Looks like I'm next, 2012 w204 350. 116k, 2nd owner, serviced by MBUK until about 80k, then Merc specialist.
While in for gearbox oil change, Indy told me the subframe is rusted and to take to Merc for assessment..
Rear Subframe for a W204???
- Thread starter Graham W
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While in for gearbox oil change, Indy told me the subframe is rusted and to take to Merc for assessment..
My well maintained two owner 2013 C220CDI Estate with 110k miles serviced by MBUK and then a very well respected local MB specialist for the last two years was recently diagnosed with this problem when it went in for its annual service a few days ago.
The MB specialist said his own Merc, of a similar age, has recently had its subframe changed FOC by his local Merc dealership without any issues - my local dealer is part of the same group and he didn't think I would have any issues getting it rectified.
Called them today and booked the vehicle in for the earliest date available which is mid-September 2022 - the call handler was 'making all the right noises' with regards this being rectified FOC - said he booked one in for a customer yesterday and it is a known issue within the dealership.
Let's see what they say once they have inspected the vehicle.
The MB specialist said his own Merc, of a similar age, has recently had its subframe changed FOC by his local Merc dealership without any issues - my local dealer is part of the same group and he didn't think I would have any issues getting it rectified.
Called them today and booked the vehicle in for the earliest date available which is mid-September 2022 - the call handler was 'making all the right noises' with regards this being rectified FOC - said he booked one in for a customer yesterday and it is a known issue within the dealership.
Let's see what they say once they have inspected the vehicle.
Mine has been assessed and given the go ahead for a new subframe under warranty - thats a relief...Looks like I'm next, 2012 w204 350. 116k, 2nd owner, serviced by MBUK until about 80k, then Merc specialist.
While in for gearbox oil change, Indy told me the subframe is rusted and to take to Merc for assessment..
Thanks to everyones input, I would have been none the wiser without it.
Depends how long to get the parts from Germany, they said a couple of weeks or so..
Maybe a couple of days work if any parts refuse to come off - they have offered a loan car during the work.
I'll ask about replacing the brake lines at the same time as was also pointed out on here not sure of the cost ?
I've not seen the photos but was told there is a small hole and ok to drive - I'm still doing silly miles at the moment..
Thanks for the reply.
Please could you update with the quote for the brake line work once received - thinking of this myself.
Parts are in and could have been done next week so didn't take that long at all.
However, no courtesy car for a couple of weeks so will have to wait..
Is it a one day job?
Possibly a couple of days, depends how it all comes apart - typically I was off this week and didn't need it.
Mine goes in next week for its inspection so handy to know how long any repairs will take when it inevitably goes back in once parts are ordered and arrive.
Mines now done, Thurs/ Fri, picked it up Saturday. 4 wheel alignment also.
I asked about the brake lines before it went in but I forgot when I picked it up - they never mentioned it, guess they must have been ok.
They did say it's pot luck if Mercedes give the go ahead at the moment, seems to be no logical reason why they are turning some down at first..
Obviously full service history through the main dealer and you will be fine, anything else and it's fingers crossed...
I asked about the brake lines before it went in but I forgot when I picked it up - they never mentioned it, guess they must have been ok.
They did say it's pot luck if Mercedes give the go ahead at the moment, seems to be no logical reason why they are turning some down at first..
Obviously full service history through the main dealer and you will be fine, anything else and it's fingers crossed...
An update regarding my situation which, hopefully, some may find useful.
18 August 2022
Annual service by local MB Specialist who highlighted the rear subframe has a hole in it
19 August 2022
Car booked in with my local MB dealer for inspection
Earliest date available is mid-September
13 September 2022
Local MB dealer has the car for two days and confirms the hole in the rear subframe and refers to MB UK
MB UK authorise FOC replacement as the subframe is considered to result in an MOT failure
New rear subframe ordered but currently out of stock with no eta available
14 October 2022
Local MB dealer advises subframe has arrived
Earliest date available for works is early November
8 November 2022
Local MB dealer has the car for two days and new rear subframe installed
Car now drives and feels much better - firmer and more assured on the road
The key takeaway is the criteria MB UK are using to authorise these works - the corrosion has to be sufficient enough to lead to an MOT failure - so if it is surface corrosion, MB UK are likely to reject the claim - if it is a hole, or similar, then they will approve the claim. Personally, I think if the rear subframe shows any signs of corrosion it should be covered by MB UK as we all know that, even though it shouldn't be the case, you can have variances between MOT testers in what they pass and fail.
Overall, I didn't have the best of experiences with my local MB dealer - when I dropped off the vehicle for its inspection, they tried to hustle me by saying MB UK may not cover the replacement cost as my vehicle does not have a full MB dealer service history - I swiftly challenged this and advised I would not accept this as a valid reason for possible claim rejection. Further, I was car less each time the car went in and, when the car went in for the actual works, had to insist the work was done within two days (they actually argued they needed it for three days) as I couldn't be car less beyond that.
However, the works, which I understand could run up to a couple of thousand GBP in cost is done FOC and in time for my MOT - I can now concentrate on getting the tyres changed and the car submitted for its MOT.
18 August 2022
Annual service by local MB Specialist who highlighted the rear subframe has a hole in it
19 August 2022
Car booked in with my local MB dealer for inspection
Earliest date available is mid-September
13 September 2022
Local MB dealer has the car for two days and confirms the hole in the rear subframe and refers to MB UK
MB UK authorise FOC replacement as the subframe is considered to result in an MOT failure
New rear subframe ordered but currently out of stock with no eta available
14 October 2022
Local MB dealer advises subframe has arrived
Earliest date available for works is early November
8 November 2022
Local MB dealer has the car for two days and new rear subframe installed
Car now drives and feels much better - firmer and more assured on the road
The key takeaway is the criteria MB UK are using to authorise these works - the corrosion has to be sufficient enough to lead to an MOT failure - so if it is surface corrosion, MB UK are likely to reject the claim - if it is a hole, or similar, then they will approve the claim. Personally, I think if the rear subframe shows any signs of corrosion it should be covered by MB UK as we all know that, even though it shouldn't be the case, you can have variances between MOT testers in what they pass and fail.
Overall, I didn't have the best of experiences with my local MB dealer - when I dropped off the vehicle for its inspection, they tried to hustle me by saying MB UK may not cover the replacement cost as my vehicle does not have a full MB dealer service history - I swiftly challenged this and advised I would not accept this as a valid reason for possible claim rejection. Further, I was car less each time the car went in and, when the car went in for the actual works, had to insist the work was done within two days (they actually argued they needed it for three days) as I couldn't be car less beyond that.
However, the works, which I understand could run up to a couple of thousand GBP in cost is done FOC and in time for my MOT - I can now concentrate on getting the tyres changed and the car submitted for its MOT.
Benzadrine
Member
Hi -just found out my rear subframe right offside has completely broken away and the nearside one isn't far off. Luckily a minute away from my mechanics when the rear started performing, I'm also looking on eBay obviously under W204 -after reading other comments I have to say my C200 K is quite rust free also, esp the bodywork, which I know has nothing to do with the subframe.
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