Rear Subframe for a W204???

[jasons]

i suppose it would be interesting to know if there is a pattern for these failing is it the same area that is failing ( IE SAME SIDE) and is it more common on certain cars ( saloon,estate or coupe) i am guessing they are the same subframe, mine is a 2012 estate and touchwood mine appears to be ok its just had an MOT and nothing was said but just out of curiousity might be interesting to know

 

[grober]

They tend to rot from the inside and fail where certain suspension arms brackets are welded to the main subframe structure- a point of major stress and metallurgical weakness.

An Overview of Welded Joint Corrosion: Causes and Prevention Practices

Corrosion, by definition, is a degradation of material due to its chemical or electrochemical reaction with its environment. While this is a problem for metals in general, particular care should be taken when dealing with...

www.corrosionpedia.com

 

[deejay50]

Just found out the condition of my subframe. Got an appointment at Mercedes in Exeter in 3 weeks. They are going to take photos and send them to HQ for an answer. Car is 2008 220 cdi 125000 miles in excellent condition. not full service history, not that that should make any difference as its not a serviceable part. Hoping they recognise that mercedes have fitted a sub standard part from new which is not up to the required standard. All lesser/cheaper brands do not suffer with the same issues.

 

[Petrol Pete]

deejay50 . Just to clarify . The photos of the subframe you posted are that of your subframe right now ? yes ? Have MB Exeter seen theses photos ?

If the answer is yes to either or both of these questions 3 weeks is too long a wait for them to 'inspect' it . It needs to be with them ASAP and not driven in the mean time.

Have they suggested that you do not drive it ? ...in writing ?

 

[ajshughes]

It's a shame there's a difference in response between MB dealerships. MB clearly recognise that the rear subframes are a safety issue because so many are being replaced FOC (or heavily discounted), however their lack of positive action in resolving the issue is leading to stark differences in what customers are experiencing. It seems to be the decisions of dealerships which largely determine the outcome, and not MB. This is the wrong way round for safety concerns.
When my local garage diagnosed a snapped rear subframe - I went to my local MB. They initially said they needed to look at it first. I spoke to them plainly explaining that a long established garage and mechanic has just looked at the subframe and determined that it is snapped, and the probability that he somehow mistakenly observed snapped metal is low. They called MB and it was agreed 2 minutes later to swap the subframe without needing to look at it.
Perhaps you could show the pictures to your local dealership and they could agree that needlessly delaying the repair of your car is not in the interests of pragmatism, efficiency, logic, or safety.

 

[Petrol Pete]

I have said it on here before. I am convinced MB will not act on this until a subframe snaps and someone is killed or injured . That will probably (sadly) have to happen in the USA before any action is taken. I do not have a W204 (my nephew does and I have made him aware) but if I meet anyone who does own one I mention the rear subframe to them.

The corrosion does seem to be a bit 'hit and miss' but I bet if MB did dig deep they could pin it down to within a certain time frame . Maybe they were experimenting with some 'eco friendly' paint techniques for a while (wiring looms anyone ?) and it has come back to haunt them ?

We will probably never know.

204 owners ? just get that sum-frame inspected , and hope for the best.

 

[SpikyMikey]

Just found out the condition of my subframe. Got an appointment at Mercedes in Exeter in 3 weeks. They are going to take photos and send them to HQ for an answer. Car is 2008 220 cdi 125000 miles in excellent condition. not full service history, not that that should make any difference as its not a serviceable part. Hoping they recognise that mercedes have fitted a sub standard part from new which is not up to the required standard. All lesser/cheaper brands do not suffer with the same issues.

That's not good. As Pete says, seriously think about not driving it. The consequences of it letting go at 70mph don't bear thinking about.

 

[deejay50]

deejay50 . Just to clarify . The photos of the subframe you posted are that of your subframe right now ? yes ? Have MB Exeter seen theses photos ?

If the answer is yes to either or both of these questions 3 weeks is too long a wait for them to 'inspect' it . It needs to be with them ASAP and not driven in the mean time.

Have they suggested that you do not drive it ? ...in writing ?

That haven’t seen the photos yet.

 

[deejay50]

That haven’t seen the photos yet.

deejay50 . Just to clarify . The photos of the subframe you posted are that of your subframe right now ? yes ? Have MB Exeter seen theses photos ?

If the answer is yes to either or both of these questions 3 weeks is too long a wait for them to 'inspect' it . It needs to be with them ASAP and not driven in the mean time.

Have they suggested that you do not drive it ? ...in writing ?

Mercedes’ haven’t seen the photos. They were taken at the garage I just had a transmission service at. I had emailed Mercedes before I had the photos. They called me and gave me the appointment to inspect it. I agree it is too long. I know someone on fb that emailed the same dealer this week and his appointment is this Monday. His has already snapped and has to be taken there on a trailer. Maybe that’s why he got an appointment quicker because they don’t know the state of mine. I’m not driving it but may email them that photos to see if I can get a quicker appointment.

 

[nbevans]

Had a clonking noise investigated at my garage and turns out my rear subframe on the right side wheel has totally rusted through and the wishbone is just dangling freely. I've driven my wife and kid in this vehicle several times with this issue! I'm furious at both Mercedes for not issuing a proper recall about this and also at myself for not taking the noise more seriously. I thought it was a simple ball joint or bushing that needed replacing - at no point did I think my car was literally falling apart and lethal to drive!

I'll be on the phone to Mercedes tomorrow to try and get this resolved free of charge.

 

[Petrol Pete]

Had a clonking noise investigated at my garage and turns out my rear subframe on the right side wheel has totally rusted through and the wishbone is just dangling freely. I've driven my wife and kid in this vehicle several times with this issue! I'm furious at both Mercedes for not issuing a proper recall about this and also at myself for not taking the noise more seriously. I thought it was a simple ball joint or bushing that needed replacing - at no point did I think my car was literally falling apart and lethal to drive!

I'll be on the phone to Mercedes tomorrow to try and get this resolved free of charge.

Hello and welcome.

It is not too late to spend time online researching this issue. There is anecdotal 'evidence' that MB have ordered 100's of new subframes in anticipation of what is to come and you will read many varying accounts of the whole job being carried out FOC by MB to owners who have complained being told to effectively F off.

MB are fully 100% aware of this fault . Do NOT give up when asking for a new subframe. Do not be fobbed off by them telling you 'not enough MB service history'... That's bull$hit The subframe is not a service item . Best of luck

 

[nbevans]

Stratford Aftersales just hung up on me after I asked to see what he was reading from regarding it not being covered by the 30yr warranty. "Yep." he said then bumped me straight back to the call system menus.

Got through to a more senior level headed sounding person somewhere in the MB call system (not Stratford) who took my complaint about Stratford and then looked to see whether my car has "mobilo" (?) as that would mean it could be trailered to a dealer FOC. Of course it doesn't have that. But she did seem to suggest that once its at a dealer then it's kind of 50/50 if it will be covered. At no point did she suggest having a FSH with MB network is relevant; didn't mention that once.

 

[GP801]

Our 2005 SLK had the subframe replaced FOC by MB 6 months ago. Chatting to the service manager he said the 204s are pretty much authorised without any difficulty. Its a well known issue. Others like our 171 had to go through a more in depth assessment. Dealer service history is not required.

 

[DSM10000]

Unsure why you are just "furious" at Mercedes.

The issue doesn't affect every 204 etc, but a friend's E Class Coupe was affected and replaced FOC

The issue wasn't picked up on your car by whoever has been servicing it and carrying out the MOT.

The DVSA didn't seem to think a recall was required due to the age of most of vehicles affected.

 

[nbevans]

Just spoke to MB Bromley and a nice lady was very much encouraging my to get to recovered here. I asked "okay so is this a common problem then" response was "mmmm we've had a few..." and "I can't say for sure that it will be covered as we need to see it but..... <but with an upper inflection>"

Got the strong sense Bromley are a good dealer? I'm going to have my car AA'd there.

 

[DSM10000]

Just spoke to MB Bromley and a nice lady was very much encouraging my to get to recovered here. I asked "okay so is this a common problem then" response was "mmmm we've had a few..." and "I can't say for sure that it will be covered as we need to see it but..... <but with an upper inflection>"

Got the strong sense Bromley are a good dealer? I'm going to have my car AA'd there.

My friends car was at an independent MB specialist for MOT when the failure was spotted. This is a 2014 car.

The specialist called MB Southampton who contacted MB UK and agreement to replace was received the same day.

 

[nbevans]

AA are on the way to "inspect" to agree its unsafe to drive after which it will be escalated for recovery to MB Bromley

the drama!

 

[SpikyMikey]

My friends car was at an independent MB specialist for MOT when the failure was spotted. This is a 2014 car.

The specialist called MB Southampton who contacted MB UK and agreement to replace was received the same day.

My S204 is a 2013 ; it's due a B Service next month. I'm going to get my trusted indy to pull all the under trays and have a good nosey round whilst they've got it.

 

[DSM10000]

AA are on the way to "inspect" to agree its unsafe to drive after which it will be escalated for recovery to MB Bromley

the drama!

My friend had no symptoms when driving his E Class Coupe despite the subframe being split!

Good luck with yours!

 

[SpikyMikey]

Our 2005 SLK had the subframe replaced FOC by MB 6 months ago. Chatting to the service manager he said the 204s are pretty much authorised without any difficulty. Its a well known issue. Others like our 171 had to go through a more in depth assessment. Dealer service history is not required.

As a matter of interest, which dealership was that?