Mercedes GLC Clonking and juddering on near full steering lock

[NAZ_]

I have a GLC Coupe on order and is expected to be delivered to the supplying dealer end of Feb. I had a lengthy chat with the sales guy and expressed my concerns and clearly stated that I am looking to cancel if he is unable to guarantee that my car will be problem free. A few hours later he called back and advised that he had talked to MB Milton Keynes and whilst they acknowledge the issue at this stage it's too early to determine next steps and what's involved from a solution standpoint. I suppose that ties in with this date of 24th Jan. He said he will provide a further update as and when more information becomes available. He also said that he spent 10 minutes in a GLC going round in circles on full lock and did not experience the issue to the degree shown in the YouTube link. He went on to say that whilst there was some very minor skipping (wet conditions and around 9 degrees temp) it was nothing beyond what is expected of a 4x4.

I'm really looking forward to taking delivery of my car and the last thing I want to do is cancel but neither do I want the hassle and grief already experienced. by some GLC owners who I completely sympathise with.

Let's see how this story unfolds...

 

[mgooda]

I have a GLC Coupe on order and is expected to be delivered to the supplying dealer end of Feb. I had a lengthy chat with the sales guy and expressed my concerns and clearly stated that I am looking to cancel if he is unable to guarantee that my car will be problem free. A few hours later he called back and advised that he had talked to MB Milton Keynes and whilst they acknowledge the issue at this stage it's too early to determine next steps and what's involved from a solution standpoint. I suppose that ties in with this date of 24th Jan. He said he will provide a further update as and when more information becomes available. He also said that he spent 10 minutes in a GLC going round in circles on full lock and did not experience the issue to the degree shown in the YouTube link. He went on to say that whilst there was some very minor skipping (wet conditions and around 9 degrees temp) it was nothing beyond what is expected of a 4x4. I'm really looking forward to taking delivery of my car and the last thing I want to do is cancel but neither do I want the hassle and grief already experienced. by some GLC owners who I completely sympathise with. Let's see how this story unfolds...

My best advice would be for you to suggest the salesman absolutely shows you what he defines as "minor" and then take a view at that point.

It isn't minor at all, my C43, in terms of this issue is much more pronounced than any of the videos posted - again the videos do not portray this as a minor issue.

 

[NAZ_]

Thanks mgooda - that will always be part of the problem i.e. what he defines as minor may well be completely unacceptable to someone else. I am inclined to cancel but think it would make sense to wait and see what MB proposes to fix this issue. Do we know if this is affecting all 43 cars and the GLC or just some?

 

[mgooda]

Thanks mgooda - that will always be part of the problem i.e. what he defines as minor may well be completely unacceptable to someone else. I am inclined to cancel but think it would make sense to wait and see what MB proposes to fix this issue. Do we know if this is affecting all 43 cars and the GLC or just some?

My dealer certainly acknowledges it's all 43's and was the rationale for confirming it's a characteristic. They weren't afraid to confirm nigh on all owners have raised it and their own demonstrators react the same way.

Yes, agree, you have a bit of time to decide.

 

[DRIVER200]

I have a GLC Coupe on order and is expected to be delivered to the supplying dealer end of Feb. I had a lengthy chat with the sales guy and expressed my concerns and clearly stated that I am looking to cancel if he is unable to guarantee that my car will be problem free. A few hours later he called back and advised that he had talked to MB Milton Keynes and whilst they acknowledge the issue at this stage it's too early to determine next steps and what's involved from a solution standpoint. I suppose that ties in with this date of 24th Jan. He said he will provide a further update as and when more information becomes available. He also said that he spent 10 minutes in a GLC going round in circles on full lock and did not experience the issue to the degree shown in the YouTube link. He went on to say that whilst there was some very minor skipping (wet conditions and around 9 degrees temp) it was nothing beyond what is expected of a 4x4.

I'm really looking forward to taking delivery of my car and the last thing I want to do is cancel but neither do I want the hassle and grief already experienced. by some GLC owners who I completely sympathise with.

Let's see how this story unfolds...

Roll on the 24th then......

 

[dejongj]

I have a GLC Coupe on order and is expected to be delivered to the supplying dealer end of Feb. I had a lengthy chat with the sales guy and expressed my concerns and clearly stated that I am looking to cancel if he is unable to guarantee that my car will be problem free. A few hours later he called back and advised that he had talked to MB Milton Keynes and whilst they acknowledge the issue at this stage it's too early to determine next steps and what's involved from a solution standpoint. I suppose that ties in with this date of 24th Jan. He said he will provide a further update as and when more information becomes available. He also said that he spent 10 minutes in a GLC going round in circles on full lock and did not experience the issue to the degree shown in the YouTube link. He went on to say that whilst there was some very minor skipping (wet conditions and around 9 degrees temp) it was nothing beyond what is expected of a 4x4.

I'm really looking forward to taking delivery of my car and the last thing I want to do is cancel but neither do I want the hassle and grief already experienced. by some GLC owners who I completely sympathise with.

Let's see how this story unfolds...

Mine is from that dealer. If you want you can let me know the sales persons name in a private message. I've got an appointment tomorrow to have an investigation/test drive with the sales director and workshop manager.

Unfortunate the weather forecast is very cold for tomorrow whilst I was hoping for a hot and mild day to proof the point. As such I'm not holding me breath.

 

[dejongj]

My dealer certainly acknowledges it's all 43's and was the rationale for confirming it's a characteristic. They weren't afraid to confirm nigh on all owners have raised it and their own demonstrators react the same way.

Yes, agree, you have a bit of time to decide.

Is that all 43 on the C class platform or also the E class platform like the GLE43?

 

[mgooda]

Is that all 43 on the C class platform or also the E class platform like the GLE43?

It's only been referenced on the C to me, not personally seen anything on E class at all in respect of this complaint.

 

[dejongj]

It's only been referenced on the C to me, not personally seen anything on E class at all in respect of this complaint.

Ok cool, might know my alternative car then

I suspect it is all c class platform based right hand drive 4matic vehicles. I mean the diesel versions of the GLC cars have this issue as well.

 

[Bobby Dazzler]

Is that all 43 on the C class platform or also the E class platform like the GLE43?

Although the naming convention has been aligned, the GLE isn't actually based upon the E-class platform. The GLS and GLE both share a platform not linked to the S or E-class.

 

[prettyboy]

I've not noticed anything about this on this thread, but how comes the a45 cars aren't affected at all? Or are they and I've just missed it?

 

[Toobad]

Although the naming convention has been aligned, the GLE isn't actually based upon the E-class platform. The GLS and GLE both share a platform not linked to the S or E-class.

And to further muddy the waters, I believe the GLC is actually built on an E-Class chassis with a modified rear overhang.

 

[dejongj]

Although the naming convention has been aligned, the GLE isn't actually based upon the E-class platform. The GLS and GLE both share a platform not linked to the S or E-class.

And to further muddy the waters, I believe the GLC is actually built on an E-Class chassis with a modified rear overhang.

Cool, thanks.

 

[DRIVER200]

More interesting technical theories now on the HJ page:

Mercedes-Benz refuses to fix crabbing problem on GLC and GLC Coupe | Motoring News | Honest John

 

[Tony Mac]

The new car sales manager at my dealer called me to say that after receiving dozens of complaints from GLC customers, he decided to test the GLC C43 for himself. He said it the worst low speed juddering and bouncing he'd experienced in a MB, it felt like the car was doing an 'Irish Jig' - I thought this was quite an appropriate way of putting it

He has been receiving the same - fit winter tyres - response from MB HQ, but doesn't believe this is really the answer. He also admitted that none of the sales people have told prospective GLC customers they will need to fit winter tyres, and nobody in a relatively warm UK should need to read the user manual before buying a £50,000 MB car - fitting a new set of tyres at <7'C temps in the UK is nonsense.

We also talked about the rapid tyre wear on our 250d AMG Line GLC - after 8,500 miles the fronts show excessive edge wear that will probably result in a total life of around 11 - 12,000 miles maximum - This is my Wife's car, it's being driven quite cautiously, averaging approx 43 mpg. She's not racing to and from the shops! As the GLC is relatively new model, the sales manager couldn't give me an answer on whether this was an acceptable level of wear, but did agree it was on the low side for a mid-sized car. He did not accept that the wheel juddering and tyre wear are related, but I believe they are.

He doesn't have any answers but is hoping, like all of us, that MB find a fix soon!

 

[DRIVER200]

The new car sales manager at my dealer called me to say that after receiving dozens of complaints from GLC customers, he decided to test the GLC C43 for himself. He said it the worst low speed juddering and bouncing he'd experienced in a MB, it felt like the car was doing an 'Irish Jig' - I thought this was quite an appropriate way of putting it

He has been receiving the same - fit winter tyres - response from MB HQ, but doesn't believe this is really the answer. He also admitted that none of the sales people have told prospective GLC customers they will need to fit winter tyres, and nobody in a relatively warm UK should need to read the user manual before buying a £50,000 MB car - fitting a new set of tyres at <7'C temps in the UK is nonsense.

We also talked about the rapid tyre wear on our 250d AMG Line GLC - after 8,500 miles the fronts show excessive edge wear that will probably result in a total life of around 11 - 12,000 miles maximum - This is my Wife's car, it's being driven quite cautiously, averaging approx 43 mpg. She's not racing to and from the shops! As the GLC is relatively new model, the sales manager couldn't give me an answer on whether this was an acceptable level of wear, but did agree it was on the low side for a mid-sized car. He did not accept that the wheel juddering and tyre wear are related, but I believe they are.

He doesn't have any answers but is hoping, like all of us, that MB find a fix soon!

Was he aware of any Formal announcement by MB by the 24th January a date that has been given to several owners by their dealerships? Also how have you left it with your dealer will you be able to 'Reject' your car if no acceptable solution is found?

 

[dejongj]

Well my visit to MB Milton Keynes was a total disappointment. I was promised to have an investigation, an appointment with the Sales Director and Workshop Manager. Instead I just got a normal service manager with no prior history. They weren't interested in a test drive, they took it in for a quick visual inspection, reported all is well and pointed the video camera at the bulletin from Mercedes Benz that I need to be running on winter tyres.

Then that was the response, and they handed me a prepared letter address to me by Mercedes UK explaining that this is not an safety issue, just a comfort issue. Interesting that they have stated that in black and white to me At least there is some recognition there is an issue.

But unfortunately they deem a comfort issue on a brand new Mercedes Benz normal and cannot do anything else.

I honestly can't be bothered at this moment in time to scan etc. I'm sick and tired of wasting my time with this car and have too much work to do. However I will do it later for the benefit of others.

With this formal denial, and formal acceptance that it is just a comfort issue I would seriously not proceed with any purchase of these cars. Mercedes UK and their dealers are seriously not interested in any resolution.

Anyway, dealer principle wasn't available, dealers sales director wasn't available. I did speak to their business manager who assured me they will contact me but couldn't say what they will do.

It is time to increase the pressure.

PS. No mention or knowledge of this rumour around an announcement for 24th January by Mercedes UK.

 

[Tony Mac]

Was he aware of any Formal announcement by MB by the 24th January a date that has been given to several owners by their dealerships? Also how have you left it with your dealer will you be able to 'Reject' your car if no acceptable solution is found?

No mention of any impending announcement from MB

No discussion about rejecting the car

I couldn't leave the car with them as we are travelling until end of the month - trying to forget about this crazy situation

I cannot seem to find the link to the GLC Car review where the journalist mentions the wheel juddering - has this been deleted from the forum, or is it me?

 

[DRIVER200]

Well my visit to MB Milton Keynes was a total disappointment. I was promised to have an investigation, an appointment with the Sales Director and Workshop Manager. Instead I just got a normal service manager with no prior history. They weren't interested in a test drive, they took it in for a quick visual inspection, reported all is well and pointed the video camera at the bulletin from Mercedes Benz that I need to be running on winter tyres.

Then that was the response, and they handed me a prepared letter address to me by Mercedes UK explaining that this is not an safety issue, just a comfort issue. Interesting that they have stated that in black and white to me At least there is some recognition there is an issue.

But unfortunately they deem a comfort issue on a brand new Mercedes Benz normal and cannot do anything else.

I honestly can't be bothered at this moment in time to scan etc. I'm sick and tired of wasting my time with this car and have too much work to do. However I will do it later for the benefit of others.

With this formal denial, and formal acceptance that it is just a comfort issue I would seriously not proceed with any purchase of these cars. Mercedes UK and their dealers are seriously not interested in any resolution.

Anyway, dealer principle wasn't available, dealers sales director wasn't available. I did speak to their business manager who assured me they will contact me but couldn't say what they will do.

It is time to increase the pressure.

PS. No mention or knowledge of this rumour around an announcement for 24th January by Mercedes UK.

Guess its time for all relevant information to be sent to as many motoring publications in the hope that one/some of them might support owners in moving this forward. Would the Forum Administrator be instrumental in doing this?

 

[dejongj]

Well my visit to MB Milton Keynes was a total disappointment. I was promised to have an investigation, an appointment with the Sales Director and Workshop Manager. Instead I just got a normal service manager with no prior history. They weren't interested in a test drive, they took it in for a quick visual inspection, reported all is well and pointed the video camera at the bulletin from Mercedes Benz that I need to be running on winter tyres.

Then that was the response, and they handed me a prepared letter address to me by Mercedes UK explaining that this is not an safety issue, just a comfort issue. Interesting that they have stated that in black and white to me At least there is some recognition there is an issue.

But unfortunately they deem a comfort issue on a brand new Mercedes Benz normal and cannot do anything else.

I honestly can't be bothered at this moment in time to scan etc. I'm sick and tired of wasting my time with this car and have too much work to do. However I will do it later for the benefit of others.

With this formal denial, and formal acceptance that it is just a comfort issue I would seriously not proceed with any purchase of these cars. Mercedes UK and their dealers are seriously not interested in any resolution.

Anyway, dealer principle wasn't available, dealers sales director wasn't available. I did speak to their business manager who assured me they will contact me but couldn't say what they will do.

It is time to increase the pressure.

PS. No mention or knowledge of this rumour around an announcement for 24th January by Mercedes UK.

Link to video inspection
https://youtu.be/BOmcN3lhE2A

And letter I received is attached.