2. Biodegradable Mercedes-Benz Wiring Insulation
In the world of transportation many problems arise from good intentions or lack of proper
foresight. This is especially true in the automotive field where defects are found everyday across
the many manufacturers. Many problems turn out to be recalled; however, there are even more
that do not. Mercedes-Benz's use of biodegradable wiring insulation is an example of a
documented problem that has not been recalled and most likely never will be.
On many models from 1991 through 1996, Mercedes used “biodegradable” insulation on
the wiring and it is estimated that 1.5 million manufactured vehicles were affected. The use of
this biodegradable insulation has caused numerous issues for owners of the affected vehicles. As
time passes more and more cases will continue to pop up around the world as it is not a matter of
if it will happen but when it will happen. The intention is good when using such an "eco-
friendly" solution to the common environmentally damaging materials used throughout the
industry. Although essentially the company was only trying to do the right thing, time has proven
that there are many negative results that have emerged for the consumer in this situation. Even
though this is a minor problem compared to some issues that have resulted from poor
engineering practices it nevertheless is an engineering disaster.
A wide range of problems have been reported from the insulation breaking down while
still in service. The main problem is that the insulation decays causing wires to be exposed. Once
these wires are exposed all it takes is the right situation to cause many possible problems with
the affected vehicles. Engine failures can range from rough operation to complete engine
shutdown. Some very dangerous situations may also arise from such a fault; these can include
erratic acceleration of the vehicle, abs malfunctions, engine compartment fires, and sudden
stalling. Beyond being a safety defect such problems as wiring fires cause damage to other
3. components in the vicinity of the defect. Other items that can be damaged as a result include
control units that provide critical operation of the vehicle, including but not limited to the engine
control unit, mass airflow sensor, and pressurized engine control unit. The repair cost of just one
failure can range from hundreds of dollars on the low end to the vehicle being considered salvage
because the repairs exceed the value of the vehicle.
Since this is a problem that will eventually surface on vehicles equipped with the
defective harnesses one can understand why Mercedes-Benz does not want to take responsibility
for this engineering defect. The cost for a recall on this problem would be enormous, definitely
in the hundreds of millions and easily more depending on the actual number of defective parts.
The extent of the damage caused by the defective parts needs to also be considered along with
other damages. When all said and done the figures could be in the billions of dollars.
In conclusion extensive research and development could have prevented these problems.
The cost/benefit analysis from a managerial position should have been able to realize the
possibility of using this type of insulation costing the company in the long run. One needs to ask
themselves if the cost/benefit analysis properly takes into consideration the ethical fallout that
may result from the decision made. It is obvious that the financial fallout is an inconvenience for
owners of the affected vehicles and Mercedes-Benz if they were to take responsibility for the
defective engineering and/or management decisions. Aside from financial problems, other
factors such as safety problems can result from such negligence and need to be addressed. Since
there is no recall on the issue of faulty "biodegradable" wire insulation on select Mercedes-Benz
vehicles there is essentially no consequence for their actions - yet.
