Mercedes broke my car and are pointing the finger my way!

[DansSlk]

They broke it they can pay to fix it properly.

I cant understand why a main dealer would even suggest a repair that's not MB approved i know for a fact MBUK would love to hear about that.

You agreed with them that the bolt must be removed, and your argument with them would probably hinge on the fact that you did not expect nor where you warned that factory trained techs would be stupid enough to make such a schoolboy error.

If you give somebody permission to mount a tyre and they damage your alloy, they know that if they don't fix it you will be sending them to A&E this should be no different.

They messed up and have no excuse.

 

[jaymanek]

and its a C43... expensive box! I would have none of it, they can repair it...

Depending on where it is the casing can be repaired by a good aluminium welding comany..

 

[fredfloggle]

Just read your questions john:
- It's a 2000 C43 estate
- I asked for the transmission fluid and filter to be replaced
- I have had a verbal quote for the work
- I was called after the bolt was broken
- the removal of the bolt was discussed and I concurred that it needed to be removed. No risks were discussed.

I feel a little exposed as I have no paper work however hoping the as its a main dealer they won't try anything funny.

Good lord at 7 years old they normally disassemble themselves automatically as you drive along -
Probably used a power wrench and had it on tighten instead of loosen for the first bolt.

 

[Ian B Walker]

Recon box from Merc = £1499.73 plus vat. I know having bought one recently. I get the occasional head sheer off those gearbox's and have found that the best way forward is to drill it. Sounds very much like they used an extractor, a definite no no on the electric box's. I snapped a wheel bolt of a customers car and had to remove it at my expense. Same goes for your gearbox. Fight them hard.

 

[fredfloggle]

Is the recon price based upon the return of a serviceable unit - you know , the ones without damaged castings etc?.....

 

[Ian B Walker]

No the box I exchanged was totally knackered (I had a play, just to see how it came apart )

 

[Rory]

slightly agitated we continued the conversation to a point at which he said that if I wanted to make a claim against the workmanship they would 'support my corner'?

Perhaps they're going to claim on their insurance - somewhat surprising, even for a couple of £K though. My BIL's firm blew up a load of computer equipment and his insurance paid.

I can't believe that some numpty must have been hanging off this casing bolt which according to the technician should be at 20Nm. Its not that easy to shear the head off a bolt!
I can't see how its anything but mechanic error?

20nM is nothing, and heads snap off small bolts easily.

I was gobsmacked when you said this was an MB dealer though - I assumed it was some back street place.

 

[Silestanix]

Fight them and fight them hard.

Tey broke it, They fix it.

Simple, no excuses.

 

[Carrotchomper]

Fight them and fight them hard.

Tey broke it, They fix it.

Simple, no excuses.

Absolutely, I've always dealt with independents. Frequently asking them to bodge things which I should really fix properly!

All it takes is a simple 'phone call, as I've had many times in the past. For instance, on my 5 series touring, the rear wiper assembly was seized and needed to come out. They called me, and said "It's refusing to budge... We can try harder/use mole wrench but it will possibly crack your rear screen".

Me- "Yes, no problem, GO AHEAD ANYWAY".. MY RISK!

No consultation- THEIR RISK! If it gets to the point it's going to possibly break something, you ask!

 

[Bobby Dazzler]

Not a good advert for MB Worcester. Generally feedback is positive about MB Worcester and Drayton Group generally.

Let us know how this progresses.

 

[jeremytaylor]

It is a well known fact that if a bolt is tight, then by doing it up a touch, this releases the pressure on the threads and it will unscrew with ease.

Try it on a screw on a door hinge

I did that.

The screw head sheered off and in drilling it out the lovely antique door is damaged beyond repair.

Where do I send the bill for a new door??

 

[television]

I did that.

The screw head sheered off and in drilling it out the lovely antique door is damaged beyond repair.

Where do I send the bill for a new door??

Malcolm Watford
Berga
Sweden

I forgot to say there ar 15 places called berga

 

[Petermcu]

Not a good advert for MB Worcester. Generally feedback is positive about MB Worcester and Drayton Group generally.

Let us know how this progresses.

If you check out another of todays threads there is alot of support for Worcester and I am hoping that this situation will resolves itself quickly and in turn redeems the repairs department.
In all other dealings and even today they have been very friendly and on the ball. They just haven't dealt with this at all well.

Will be in touch with them tomorrow and will update with progress.

 

[GeorgeA]

I had some good advise from this very forum. Keep calm and polite at all times making your point clearly. Advise you are not happy and will escalate to MBUK.

Worked for me - I got 50% off parts and labour for an out of warranty repair.

Your situation is different, they damaged your car so you are in a strong position IMO.

Good luck mate, let us know how you got on

 

[crockers]

Yes that's the secret....be polite...calm but FIRM.

Good luck..

 

[kth286]

Keep your phone records, times and numbers, when they contacted you. It is on alot of phones nowadays. Or ask BT for a print out.

Records are the key.

At the end of the day it is not the dealer that has to be convinced it is their insurance company that will be paying the claim.

All big dealers will have indemnity insurance for such events.

(all small workshops should also but whether they do or not I do not know).

 

[mark.t]

i broke it but its your fault ....sounds like the wife

 

[GrahamC230K]

I think you might have a case if you can add sufficient doubt that the sheared bolt was not removed in the most appropriete way.

However I am not sure I agree with what a lot of people are saying that anything that breaks whilst in the care of the garage is their fault. How can this be so (so long as appropriete care was taken)?

 

[Bobby Dazzler]

Ask to speak to the dealer principal - but don't give any suggestion it's to complain, instead make it clear that initially you want to see if there's anything they can do to help.

Depending upon the response, run it by DCUK Customer Services, as a quick call from them will help resolve the situation.

 

[DansSlk]

However I am not sure I agree with what a lot of people are saying that anything that breaks whilst in the care of the garage is their fault. How can this be so (so long as appropriete care was taken)?

Well normally so long as its in your care its your responsibility not so for any items such as CD's or sunglasses that the owner has decided to leave in the car but the car itself is up to you to look after.

If something gets broken by mistake well no biggie just claim on the insurance thats what its there for at the end of day.

Its like if you gave me your car for a week and i lost control on ice and hit a tree you would rightfully expect me / my insurance to pay for the damage.

Its no different for the dealer or for any company looking after cars for that matter, I'm sure you have seen towing company drivers inspecting cars before moving them then making a note of every mark on it its the same thing.