Mercedes Dealer issue - on Rusted Subframe C220 (W204)

[borderfox]

So I failed an MOT on a C220 (W204) due to a rusted subframe. I was told that I couldn't drive the car as the defect is dangerous. I proceeded to contact Mercedes. They said they would have to assess it and based on that assessment they would tell me whether it was covered under warranty. Here's the issue - they can't slot it in for an assessment for a few months! So now I'm stuck with a car that it would be illegal to drive (and uninsured).

Any idea how I could get past this issue? Is there a means of getting around the dealer and talking to Mercedes themselves. Anyone got appropriate contact details?

 

[Bobby Dazzler]

So I failed an MOT on a C220 (W204) due to a rusted subframe. I was told that I couldn't drive the car as the defect is dangerous. I proceeded to contact Mercedes. They said they would have to assess it and based on that assessment they would tell me whether it was covered under warranty. Here's the issue - they can't slot it in for an assessment for a few months! So now I'm stuck with a car that it would be illegal to drive (and uninsured).

Any idea how I could get past this issue? Is there a means of getting around the dealer and talking to Mercedes themselves. Anyone got appropriate contact details?

Sorry to hear your news. It’s not uncommon on a number of models from that period.

Firstly try contacting a few different dealers.

Explain that you can’t not have the car and ask if they can assess it sooner, or provide a courtesy car (they probably won’t provide a courtesy car though).

Call the telephone number on the inside of your door shut and speak to customer services.

I hope this helps.

 

[merc85]

I wonder if the frames will be on back order??
It’s getting more difficult to supply parts these days

 

[oldguy57]

So I failed an MOT on a C220 (W204) due to a rusted subframe. I was told that I couldn't drive the car as the defect is dangerous. I proceeded to contact Mercedes. They said they would have to assess it and based on that assessment they would tell me whether it was covered under warranty. Here's the issue - they can't slot it in for an assessment for a few months! So now I'm stuck with a car that it would be illegal to drive (and uninsured).

Any idea how I could get past this issue? Is there a means of getting around the dealer and talking to Mercedes themselves. Anyone got appropriate contact details?

You are being fobbed off by the dealer, standard practice for some. Use the search function on here and see who has had success from certain dealers- plenty of posts on this issue.

 

[markjay]

Welcome.

If the issue is that the particular dealer that you have approached has no availability for inspecting the car, then try another dealer, even if it means travelling, or delivering the car to them on a flatbed. You will eventually find a dealer who has availability.

Alternatively, if you really need the car and can't get an appointment, then consider taking it to a specialist and obtaining a quote from them, then getting it done at your own cost. You also have to take into account that it's been 'hit and miss' and while some had their claims approved, other had them rejected. Unfair, but not everyone has the time and money to engage in a legal battle with a car manufacturer.

With regards calling MB directly, I think they'll just refer you back to the dealer, but it's certainly worth trying, so I suggest that you do contact them anyway.

And last, once the job is finally being done, make sure that the bolts are replaced, that any bushes are inspected and replaced if need be, and that the condition of the brake lines is inspected as well, keeping in mind that you'll need to pay for these even in the event that the subframe is replaced under warranty. Sadly there have been members here who had to pay for the new subframe to be removed again shortly after the job was done under warranty, because an unrelated component failed.

 

[Tineca]

Bit of a update, so could not make the original appointment as another brake pipe burst at a rusty junction!! Car now with MB and yes they will pay but a six week wait. So good news