Rear Subframe for a W204???

[nbevans]

My symptoms were a knocking noise and more recently that noise developed into an issue under braking the car felt like it was loose and wanted to swap ends. I thought it was the MOT advisory about front discs and all pads - so was having that work done when they found the subframe issue when changing the right-rear pads.

The steering was also slightly off center. Under moderate braking the steering would recenter. That's when I start suspecting it was more than just discs/pads and was perhaps a ball joint or bushing. Hey ho...

 

[nbevans]

AA towing it to Bromley now. Guy was like "yeah we've had a lot of these".

 

[GP801]

As a matter of interest, which dealership was that?

MB Gatwick

 

[DucatiEVO]

There's an entry in my service manual about subframes and lists chassis codes for affected models...not sure if that's related to this issue or not...

 

[nbevans]

More drama - AA cant drop it off at Bromley as saying its not booked in. But the woman on the phone said bring it in any time as long as we are open....

 

[nbevans]

Absolute ridiculous from Mercedes here. It's going to Croydon now as Bromley stopped picking up the phone from even the HQ. Apparently Bromley has no space for it. Despite the lady on the phone this morning saying its fine and to bring it in any time today.

 

[SpikyMikey]

MB Gatwick

Thanks

 

[SpikyMikey]

There's an entry in my service manual about subframes and lists chassis codes for affected models...not sure if that's related to this issue or not...

Would be interesting to see

 

[DucatiEVO]

Would be interesting to see

The document refers to the rear crossmember...which I would normally take as the subframe.
There is a page of chassis numbers, but it's too big to screen shot.

 

[DucatiEVO]

 

[DucatiEVO]

Actually I think it maybe a batch number given for the subframes and not the chassis number....I need to look under my car and check the part no.

 

[nbevans]

Spoke to MB Croydon - who provided this update:

inspected the car today
spoke to MB UK who have authorised a warranty repair
3-5 days for parts from Germany
probably be next week now to get the car back

RESULT

full disclosure:

I bought the car in 2017 with about 70k on the clock (now 103k) from a small motor trader (literally one of those guys that has a dozen cards parked on his own home driveway). I've had it serviced at independent garages ever since. In my ownership - in addition to yearly servicing - I have: Replaced the AC compressor. Wheel bearings. Replaced radiator fan unit. Replaced engine thermostat. Replaced engine MAF sensor.

Was about to replace the front discs and all pads but that's when my local garage found the broken subframe and held-off in case I wanted to scrap the car.

MB hotline confirmed the car does not have Mobilo cover.
Definitely doesn't have Full MB Service History during my ownership.
Previous (1) owner did have it serviced religiously at MB every time.

 

[Petrol Pete]

Spoke to MB Croydon - who provided this update:

inspected the car today
spoke to MB UK who have authorised a warranty repair
3-5 days for parts from Germany
probably be next week now to get the car back

RESULT

full disclosure:

I bought the car in 2017 with about 70k on the clock (now 103k) from a small motor trader (literally one of those guys that has a dozen cards parked on his own home driveway). I've had it serviced at independent garages ever since. In my ownership - in addition to yearly servicing - I have: Replaced the AC compressor. Wheel bearings. Replaced radiator fan unit. Replaced engine thermostat. Replaced engine MAF sensor.

Was about to replace the front discs and all pads but that's when my local garage found the broken subframe and held-off in case I wanted to scrap the car.

MB hotline confirmed the car does not have Mobilo cover.
Definitely doesn't have Full MB Service History during my ownership.
Previous (1) owner did have it serviced religiously at MB every time.

Result !

 

[TTManUK]

I had my car in for the airbag recall earlier this week and asked that the technician inspect the rear subframe as part of the free vehicle health check they do, they said there is corrosion but nothing not to be expected from a car of this age, my understanding from this thread is that the subframe rots from the inside out so assuming it was not just a bit of surface rust would you take this as a satisfactory answer from MB?

 

[SpikyMikey]

I've just got off the phone to my trusted Indy booking in the wagon for a service & MOT.
I asked them if whilst they had it, could they put the car up in the air to check the rear subframe........."Ah yes", said the receptionist, "we had a 2013 W204 in here last week with a cracked subframe". So by no means is it just older examples of the 204 that are afflicted

 

[Willy100]

There is such an inconsistent response from MBUK with regard to subframe replacement under the goodwill warranty. My advice is be persistent and contact everyone and anyone high up in the Mercedes Benz organisation.

 

[nbevans]

Still waiting on parts at MB Croydon

 

[SpikyMikey]

I've just got off the phone to my trusted Indy booking in the wagon for a service & MOT.
I asked them if whilst they had it, could they put the car up in the air to check the rear subframe........."Ah yes", said the receptionist, "we had a 2013 W204 in here last week with a cracked subframe". So by no means is it just older examples of the 204 that are afflicted

I'm pleased to report that the subframe on my wagon appears to be OK. The garage had a good nosey at it when it was in for service yesterday.
Apparently on the car they had in recently it was so bad that both rear wheels were pointing in different directions.

 

[nbevans]

Got my car back. All fixed. Drives great

 

[jasons]

just wondering if anybody has thought about getting the rear brake pipes replaced while the subframe is off as most of the labour is covered by warranty for removal of subframe that is assuming the subframe has to be removed to replace them