To give a very brief summation of the issue - a lot of us who got these saw a document showings details and specs that said the entire EV powertrain, battery and electronics were covered for 6 years. A question came up here and I began to doubt my sanity for a bit...then we found the document again and sure enough, it said it was covered, I contacted MB for clarification and then the trouble started. After much back & forth they accepted that battery and electric motor were covered, but not the power electronics. Then at their suggestion, I went to the Ombudsman.
Almost 3 months on and I got my reply. Confused though.
At first read, I didn't spot that they are now accepting that the power electronics are covered?? "I can confirm that during the Plug-In Warranty Period, the Battery Certificate covers any technical malfunction of the associated plug in components (electric machine and power electronics) arising from an inherent manufacturing fault."
This is what I wanted to hear in the first place, so I'm utterly confused now. Although, that does assume(!) that "electric machine" means electric motor/generator unit.
So, I appear to have it in writing, at last, that what was in that document we saw is in fact true, although the 'Battery Certificate' I have doesn't actually say it.
"Thank you for your patience whilst I reviewed your case. I have now received both sides of the story and I have made my decision. Please see my decision below.
What You Say
As submitted to TMO (a copy can be provided upon request)
What The Business Says
Thank you for your patience whilst I have investigated Mr X’s concerns.
I can confirm that during the Plug-In Warranty Period, the Battery Certificate covers any technical malfunction of the associated plug in components (electric machine and power electronics) arising from an inherent manufacturing fault. I would advise Mr X that this information is readily accessible within the ‘Owners Area’ on our websitewww.mercedes-benz.co.uk, along with further information on the Mercedes-Benz Cars UK Limited Battery Certificate for Plug-In Hybrid and Electric Drive Vehicles equipped with High Voltage Batteries (also attached).
I would recommend that moving forward, the customer ensures all information sourced on his vehicle and any future purchases are sourced directly from Mercedes-Benz UK Ltd. rather than online forums or other online sources.
My Decision
I am unable to uphold this complaint for the following reasons. Warranties are in addition to your legal rights. They are a legally binding contract and the Warranty Administrator would set out the terms that would apply and govern the warranty. Unfortunately, you are not able to source the terms from the internet and try and bind the administrator to comply. The internet is unsolicited and so internet-based evidence is usually frowned upon.
The terms and conditions are usually set out, as advised by the administrator,and communicated to you directlyvia their chosen platforms which may be hardcopy literature or the link Mercedes Benz have provided above.
Therefore, I am satisfied that MB UK have acted accordingly and will not be making any further recommendations.
Next Steps
For the above reasons, I am not upholding this complaint. If you wish to submit somenew informationexplaining why my decision is wrong, then I will consider the case further. If my decision does not change, you can appeal to the Ombudsman for a final decision within5 working days.
Regards,"
So, MB don't admit that the document we all saw and some of us have copies of, and was used by sales staff to sell the car, was legitimate, but that the ones they tell us are legitimate ....are. A fight nobody is ever going to win.
Still, despite that fact I seem to have lost....we all won. Battery, power electronics and 'electric machine' are indeed covered for 6 years/62k miles.
Make of that what you will, and hope we never need to try and make a claim.
