Official Mercedes Rear Subframe Extended Warranty (Multiple Models)

[Mancstar]

Has this dreaded subframe problem on my W212.
Mercedes Stockport have been excellent, replaced the subframe FOC and also had rear springs replaced. Only charged me for the cost of springs £150 no labour.
All done in 3 days.

 

[Charliecloud]

Car went in for steering rack replacement bolts on 1st October as a recall.

Safety check carried out and :

WD63LML

Video Presentation from Mercedes-Benz of Maidstone Workshop - Powered by CitNOW.

mercedes.citnow.com

Rear subframe holed and needs replacement Last year it only had 'surface rust'

Just had phone call advising Mercedes will approve replacement.

They want the car for 6 weeks as it's not recommended to drive, I said not possible, so I can sign a disclaimer and drive the car!

 

[markjay]

Car went in for steering rack replacement bolts on 1st October as a recall.

Safety check carried out and :

WD63LML

Video Presentation from Mercedes-Benz of Maidstone Workshop - Powered by CitNOW.

mercedes.citnow.com

Rear subframe holed and needs replacement Last year it only had 'surface rust'

Just had phone call advising Mercedes will approve replacement.

They want the car for 6 weeks as it's not recommended to drive, I said not possible, so I can sign a disclaimer and drive the car!

Good result!

But why would you insist on driving a car that was deemed by the dealership workshop as 'unsafe'? Apart from the obvious issue of the personal safety of yourself and your family, there may be insurance implications to driving the car on public roads in the given circumstances.

 

[SpikyMikey]

Good result!

But why would you insist on driving a car that was deemed by the dealership workshop as 'unsafe'? Apart from the obvious issue of the personal safety of yourself and your family, there may be insurance implications to driving the car on public roads in the given circumstances.

This ^^
The possibility of the rear subframe suddenly failing and spinning me into a tree at 60mph would encourage me to happily hand the keys to the dealership and start a conversation about a courtesy car.

 

[SpikyMikey]

It's really about time MB 'manned up' about the rear subframe weaknesses and did something proactive, rather than handing out goodwill gesture repairs. It seems from the video that the MB tech was specifically looking for the issue, given that the problem area shown appeared to be fairly well hidden, so any denial of being a known issue really doesn't wash.

 

[JonathanC250]

Has anyone had any luck in having this issue sorted on older cars not listed in original American bulletin?
By the looks of it, my 203 c320cdi has the dissolving rear subframe too

 

[Charliecloud]

Car went in to Lookers Maidstone for 18th & 19th December. On 23rd December call to say all done.
The job paperwork just states 'Replaced rear subframe under Goodwill'
Not asked to pay for anything
Not been under it yet to have a look.
Insurance company were happy for me to use it, as had a current MOT

 

[tony gee]

just bought a 2009 C class and the last owner got the subframe replaced FOC about 6 months ago.

 

[grober]

Delay before MB dealerships repair is often due a lack of availability of replacement subframes, such is the demand.
In terms of the replacement of older model subframes there may be an age limit to the structural integrity of all body parts? 10-12 years IIRC
e.g. https://www.mertrux.com/dist/pdf/vans/warranty/e-sprinter.pdf

 

[GP801]

Delay before MB dealerships repair is often due a lack of availability of replacement subframes, such is the demand.
In terms of the replacement of older model subframes there may be an age limit to the structural integrity of all body parts? 10-12 years IIRC
e.g. https://www.mertrux.com/dist/pdf/vans/warranty/e-sprinter.pdf

MB replaced the subframe of our 2005 SLK in late 2021. It was 16.5 years old.

 

[grober]

MB replaced the subframe of our 2005 SLK in late 2021. It was 16.5 years old.

Repairs beyond warranty limits do occur--- normally dependent on a owner/car's long service history with a particular dealerhip-its portrayed as a reward for customer loyalty but perhaps also with an astute eye to future business? the phrase killing the goose that lays the golden egg comes to mind

 

[Bobby Dazzler]

I quite often go into the workshop of the main dealer I use, and they usually have a mid-noughties SLK in there having the subframe replaced.

When I bought my SLK they called me so I could have a look at the rear subframe and the car generally whilst it was in the air on a ramp.

They then showed me another SLK with the subframe completely removed, and one with the new subframe in place and being finished off.

Mine didn’t need doing but they were reassuring me that they are very well practiced at it - I forget how many but they do multiple every week.

 

[Boffin486]

I am midway through replacing the rear subframe myself right now (held up by bad weather for a long time) but, as I am doing it, I wondered if good old Merc might stump up some dosh............ They could exchange moulah for the old subframe......... Maybe.....

 

[Malcsmith]

Has anyone had a Free of charge replacement subframe request denied - or do MB always do the decent thing?

 

[MrGreedy]

Has anyone had a Free of charge replacement subframe request denied - or do MB always do the decent thing?

They were definitely a bit picky a few years ago, full MBSH, regular customer etc etc blah blah, but I think the floodgates have now opened.
It gives the impression that Merc are desperate to do this 'goodwill' thing to avoid something worse.
Who knows.

 

[Malcsmith]

Think I'll get my local independent to have a look at mine soon

 

[MrGreedy]

Think I'll get my local independent to have a look at mine soon

That's who identified mine. And I asked them if they knew which Merc Dealers in the area where being most compliant. They recommended a dealer. I went there and it all sailed through.
Although I did pay circa £150 for 'bits and bolts' that apparently aren't covered under the goodwill, which was a more common stance by the dealers 12 months ago.
However, a lot of people since I had mine done earlier this year, are getting the lot chucked in for free, and also Merc are sometimes offering to change other parts that need doing at the same time for the part-only cost provided they are being removed anyway as part of the subframe job.

 

[Malcsmith]

That's who identified mine. And I asked them if they knew which Merc Dealers in the area where being most compliant. They recommended a dealer. I went there and it all sailed through.
Although I did pay circa £150 for 'bits and bolts' that apparently aren't covered under the goodwill, which was a more common stance by the dealers 12 months ago.
However, a lot of people since I had mine done earlier this year, are getting the lot chucked in for free, and also Merc are sometimes offering to change other parts that need doing at the same time for the part-only cost provided they are being removed anyway as part of the subframe job.

That sounds promising. I'll be taking it to project AMG in ringwood

 

[grober]

Corroded rear brake pipe renewal can require rear subframe removal so while the SF is being replaced foc its worth inspecting their condtion--------????

 

[DSM10000]

I am midway through replacing the rear subframe myself right now (held up by bad weather for a long time) but, as I am doing it, I wondered if good old Merc might stump up some dosh............ They could exchange moulah for the old subframe......... Maybe.....

I assume you are not being serious?