C class rear subframe corrosion W204 - 2024 update!

[MBCF]

Have read many threads and am in the process of reading through all here and anything else available online.

C class 60 plate, MOT fail, a couple of inches above the frame is rusted through and split in two. The shock is also gone on the other side and the front shock is on its way out.

Informed MBCS, told to book in with retailer. Was told I would have to bring it in and £222 per hour for labour to inspect as it does not have Mobilo and MB service history.

I refused, citing the US recall, reports it is being replaced FOC and linked the Guardian article (Mercedes has refused to pay for a repair to my rusty car), and told them they were welcome to recover it themselves or inspect it on my driveway (as others have reported they have done previously) - it does not even require a jack for a visual inspection. I informed them that the car is worth less than £3k and beyond economic repair at their rates and sent them a photo of the MOT.

After around 10 emails back and forth and informing that I wanted to raise it to a formal complaint and will take it to the ombudsman if required, they are now responding with the exact same reply and ignored my request for their formal complaint procedures.

I have read this county court rust claim: https://www.honestjohn.co.uk/askhj/...o-court-over-their-30-year-bodywork-warranty-

Is this the next step, although I have not owned from new?

Many thanks in advance for any guidance.

 

[ALFAitalia]

No....because the subframe is not covered by that warranty. The 30 year warranty is for the body shell itself and even then only if its rusted through from the inside.....not bolt on components like subframes etc. Subframe replacement is purely a goodwill thing from Mercedes.......so you need them on your side. Getting a.r s ey and threatening them will probably get you knowwhere.

 

[MBCF]

In which case this should be in the suspension section - can a mod move this.

Well, they have already said that I will be charged so how do you suggest I get them on side?

For clarity, I forwarded the £222 per hour quote email to CS and continued the conversation with them, the retailer was only contacted once.

 

[ALFAitalia]

OK... thats great.... if they have agreed you are sorted. They will probably want more cash too...for bolts, bushes and corroded brake lines.... just based on previous threads on here.

 

[MBCF]

Is that supposed to be sarcasm?

 

[ALFAitalia]

Nope...sorry if it sounded like it. Its just the way it seems to work. My friends "free" subftame replacement on his 212 E Class cost him just under £600.

 

[MBCF]

Yep, no worries, miscommunication.

Someone I know went to a Sytner dealer and they outright refused, a Vertu one did it but charged around £200 for bolts - a lot of reports of FOC so there is definitely no consistency.

Another concern is even if they replace the subframe, as there is no MOT they may refuse to release the car if there are issues with arms, bolts, bushes etc. In which case, it will quickly be BER at their rates.

I would need to know what they will cover, so that I can replace the shock before handing it over to them. Otherwise, there would be no point putting further money into the car for them to turn around and say no after inspection.

 

[colinallcars]

Yep, no worries, miscommunication.

Someone I know went to a Sytner dealer and they outright refused, a Vertu one did it but charged around £200 for bolts - a lot of reports of FOC so there is definitely no consistency.

Another concern is even if they replace the subframe, as there is no MOT they may refuse to release the car if there are issues with arms, bolts, bushes etc. In which case, it will quickly be BER at their rates.

I would need to know what they will cover, so that I can replace the shock before handing it over to them. Otherwise, there would be no point putting further money into the car for them to turn around and say no after inspection.

There’s a guy called Dave Evans on one of the SLK forums who has successfully helped many people achieve free replacement, have a search for him. His approach is from a safety perspective though you would need to get the car to the dealer I would think.

 

[colinallcars]

There’s a guy called Dave Evans on one of the SLK forums who has successfully helped many people achieve free replacement, have a search for him. His approach is from a safety perspective though you would need to get the car to the dealer I would think.

He’s on slkownersclub.co.uk

 

[MBCF]

He’s on slkownersclub.co.uk

Cheers mate, should be able to use a tow rope to get it down to local dealer but not willing to do that at £222 per hour "inspection" charge when an MOT clearly shows the problem. Otherwise I would have done that already.

 

[colinallcars]

Cheers mate, should be able to use a tow rope to get it down to local dealer but not willing to do that at £222 per hour "inspection" charge when an MOT clearly shows the problem. Otherwise I would have done that already.

Read his stuff. The inspection should be free as it’s a safety related exercise.

 

[MBCF]

Read and sent him a message.

Below is the response I had from one dealer, they also refused someone I know with the same issue:

'Please note that customers who have warranty/extended warranty/corrosion warranty (subject to having regular services done through Mercedes Benz) and it’s deemed a manufacturer fault then this will be covered. However, if you don’t have warranty or if it’s not deemed a manufacture fault then investigation fee is £222 for first hour (pro rata).'

 

[Andy_C]

Does anybody know if the replacement subframes fitted by MB have been modified so the same thing doesn't happen again?

 

[ForgxxxR]

Does anybody know if the replacement subframes fitted by MB have been modified so the same thing doesn't happen again?

I'm also curious about this. Mines was changed in November 2023 and I probably wont have the car for much longer but I jokingly asked the salesperson if the new subframe was an improvement from the last and he laughed it off! Also, I didn't get any paperwork when I got the car back. I'm assuming this subframe replacement will be against the QR code/digital service book?

 

[ALFAitalia]

I have nothing to back this up........but I heard they were improved....which is why the later 212s etc don't tend to have the issue. I may have even read that on this forum....

 

[Fastcar155]

My car was a 2016 model and the subframe failed.C writing the car off.

 

[ALFAitalia]

Bang goes that theory then!!

 

[markjay]

Bang goes that theory then!!

A 2016 car will likely have a different problem, because as far as I know the original issue of rusting from the inside only affected cars up to around 2013.

The rear subframe can corrode as result of other issues such as physical damage to the undercarriage or exposure to corrosive substances etc.

Also, the cost of replacing the rear subframe shouldn't be high enough in itself to write-off a 2016 car, I suspect that the damage was more than just a corroded rear subframe?

 

[alexanderfoti]

I have had a few replaced FOC with £0 total costs.

I have had an equal amount try and upset customers on things like brake lines etc "whilst they are there". Same with things like propshaft flexible couplings.

Its a bit cheeky IMO, especially the bolt argument.

If we broke a customers subframe via poor work technique(for example) it would leave a pretty poor impression to then ask them to pay for the bolts.

 

[Neiltodd]

A 2016 car will likely have a different problem, because as far as I know the original issue of rusting from the inside only affected cars up to around 2013.

The rear subframe can corrode as result of other issues such as physical damage to the undercarriage or exposure to corrosive substances etc.

Also, the cost of replacing the rear subframe shouldn't be high enough in itself to write-off a 2016 car, I suspect that the damage was more than just a corroded rear subframe?

Any idea of what month in 2013 it was sorted please?