Rear subframe corrosion - UK

[jonus]

Hi all - looking for advice please as there must be people out there with similar issues.

My 2011 CLS350 was in to a main dealer for a safety recall 6 weeks ago (steering), which is all done and fine. Whilst it was in they gave it the usual visual inspection and found that the rear subframe is corroded. Something that'll cost me £3k+ and a shed-ton of time to fix (v long lead time apparently).

A bit of investigation seems to show that this is a known issue. In fact there's a class action been kicked off in the U.S. about it. I can't remember what the corrosion warranty is on my car but suspect it's now just outside, as its getting on for 12 years old.

I asked the dealer to contact MB to see if they will cover the cost on the basis that it's a potential safety issue. Also I'm guessing passing my MOT in November is going to be an issue now. Can't now seem to get any of my calls returned from the dealer...

Anyone had a similar issue? Anyone had MB pay for the repair? Or at least contribute?

Really frustrating cos other than this the car has been a dream to live with. Had it from new and now close to 100k miles and plenty more to go if I didn't have this issue.

Any advice or anecdotes I could use would be gratefully received.
cheers!

 

[Skd884]

Rear sub frame replacement | Wheels, Tyres, Brakes & Suspension

Just as we would expect MB USA know 'the powers that be' have real power over there and would come down hard on them if someone got hurt . In Europe ? Don't hold your breath. I think it's called The Power Of Class Action, much like the MB sunroof debacle

forums.mbclub.co.uk

 

[GP801]

Many owners have had goodwill replacement of corroded subframes. Our R171 SLK from 2005 was done free of charge 18 months ago. Mostly its W204 C-class, R171 SLK and W211 E-class that are affected but i have heard of CLS issues too. Basically any MB from the mid 2000s is potentially in trouble. MB are well aware of the issue and most are replaced free of charge. There can be quite a delay in getting the parts. Incidentally our next door neighbour had the steering recall done on his CLS last week. Allegedly 4 of the bolts had sheered off and were missing. He has also asked them to report on the subframe but has heard nothing so far. Still waiting for new steering bolts at the moment.

 

[Flyinspanner]

MB have been replacing subframes for free, as it is a safety issue.

Maybe also contact them directly, noting you have asked the dealer to do so, but they have gone ‘quiet’.

 

[jonus]

thanks for the quick and v helpful replies
Will try to pursue MB myself and see where I get.

 

[jonus]

Many owners have had goodwill replacement of corroded subframes. Our R171 SLK from 2005 was done free of charge 18 months ago. Mostly its W204 C-class, R171 SLK and W211 E-class that are affected but i have heard of CLS issues too. Basically any MB from the mid 2000s is potentially in trouble. MB are well aware of the issue and most are replaced free of charge. There can be quite a delay in getting the parts. Incidentally our next door neighbour had the steering recall done on his CLS last week. Allegedly 4 of the bolts had sheered off and were missing. He has also asked them to report on the subframe but has heard nothing so far. Still waiting for new steering bolts at the moment.

thanks! Yes I had sheared steering bolts too. Ignorance is bliss eh? : )

 

[Kudly]

I would get a second opinion from an Indy on how bad the corrosion is, it may be safe and may pass its MOT. If there are holes then it will need replacing gratis by MB (according to my Indy).

 

[alexanderfoti]

MB have been replacing subframes for free, as it is a safety issue.

Maybe also contact them directly, noting you have asked the dealer to do so, but they have gone ‘quiet’.

The main reason they have been doing them for free, is thag they corrode from the inside out.

Often, with no outward appearance of bad corrosion, before they then snap a control arm off, meaning they don't get flagged on MOTs etc.

Good that they are being replaced FOC but MB will only do this when they have liability.

 

[jonus]

I would get a second opinion from an Indy on how bad the corrosion is, it may be safe and may pass its MOT. If there are holes then it will need replacing gratis by MB (according to my Indy).

MB have been replacing subframes for free, as it is a safety issue.

Maybe also contact them directly, noting you have asked the dealer to do so, but they have gone ‘quiet’.

Main dealer just came back and said MB has declined to fund it. They've now asked them for a 'goodwill gesture' which they say if accepted may partially fund the repair... the dealer says the subframe is 'corroded and holed', which to me sounds not good, and I don't get why MB would not cover it given other precedents. I guess I'll have to wait for them to come back with response on the 'goodwill' and then try to escalate direct (if I can work my way through the minefield of trying to find the right person to speak to). Frustrating to say the least.

 

[Tonye]

As said before, a nice solicitors letter will move things, don't be fobbed of by the stealers, go direct if its a known fault with other precedents in place. A good auto claims solicitor will find the facts. Good luck.

 

[ALFAitalia]

This is all making me very uncomfortable about my plans to buy a 212 or 218....especially as it seems next to impossible to tell how bad the rust is from a cursory inspection. As this becomes more public knowledge its not going to do anything for the resale value of the affected cars..................

 

[ChrisHGTV]

This is all making me very uncomfortable about my plans to buy a 212 or 218....especially as it seems next to impossible to tell how bad the rust is from a cursory inspection. As this becomes more public knowledge its not going to do anything for the resale value of the affected cars..................

If it helps ive had a really good look at mine (a really good look, with lots of tapping/hammering to identify any weak areas) and it seems fine, no corrosion at all even inside. I can see where the issue lies i think - spray can get fired inside the subframe. All it would need is a plastic flap at each end to act as a barrier i think. Ive given mine a good poke around and cleaned out any debris then sprayed in some Dinitrol as a precaution.

One thing i have noticed is that when ive seen photos of failed subframes the rest of the underside often looks fairly corroded. Mine is squeaky clean so maybe it is also dependent how exposed to the elements the car has been in general?

 

[ALFAitalia]

Limiting my choice to Southern registered and used cars might help too.......much less salt used on the roads down here than the frozen wastelands of Watford and further North!!!

 

[jonus]

If it helps ive had a really good look at mine (a really good look, with lots of tapping/hammering to identify any weak areas) and it seems fine, no corrosion at all even inside. I can see where the issue lies i think - spray can get fired inside the subframe. All it would need is a plastic flap at each end to act as a barrier i think. Ive given mine a good poke around and cleaned out any debris then sprayed in some Dinitrol as a precaution.

One thing i have noticed is that when ive seen photos of failed subframes the rest of the underside often looks fairly corroded. Mine is squeaky clean so maybe it is also dependent how exposed to the elements the car has been in general?

Haven't had a chance to have a decent look myself, so not sure about the rest of the underside, but I've kept the car in a garage since new, no major exposure to big weather, and not even 100k on the clock yet. So feels more of a fundamental material / design issue to me.

 

[jonus]

Haven't had a chance to have a decent look myself, so not sure about the rest of the underside, but I've kept the car in a garage since new, no major exposure to big weather, and not even 100k on the clock yet. So feels more of a fundamental material / design issue to me.

mine is C218 btw

 

[Fastcar155]

The main reason they have been doing them for free, is thag they corrode from the inside out.

Often, with no outward appearance of bad corrosion, before they then snap a control arm off, meaning they don't get flagged on MOTs etc.

Good that they are being replaced FOC but MB will only do this when they have liability.

Hi , I don't know much about Mercedes passenger cars but do they have front sub frame assemblies ?

 

[jonus]

Update on this for anyone interested. I tried MB direct and was promised someone will get back to me urgently. That was 29th June.... I've also contacted The Guardian newspaper, and they have agreed to take my case up with MB. So it'll be interesting to see if MB have a change of heart... watch this space.

 

[jonus]

GOOD NEWS - two days after The Guardian decided to take up my case with MB, I have had a call from the dealer saying that MB have had a sudden change of heart and agreed to fund the full cost of repair. Not only that, instead of the usual several weeks waiting time, they seem to have found a two day slot to do the work next week...!

Obviously delighted with that, but frustrated I had to crow-bar it out of MB before they'd do the right thing.

Not sure yet whether The Guardian will publish the case, but I do hope so as it'll raise awareness for the no doubt many other people struggling against MB on this issue.

Thanks again to everyone for the info and advice! You're alright you lot : )

 

[ChrisHGTV]

GOOD NEWS - two days after The Guardian decided to take up my case with MB, I have had a call from the dealer saying that MB have had a sudden change of heart and agreed to fund the full cost of repair. Not only that, instead of the usual several weeks waiting time, they seem to have found a two day slot to do the work next week...!

Obviously delighted with that, but frustrated I had to crow-bar it out of MB before they'd do the right thing.

Not sure yet whether The Guardian will publish the case, but I do hope so as it'll raise awareness for the no doubt many other people struggling against MB on this issue.

Thanks again to everyone for the info and advice! You're alright you lot : )

Ace work Jonus! Power to the People! (As Wolfie would say)

 

[st13phil]

GOOD NEWS - two days after The Guardian decided to take up my case with MB, I have had a call from the dealer saying that MB have had a sudden change of heart and agreed to fund the full cost of repair. Not only that, instead of the usual several weeks waiting time, they seem to have found a two day slot to do the work next week...!

Obviously delighted with that, but frustrated I had to crow-bar it out of MB before they'd do the right thing.

Glad you've achieved the result you should have been offered at the start.

MBUK's attitude to this - basically making arbitrary decisions - is an utter disgrace. I hope the Grauniad does publish the case to shame them.