broken fan belt 4 times on 63 AMG

[lazy steve]

Hello, first post here, been looking at the site for a few years. I need some advice if possible. I have searched the forum but can't find anything related.
I hace 2008 ML63 AMG. I bought new. I am now on 44000 km. I had a few teething problems all covered by warranty. During this time the fan belt snapped completely once ( shorting out the main computer in the process and blocking the steering pump). This was all covered under warranty. a month later the belt started to rip again. Back in service, belt and tensioner changed. Month later belt started to rip again, back to service, new belt and rollers.
The warranty finished 2 months ago. the belt has started to rip again. Back to service, they ask central office what to do and they say they now know the problem can be permanently solved by adding an extra roller and changing 2 others. I have to pay for this as I am out of warranty.
Is anyone aware of this problem?
Is the solution real?
Any comments or advice?

Thanks in advance,

Steve.

 

[camerafodder]

If it is a recognised problem why should you have to pay for it? The issue started whilst the vehicle was under warranty and has not been solved so I would say your warranty claim still stands.

 

[trapperjohn]

Good Morning lazy steve and welcome to the forum.

Looks like a case of a substantial contribution incoming from Mercedes on this one. You will have to ask of course. Big advantage for you is you bought the vehicle new and it would appear not to have been sold as "fit for purpose" sale of goods act and so on.

You have dealer service history and history of a known fault by the look of it with a fix known to Mercedes.

Others with more knowledge will be along soon.

Good Luck with the chase.

Dont let the b*stards get you down if you get a bit of the cold shoulder. Mind you 2008 ML AMG bought new from the dealer you should get red carpet treatment.

EDIT.

Bugger. camerafodder beat me to it.

 

[johnsco]

I agree completely.
MB should be paying for this.
It is clearly a recognised fault that has been there from new.

My God ... It's not rocket science, is it ?

 

[BTB 500]

Big advantage for you is you bought the vehicle new and it would appear not to have been sold as "fit for purpose" sale of goods act and so on.

I assume this is outside the UK: "now on 44000 km".

However I would also expect a MAJOR 'goodwill' contribution from M-B for the work.

 

[amgmaster]

i dont think it is a uk car because it would still be under warranty if it is a 08 car.
if you had that many problems with the ml63 was not a extended warranty an option when the warranty ran out.
i had a ml63 amg which was a amazing car but the gearbox went which would have cost £13000 fitted but luckily for me it was still under warranty so was done free of charge.
what i am trying to say is that i would never have any amg without warranty.
all the best with your claim hope you can resolve your problem.

 

[lazy steve]

Thanks for all the replies. I was expecting these sort of replies. I will be going to pick up the car on Tuesday and will see what happens. I can't find any official paper for the correction and I haven't heard of anyone else having this problem. I bought the car direct from AMG in Germany and imported it to Bulgaria. It has been services here by the official MB dealer.
Will update when I get the car back.

Regards,

Steve

 

[NOMONEYBUTAMERC]

I would say that 4 belt failures in 2 years definitely points to an inherent fault with your vehicle , and would suggest that you insist on an alignment check.
This , or incorrect tensioning of the belt would be the most likely cause of failure.Since the pulleys have been replaced , the addition of another roller
( tensioner ) , indicates that MB are aware of a fault , and should be liable for
any costs incurred . My company car ( Skoda Octavia ) , on an 06 plate , has covered 110,000 hard miles , and not had any belt , other than timing belt replaced . You paid a lot of money for "quality " , and should not be expected to pay a penny ( cent ) towards this rectification.. You may wish to speak to the manufacturer of the belt , i imagine they would have some cocerns over this issue.

 

[Adam230K]

Get those thieving, bill-dodging b*stards to pay for it. Its a fault that has been there from the start.

 

[lazy steve]

Hello All, I have finally got it sorted out. This problem dragged on for a while as I was away traveling without the car and couldn't really put any kilometers on the car after each experiment by the dealer.
In total I went through 6 belts. i am still on number 7 with 15,000 km and no signs of wear and tear so I can assume the problem has been solved.
The cause was explained to be as follows. The hydraulic pump was fixed directly to the engine and caused ocilation in the belt so much that it self destructed. The pump has been changed with a different type and attached with some damper between the mating faces. All the vibration in the belt has now gone and all running fine.
I am glad it is sorted out just a shame it took so long.

I still haven't heard of anyone else having this problem but AMG are aware as they suggested the change to my dealer and covered all costs.

Regards,

Steve.