section of the lower harness from my car. £500 for an auto electrician or diy for around £100.

 

[Charles Morgan]

On a W124 you should find a tag for the loom wiring right by the ECU (pull the flexible cover off from behind the battery). It should have a date and the maker on it - hopefully that might be the case with a R129 loom too (same engine in the 3.2 form). You can generally see clear evidence of loom degradation around the sensors. I would inspect it in person even if it is some way away.

If not, you can have the loom rebuilt - Sileck do it, and it is a lot cheaper than a new loom (assuming still available) from MB. You can also get replacement mini-looms for the ignition area.

 

[yme402]

Many thanks everyone. I have attached a few more which may show things a bit clearer - all comments gratefully recieved.

 

[Doodle]

The last image looks like the best one, it seems to be in fair condition from the picture

 

[yme402]

What is the general cost of replacing should it be needed?
Finding it hard to get a definitive opinion!

 

[Charles Morgan]

Under a grand fitted for a refurbished loom from Sileck. New loom (for a W124 but same engine) - around £1500 plus VAT plus installation.

 

[RichardF]

What is the general cost of replacing should it be needed?
Finding it hard to get a definitive opinion!

See post 3