How long should a Boot lock last (190)

[light warrior]

Ok Guys, How long should a Boot lock last, no this isn't a trick question.

I purchased a Boot Lock for a 190 from Mercedes last September 04, now it won't lock.

I can't move the key, I can insert the key but it won’t turn, I've tried both keys but neither will work.

I need some advice as Mercedes won't budge because they say its out of Guarantee. Now as I understand the Sale Of Goods Act, a guarantee is an extra and does not affect your rights with regards to parts that are faulty, But I have to be able to prove that the life expectancy of a boot lock is longer than one year 2 months and it is reasonable to assume that a boot lock would last longer than this.

I don't want to take B&K Thomas to court over this but I will out of principle, even if it costs me more. I detest bad service and employees with smug attitudes, that think they can get away with flouting the consumer laws, and think they can hide behind Guarantees and think this removes any responsibilities they may have. So can I have your opinion please?

PS the last lock lasted 18 years. So I would use that as a guide to the longevity of the part, plus Mercedes tout themselves as purveyors of quality parts.


Tia

 

[pammy]

I think you've answered your question yourself in how long the original lasted.

However, who fitted it? That might be a get out for them in being able to say it wasn't fitted correctly, suitabley lubricated etc etc. But go for it on principle!!

 

[Alfie]

Ok Guys, How long should a Boot lock last, no this isn't a trick question.

I purchased a Boot Lock for a 190 from Mercedes last September 04, now it won't lock.

I can't move the key, I can insert the key but it won’t turn, I've tried both keys but neither will work.

I need some advice as Mercedes won't budge because they say its out of Guarantee. Now as I understand the Sale Of Goods Act, a guarantee is an extra and does not affect your rights with regards to parts that are faulty, But I have to be able to prove that the life expectancy of a boot lock is longer than one year 2 months and it is reasonable to assume that a boot lock would last longer than this.

I don't want to take B&K Thomas to court over this but I will out of principle, even if it costs me more. I detest bad service and employees with smug attitudes, that think they can get away with flouting the consumer laws, and think they can hide behind Guarantees and think this removes any responsibilities they may have. So can I have your opinion please?

PS the last lock lasted 18 years. So I would use that as a guide to the longevity of the part, plus Mercedes tout themselves as purveyors of quality parts.


Tia

Have you tried squirting some penetrating oil into the lock?

 

[light warrior]

Hi Guys and Girls, Yes I've tried oiling it not that it should need it after only a year, and i fitted it, but a chimp could have fitted it; 2 bolts and a circlip holding the bar to the central locking acuator not exactly taxing is it lol. The lock looks like its a sealed unit so any chance of repair is slim.

It doesn't matter what I think; apparently, it has to be what they think and what I can prove. If my spider senses are correct they are going to say it should last a year. I have yet to meet a company that has held there hands up and said fairs dues yes it should last longer than that so we'll replace it. So much for integrity and honesty.

I am just waiting for a call back from the mercedes garage that sold me the part, I pretty much posed the same questions I have posted on this forum, so I'll post when I get an answer.

 

[Shude]

It doesn't matter what I think; apparently, it has to be what they think and what I can prove. If my spider senses are correct they are going to say it should last a year. I have yet to meet a company that has held there hands up and said fairs dues yes it should last longer than that so we'll replace it. So much for integrity and honesty.

If they had told you at the time that it would only last a year I'm sure you'd not have bothered!

 

[light warrior]

Well a turn up for the books, I got a reply and they are going to replace it under warranty, and they will fit it too; at no cost to me. I think I'm going to have to eat my words; i hate it when they do that, bugger now I can't be grumpy lol!

 

[pammy]

lol - see they can do it when they try