making a claim on mobilo life for rust

[Flyer]

The vast majority of claims recorded here on the site fall into the "goodwill" category. Why? Because there are very few claims that comply with what is covered by the anti-perforation warranty. So what does the OEM do? If they make the repair under "warranty" they have effectively agreed to alter their terms and conditions (within the eyes of the law system, anyway). Exactly as when they place a part when the vehicle is outside of mechanical warranty - it's "goodwill", not warranty. Nothing to do with fudging the books - all the cost hits the bottom line at some point.

My final - and impartial - view is this......MB/DC are going beyond what a number (not all) of OEMs would do. They would be quite within their "legal" rights to not touch the majority of corrosion claims but they do - of course, without making the stupid (in a commercial sense) move of legitimising the situation by declaring an open house on claims or repairing them under warranty. In the situation they are in, I would be advising them to take the course that they are doing. The implementation may be a bit hit-and-miss (and I wouldn't neccesarily try to fix that) and there won't be a bottomless pit to cover it all. I can imagine that "goodwill" repair will get harder to come by as time progresses.

Thanks very much for that explanation. When I was at my dealer last week for an inspection for rust, he said that my car would be repaired as MB goodwill and that MB would withdraw goodwill claims once the vehicle reaches 8 years old. At the time, I just accepted that, believing that actually they had a contractual obligation (as long as I kept to my side of the contract) to repair it for 30 years and I'd argue the point when they eventually turn my claim down.

I can now see that my beliefs were wrong

 

[goldestate]

More Ranting about Mobilo

Having taken the trouble to read my Mobilo life details where oh where is the eight years coming from if and I repeat if you have had the car serviced at your MB garage and that I believe is a fair term (you could have it parked on a beach for all they know) or at least have let them inspect the bodywork how can they renege on the 30 year term
I have also looked at the specifics for "Warranty against perforated bodywork" and in my details it says clearly in brackets (from the inside out) this does not mean as is constantly and to my mind wrongly from inside the car to outside the car, your bodywork is in fact in many layers and the inside is by definition under the outside if I can show it in numerical form 123-321
1= laquer or top coat
2=base coat
3= primers
- = metal
So for - to show corrosion it has come from the inside out unless you have damaged 123 I cannot see why the Goodwill term is being used, do I need a lie down or am I right.PS it also says at ZERO cost to you, AND it covers the underbody it says. oh and the outside is where you put the polish, or you lean, or next doors bloody cat sits, or where pigeons.......

 

[Dieselman]

Inside-out means exactly that, from the inside of the metal panel. You are referring to surface rust which is definately exterior rust.

Look at it this way. If there isa hole through the panel where the rust has started on the inside of the panel then this will be covered by Mobilio, if the rust starts on the outside of the panel and is working inwards then it's down to "goodwill".

Under goodwill payments MB will cover bodywork for a maximum of 8 years and safety items, such as subframes, for 10 years.

 

[delb0y]

Hi folks, I was taxing a C Class a while back and since discovered rust at the top of the roof near the window seal.. I took the car to merc and they had a look at it and said they will send off the claim to merc.. The guy asked me if the car was a taxi i said no.. its been de plated and radio is taken out.. however it does have a ariel on the roof

Anyone with a simliar problem ?
Will merc fix it under the warranty ?

Cheers del

Just to add i was told at the bodyshop that i wont get a replacement car !!!
I need my car for work surely they have to supply a car even if its not the same size or model? can anyone advise please

cheers

 

[goldestate]

I am most definately not referring to surface rust as that by definition would have to be rusting paint to follow your argument, I am pointing out quite clearly, in I thought the most obvious manner that rust must, unless on a damaged panel come from inside out, your bodywork is not a single element it is made up of a number of layers the steel forming the central core the primers and paint the outside and there are two outsides the one you polish (hopefully)where the cat sits etc and the one hidden looking at your window motors and inner wings etc, time for my medicine.

 

[DrNick]

By Jove I think he has a point! A single panel could be viewed as having 2 outsides, and the inside is anything not contacting the outside ie the middle of the metal. This does open up a can of (tin) worms!

I am most definately not referring to surface rust as that by definition would have to be rusting paint to follow your argument, I am pointing out quite clearly, in I thought the most obvious manner that rust must, unless on a damaged panel come from inside out, your bodywork is not a single element it is made up of a number of layers the steel forming the central core the primers and paint the outside and there are two outsides the one you polish (hopefully)where the cat sits etc and the one hidden looking at your window motors and inner wings etc, time for my medicine.

 

[stats007]

No it doesn't. It's painfully simple. If a panel corrodes on its own with no damage to the original coating then it will be repaired.

 

[goldestate]

But I would agree with that if we did !!!! and that is the whole point of my argument, why is the term goodwill used so often as though we are getting a favour when its a clear contractual obligation to repair or replace.

 

[R3ch]

Took my car to the bodyshop today, 2 arches and 2 window frames to be done. Anybody had any experience using Avonstrand in Romford?

 

[Dieselman]

No it doesn't. It's painfully simple. If a panel corrodes on its own with no damage to the original coating then it will be repaired.

I don't want to get into an argument but in the best panto language "oh no it won't", well at least not automatically.

Exterior surfaces of metal showing corrosion under an apparently unbroken paint layer will not be covered by Mobilio and probably won't obtain a goodwill claim unless within the initial 3 year paintwork waranty.

 

[Glenn Smith]

I don't want to get into an argument but in the best panto language "oh no it won't", well at least not automatically.

Exterior surfaces of metal showing corrosion under an apparently unbroken paint layer will not be covered by Mobilio and probably won't obtain a goodwill claim unless within the initial 3 year paintwork waranty.

Agree this could be the case, but it certainly isn't in my case! as i said before, i have not had a MB service ever, last one on the car was 31/2years ago and most of the corrosion has definately not resulted from perforation of the metal from inside out, what are DCUK to do? the paint on these mercs is absolute sh**e so they have agreed to repair free of charge, how else are they going to tempt us to stick with the marque.

 

[Dieselman]

Agree this could be the case, but it certainly isn't in my case! as i said before, i have not had a MB service ever, last one on the car was 31/2years ago and most of the corrosion has definately not resulted from perforation of the metal from inside out, what are DCUK to do? the paint on these mercs is absolute sh**e so they have agreed to repair free of charge, how else are they going to tempt us to stick with the marque.

I bet your rust waas from the edges of panels and around stamped holes. Lack of protection is well known and accepted by MB so is covered under goodwill.

 

[Glenn Smith]

Correct, apart from tailgate, anyway my car has now gone in for repairs, the bodyshop man tells me it'll take 4 weeks!!! my other half is well p*#*ed with her replacement forfour smart (i'll have to hide the keys to the Jag).
Work to be done on merc. repair to both rear doglegs (front of rearwheel arch) two new wings!! repair to offside sill, repair to tailgate (replaced 18 months ago, gone rusty!!!) repairs to top lip of three doors (mercedes have a new method of preventing corrosion here, they cut it off, prime the bare edge, clean the seal and squidge silicone compound in the seal retaining lip and close the door till it sets (nice?)
Ther car also has numerous other areas where small chips are growing (even the ones i touched up) mainly on the A pillar and up along the sides of the roof.
Whilst dropping the car off the body man tells me of another customer coming in that morning with a 3 week old SL, paint falling off the bumper, he not happy, and his courtesy car!! another smart car, i'd be f##*ing livid!!!

 

[Shude]

Whilst dropping the car off the body man tells me of another customer coming in that morning with a 3 week old SL, paint falling off the bumper, he not happy, and his courtesy car!! another smart car, i'd be f##*ing livid!!!

Reminds me of this gem:

http://www.mbclub.co.uk/forums/showthread.php?t=1726

 

[andy_cyp]

Noticed yesterday whilst cleaning the car that rust was appearing on the front bonnet by the hinges, straight to my dealership i went today to tell them about it, they said neednt worry as they are positive they ill get a complete re-spray on the bonnet.

They took the car into the bodyshop took a few snaps and copied the required paperwork to send of.

Cars booked in on the 16/10 and got a loaner for the duration.
was quite pleased actually as stone chips on the bonnet was only thing really p!$$!ng me off.

 

[stats007]

Is there a rear bonnet ?

You'll be a very lucky chap if they do the whole bonnet - I'd also be very surprised.

 

[stringbag]

You never know - they replaced both of my front wings last week - not doing repairs at the moment I was told - very difficult to stop rust coming back, apparently!
Good luck.

 

[glojo]

You never know - they replaced both of my front wings last week - not doing repairs at the moment I was told - very difficult to stop rust coming back, apparently!
Good luck.

Last year Dieselman and I were discussing this exact same topic!!

I wonder if they are finally listening to a Mad man

John

 

[stats007]

Wings are a lot cheaper to replace - the rust I would think is minor on the hinges and probably localised to the inside?

 

[Glenn Smith]

Mobilio or MobilioLife has evolved, I have never had a Mercedes-Benz with the same terms and conditions for this cover, but in my opinion it is simply being refined. Mobilio Life was abbreviated because the legal department had to define 'Life'! This has now been established as 30 years. Your mention of the fifth year is explained by the other condition of not going over two years between servicing. The main warranty last three years, then they allow the vehicle to go for up to two years before getting a main dealer service. Note I am now mentioning main dealer, but please include authorised agent. This is only required IF the owner decides they want to carry on with the Mobilo cover.

I was reading some literature (whilst waiting for my courtsey car, whilst my merc. is in for rust repairs) This mentioned Mobilolife on newer cars (from 04) and Mobilolife was no longer reffered to as a warranty as it is on earlier cars and therefore allowing MB to stipulate conditions of service in order to maintain the cover i.e. renewal every two years at a MB service (although they are willing to re-instate if you've had a non dealer service) This i believe puts a whole new light on newer cars, older cars the mobilolife was reffered to as a warranty, as they can no longer insist on dealer servicing to maintain the warranty we stand a good chance of getting corrosion repairs even without merc SH, on newer cars, as mobilolife is no longer a warranty, i doubt if we will. as newer mercs don't appear to be any better built buying one could well be very risky if you don't use MB for servicing. This means i can't really buy another, as i do my own servicing and repairs ( as a qualified vehicle service engineer, why shouldn't I ) I wish I could see some evidence that newer Mercs are better protected, I have asked DCUK to supply details of processes used on later cars, compared to mine, but they have not responded.