Rear Subframe for a W204???

[W204MERC]

Did you fit it yourself?

No i had the garage fit it but it was fitted in the same day they told me it wasn't a hard job

 

[Swanseacity1]

Thanks everyone. My 2008 C-class W204 rear subframe was found to be rotted out this week. Phoned local Poole Mercedes dealership and asked for the after sales manager in regard to this ‘serious safety issue’. He claimed to have never seen/heard of this issue, said that as it was over 8 years old, he could not see that Mercedes would be interested, but that if I got car to them he would inspect it. I called my breakdown provider (auto-aid) and they transported it for me (free). They inspected it, said it was unsafe to drive and that they would contact Mercedes corporate. A few hours later, I got a call to say that Mercedes had agree to pay for subframe, including labour. Manager pointed out that I also had an issue with ‘break fluid lines’ and that they need to be replaced as it’s usually very expensive as it requires the subframe to be removed. I am obviously very happy with the outcome, and hope that if you have the same issue, have the same response.

Hi, we're just starting this fight with Mercedes now.
No other rust on the car but the rear near side of the sub frame has snapped! On the way to the MOT centre!

Do you mind my asking where abouts you are?
Some people get help from MB and others don't. Awful that an integral structure of the car should go like this, supposed to last a lifetime!
Tried fobbing us off saying it's not a known fault to them
Also trying to fob us off because it wasn't a main dealer but an MOT is an MOT surely? Flew through the last one with the same garage.
We have to get it to them at our cost and inspect first. Didn't comment on the pictures we sent them!

Thank you.

 

[Davidmotorman]

Sorry about your mishap.
This is dangerous.
Now you know why wax oiling the under carriage is so very much important!
Recycled or inferior steel Q. used for manufacturing suspension arms causes stress on material, stuff won't last long, not even the thin paint protects anything from salt.
You can prolong the life on the components if you wax oil these components.
Dinitrol is a good treatment avoiding future metal cancer.

Thanks everyone. My 2008 C-class W204 rear subframe was found to be rotted out this week. Phoned local Poole Mercedes dealership and asked for the after sales manager in regard to this ‘serious safety issue’. He claimed to have never seen/heard of this issue, said that as it was over 8 years old, he could not see that Mercedes would be interested, but that if I got car to them he would inspect it. I called my breakdown provider (auto-aid) and they transported it for me (free). They inspected it, said it was unsafe to drive and that they would contact Mercedes corporate. A few hours later, I got a call to say that Mercedes had agree to pay for subframe, including labour. Manager pointed out that I also had an issue with ‘break fluid lines’ and that they need to be replaced as it’s usually very expensive as it requires the subframe to be removed. I am obviously very happy with the outcome, and hope that if you have the same issue, have the same response.

I have a 2010 c class also with a rotten rear subframe I contacted Mercedes at Derby They asked me to take it in for inspection Then they phoned me that they would replace it free of charge with no hassle what so ever Keep up the great work Mercedes I'm a very happy chappy

 

[Gazwould]

What's your service history ?

 

[Moocher]

Ended up getting a recon one with new mb bushes fitted £450 and got my local garage to fit it £500.

 

[Fastcar155]

Hi, we're just starting this fight with Mercedes now.
No other rust on the car but the rear near side of the sub frame has snapped! On the way to the MOT centre!

Do you mind my asking where abouts you are?
Some people get help from MB and others don't. Awful that an integral structure of the car should go like this, supposed to last a lifetime!
Tried fobbing us off saying it's not a known fault to them
Also trying to fob us off because it wasn't a main dealer but an MOT is an MOT surely? Flew through the last one with the same garage.
We have to get it to them at our cost and inspect first. Didn't comment on the pictures we sent them!

Thank you.

Hi , does not matter how bad or good the not centre is is an government approved !

 

[Fastcar155]

What's your service history ?

Hi , very good question

 

[Fastcar155]

I have a 2010 c class also with a rotten rear subframe I contacted Mercedes at Derby They asked me to take it in for inspection Then they phoned me that they would replace it free of charge with no hassle what so ever Keep up the great work Mercedes I'm a very happy chappy

Hi , bet you that is you had the material analysed it would be poor quality and or under gauge and comes from China.

Would consider it to be a mixture of both.

 

[Amzz]

Hey Guys,

This has literally just happened to me and taking your guys advice I took it to Mercedes. Its a 2010 C350 with 71k and full service history, 3 years merc and rest usual garage with all the receipts and stamps. After nearly 2 weeks of having my car and Mercedes saying they are building a case for me they have called and said that due to Age, Milage and Service history they cant do anything. Bare in mind the car hasn’t got a single mark or rust spot on it anywhere else.

Getting very frustrated with them as it seems they are picking and choosing who is eligible for the warranty or not.

Any further advice about how I can get Merc to do this under warranty would be a life saver, dont fancy forking out over 1k for it.

 

[Gazwould]

They're all going to have a degree of rust , so what's the best rust converter and top coat ?

 

[Fastcar155]

Sorry about your mishap.
This is dangerous.
Now you know why wax oiling the under carriage is so very much important!
Recycled or inferior steel Q. used for manufacturing suspension arms causes stress on material, stuff won't last long, not even the thin paint protects anything from salt.
You can prolong the life on the components if you wax oil these components.
Dinitrol is a good treatment avoiding future metal cancer.

Hi , agree with what you say but I would suggest that the subframes are not strong enough from the outset.

 

[Davidmotorman]

I had the exact same problem with my W204 , subframe was rotting and it had pulled out the rear arm.
Rang Mercedes and was quoted over £1000 for subframe alone. Was a waste of time ringing them as as usual they were unhelful.
However I found a company called Eurosubframes selling them new for less than half the price. After a phone call with the very helpful guys in the office i ordered one from them.

The part arrived and fitted perfectly, bushes all intact. I could not have been happier with the service and the part supplied. To make things even better I opened the envelope which accompanied the part to find out it has 5 YEAR WARRANTY . WOWWWW.
Immediately put my mind at ease.

My advise is use these guys for a quick , reliable and pleasant purchase. So much better than paying over £1000 with MB with less warranty.
I have attached there website and phone number.

EUROSUBFRAMES - 02844615148

MERCEDES W204 2007-2014 C CLASS REAR SUBFRAME CROSSMEMBER AXLE

. *** MERCEDES W204 C CLASS 2007-2014 REAR SUBFRAME CROSSMEMBER AXLE OEM Part Number: A2043509702 Fitment: Mercedes W204 2007-2014 Kit contents: Rear Axle Beam with Bushes Condition: New OEM Quality replacement part. The Rear Axles on this platform suffer from corrosion and wear in the bushes...

www.eurosubframes.com

I have a 2010 w204 220 d And every time I braked the back wanted to turn right rear subframe was rotten so took it to Inchcape at Derby main Mercedes dealer and they were so helpful and replaced it free of charge + offered me a curtesy car It looks like it depends on what dealer you take it to

 

[MikeinBucks]

Last week my car starting swerving on breaking. I took the car to my local specialist who explained that the subframe had rotted through and snapped. My car is a C220 sport 2009 with 137000 miles with part MB history and the rest independent. I have owned it for 5 years and it's been amazing. I was quoted by my specialist £1,500 for a replacement being fitted. Having seen that others had had success with MB I thought to contact them. I called them on the Weds and on the Thursday it went in for a safety check. I was told later that day (as already known) that the subframe needed replacing and that in the opinion of the dealership the issue was substandard and that they would request MB to cover the cost. I was called the next day to say that Mercedes would cover the full cost. Less than a week later my car is returned fully fixed and cleaned. I cannot praise Aylesbury Mercedes enough. They handled the whole issue with empathy and concern.

 

[Malleyland]

I have a W204 C280 2007 4 door saloon. The rear subframe has rotted through, no other rust on the car, yet There are no new ones available from Merc in the UK. I was looking on e-bay, they have a number available etc. But which ones fit my car. The old one has the following 2043503804 as the 10 didgit number.
Withe 204 3804 as the large numbers top right of the label.
My querry is which other numbered subframes will fit, as none of the ones I can find have this exact sequence. Help please as vehicle off the road it not good at the moment.
Live Long & Prosper Graham W

Last November 2021 I got a letter from Mercedes saying they would change the front two air bag assemblies as due to specific climactic conditions the charge cartridges could fracture under activation and possibly not work properly. Anyway about a month after the job was done I got a call from the dealer (Southport, UK) to say that the routine inspection they do prior to any work had revealed corrosion to the rear sub frame. They had referred it to HO and was given the OK to replace again free of charge. After over forty years of owning cars I've never known anything like it, amazing. The thing is my car is a 2008 C220 W204, it's in fantastic condition but has no official service history after 2013 just a few replacement parts invoices from the odd garage or two. If your car is about my cars age with this problem then give your dealer a call and don't take no for an answer. The job was completed yesterday 15th Feb 2022.
Ps, I'm the fourth owner.

 

[markjay]

...Anyway about a month after the job was done I got a call from the dealer (Southport, UK) to say that the routine inspection they do prior to any work had revealed corrosion to the rear sub frame. They had referred it to HO and was given the OK to replace again free of charge.

Well done to the dealer for being proactive and taking the initiative, and for getting you the repair FOC.

That being said.... they let you drive the car for one month with a rotten subframe - not great. I'm guessing that they waited to receive confirmation from MB HQ that it will be done FOC, but if so, then you have to wonder what would have happened if MB rejected the request for FOC repair - I.e. when were they planning on telling you that the car you are driving is unsafe...?

 

[Petrol Pete]

The w204 subframe thing is a minor irritation to MB . I am sure they are fully aware of what is going on but are choosing to ignore it unless one of their dealers asks for a free subframe and some hours labour paid.

Not sure if they are waiting for one to completely collapse and kill someone before the do anything about it .

 

[Moocher]

I discovered mine was rotten when I had to break hard,the back end tried to overtake me and the vehicle was rattling.When I got it looked at it was was totally rotten,rest of the car is fine,I tried 4 MB dealers and was told in no uncertain terms, nothing doing.I got intouch with a guy in Oldham who recondition them and puts new bushes on £468.00 delivered,I covered it in Bee's wax and got it fitted by a local garage I have since learned it is not an uncommon problem but MB will not admit it.Today I discovered my TCU has gone that's another £500 +£300 fitting.I have had the car 12 months and done less than 2000 miles in it.2010 c220 Blue eff has 108,648 miles on it

 

[markjay]

I discovered mine was rotten when I had to break hard,the back end tried to overtake me and the vehicle was rattling.When I got it looked at it was was totally rotten,rest of the car is fine,I tried 4 MB dealers and was told in no uncertain terms, nothing doing.I got intouch with a guy in Oldham who recondition them and puts new bushes on £468.00 delivered,I covered it in Bee's wax and got it fitted by a local garage I have since learned it is not an uncommon problem but MB will not admit it.Today I discovered my TCU has gone that's another £500 +£300 fitting.I have had the car 12 months and done less than 2000 miles in it.2010 c220 Blue eff has 108,648 miles on it

Presumably you bought it in a private sale? I.e. no warranty and no statutory consumer rights?

 

[Moocher]

Presumably you bought it in a private sale? I.e. no warranty and no statutory consumer rights?

Correct,“Caveat Emptor"

 

[ajshughes]

I've just had an excellent result. I noticed my car crabbing under breaking recently (It felt like it was twisting counter clockwise/left under braking - not the safest condition) A local non-franchise garage confirmed that my rear subframe was rotten. I cautiously drove to my local Mercedes dealership and they agreed to replace everything FOC.
The impression I was given, is that this is a very common issue and as such Merc are doing their best to resolve it, either free, or at a discount (dependant on mileage and service history etc). My car is a 2011 plate with 80k miles. The service history is predominantly Mercedes, but the last two years I've done it myself. All I can report is that I did not have to 'fight' for the job to be fixed, it was easy, and I'm extremely grateful for the positive outcome. I suspect the bill would run into the thousands.
Was told this issue is being seen regularly on both C and E class cars.
The only downside, is there's a shortage of parts due to demand, so will have to wait a few weeks. Not an issue for my situation but this might be troublesome for others.

So yeah - well done Mercedes. I'm chuffed.