Rust Warrenty Claim - Advice Please

[PeterE320Cdi]

Since my last post I have phoned mercedes customer services, this was a mistake on my part as they seem to be there to act as a go between from you to the local dealer rather then as a voice of head office.

I asked how I would know to bring the car in as soon as it showed rust as there was not to my knowledge a recall for this issue?

They got back to me in a couple of weeks to say that my local dealer was not prepared to offer any contribution above that offered by head office.

I thought this strange as there is no way that I would expect any contribution from the dealer as I did not buy the car from them but also because this is clearly a manufacturing issue so the dealer is not at fault.

Anyway I have decided to go ahead and pay the 35% contribution to get the work done, I will open a new thread asking for things to check before and after taking the car in.

Thanks everyone.

 

[R3ch]

Taken my W202 to my local dealer for a rust claim (2 arches, rust on top of 2 doors) approx 3 weeks ago. Received a call this morning from a dealer and informed that my claim has been approved by Mercedes. Just waiting for a call from the bodyshop. Will be sandblasted if panel is repairable otherwise a panel change. My car has got a FSH with 2 non Mercedes stamp from the previous owner. Dealer mentioned that car would go to a bodyshop in Romford though he's not very familiar with the name. Anybody got a clue which bodyshop does Mercedes use in the Romford area?

 

[Flash]

Be warned that they will be using "SMART REPAIR" technology - i.e. not doing full panel resprays where possible justy like Chips Away do...!!!

 

[R3ch]

Be warned that they will be using "SMART REPAIR" technology - i.e. not doing full panel resprays where possible justy like Chips Away do...!!!

I don't mind if they don't do a full panel resprays, as long as they do a good job. The area to be painted is not visible from the outside anyway.

 

[Glenn Smith]

strange, but new laws mean you can have your vehicle serviced outside of the merc dealers during the warranty period without invalidating the warranty, this rule applies till the car is six years old, any other warranty after that i.e. the 30yr corrosion warranty, means the manufacturer can insist on certain servicing requirements, in mercs case, main dealer service within the last two years, most cars fall outside of main dealer servicing by this age, so merc are fairly safe. I've had corrosion probs wuth my C230, and still have rust appearing every few weeks, the first repairs at 3yrs old, and the paint is now falling off the new tailgate fitted at 4yrs, I'm apalled to say the least and will not buy another whatever the warranty, it just shouldn't happen, there is no excuse, Peugeots don't rust! Even my Jag isn't rusty! the old Porsche was 18yrs old with no rust.

 

[SimonLA]

Jeez the dreaded rust. I took my 99 E300TD in to my local MB dealer with rust on all 4 wings, bonnet and boot lid (5 out 6 stamps are Main delaer, one is an indy). Whilst there they also checked the front subframe and found that also corroded.

They took photos and phoned MB UK. Within half an hour they had authorisation to replace the Subframe and this was carried out a few days later. I then recieved a call from MB UK and they sent someone out to take more photos. The upshot is that the car has been booked in for 8 days of bodywork (though not until October).....I'm still waiting for the first suggestion that I pay for anything, when it comes I want to be ready. Does anyone know of any sites/threads where anyone has legally challenged MB ?

 

[glojo]

Does anyone know of any sites/threads where anyone has legally challenged MB ?

Unbelieveable!!

Why not simply demand they fix it free of charge and threaten to sue them?

Or,
You could sit back, relax, enjoy letting the world go by and be grateful that you are getting a new sub frame and probably\possibly a free respray.

Yes Mercedes rust, No they shouldn't.

Other marques also rust but you certainly do not receive the treatment you have luckily received.

Oh and I am NOT aware of any threads where any owner has successfully taken Mercedes-Benz to court over this issue. They have threatened

Which,
Top Gear
5th Gear1001 Consumer TV programs
Mp's
Human Rights Legislation
EU Law
Trades Description

I am sure there are more groups\organisations and no doubt Mercedes-Benz could give you a much fuller list.

Apologies if I am being rude, just put it down to a bad hair day.

Good luck with the car and hopefully you will have a free repair, if not be grateful for what you have been given, others on this forum have NOT been as lucky.

Just remember the warranty is for rust coming from the inside, coming out, not surface rust going in, or as I found out, rust that develops under the paintwork.

John the olde grump

 

[SimonLA]

Good luck with the car and hopefully you will have a free repair, if not be grateful for what you have been given, others on this forum have NOT been as lucky.
??

Give me a break - grateful for what I have been given? are you advocating the MB are somehow in the right ?. Mercedes set their stall out with a 'sell 'em hopes and dreams and ship 'em sh**te' money making strategy in the mid nineties and had the gaul to offer 30 year corrosion warranty despite knowing that they were cost cutting like crazy. My 'oh lord won't you buy me a mercedes benz' luxury auto has been garaged for most of it's life and serviced relentlessley by the blood sucking dealers that MB appoint to perpetuate the gravy train . It's currently rusted to the point that the subframe needs emergency replacement before it drops the engine on to the road and you think I should be greatful !!!!......

Bizarre......

 

[glojo]

Good luck with the car and hopefully you will have a free repair, if not be grateful for what you have been given, others on this forum have NOT been as lucky.
??

Give me a break - grateful for what I have been given? are you advocating the MB are somehow in the right ?. Mercedes set their stall out with a 'sell 'em hopes and dreams and ship 'em sh**te' money making strategy in the mid nineties and had the gaul to offer 30 year corrosion warranty despite knowing that they were cost cutting like crazy. My 'oh lord won't you buy me a mercedes benz' luxury auto has been garaged for most of it's life and serviced relentlessley by the blood sucking dealers that MB appoint to perpetuate the gravy train . It's currently rusted to the point that the subframe needs emergency replacement before it drops the engine on to the road and you think I should be greatful !!!!......

Bizarre......

I am not defending the atrocious condition of your car, no more than I'm condoning Bentleys that rust or as on another post Audi.

There is NO rust warranty per sea. The mobilio warranty is an excellent cover but it has terms and conditions. No one is forced to adhere to them, but please do not think you have a free meal ticket for life if you fail to comply to the terms.

Like I said in my previous post, you are very fortunate, other members with rotten sub frames have been less lucky.

John

 

[PeterE320Cdi]

Goodluck Simon, I hope they pay for all the work to be done.

 

[Dieselman]

If MB have approved the repair and a date has been set then you won't be asked for a donation. You would have been asked before the car was booked in.

 

[SimonLA]

gg

 

[SimonLA]

but please do not think you have a free meal ticket for life if you fail to comply to the terms.


? The only thing I expect MB to do is to adhere to their comittments. My car complies completely to the Mobilo life requirement. The only Indy stamp was an interim service between 2 main dealers (all three within 14 Months).
What really pi55es me off about MB is the squirming and wriggling they do to try to avoid their comitments. My first call to the local cash cow of a dealer a couple of years ago resulted in a hilarious statement that there are no unusual rust issues with W210's. The rust on mine only starte appearing earlier this year and I've had to lead them by the ear to the point we are at now. The latest call was from the receptionist at the garage that has booked my car for the rust to tell me that I do not qualify for a courtesy car........my ar5e

Having had Mercs for the past 12 years I expect they are just regrouping for another attempt to claw some money in.

 

[glojo]

I can to a degree understand your frustration and clearly there is no diplomatic way of saying the louder you shout, the less your message gets through.

Some members say they tried the nice way and had to resort to yelling, but when you read their posts, and also other posts they submit, a picture builds up of there character. If you read ALL the threads of rust, corrosion issues you will see a clear, obvious pattern......the nice guys come out best!!

I know this will put salt into a few wounds, but reading your post Mercedes-Benz have offered to carry out free repairs??? We are only hearing your side of this story and in life I have learnt that a coin ALWAYS has two sides (a schumacher or a Senna ) If indeed Mercedes-Benz have offered this free repair, why on earth are you looking into wanting to take legal advice???

I would be amazed if any of your corrosion issues fall within the remit of Mobilio?? I am NOT defending Mercedes-Benz. I repeat I am NOT defending Mercedes-Benz for the disgusting reputation they are developing over this issue, but I do defend how in most cases they are attempting to make good. What would you do if they turned round and said we will only repair ALL parts that have rust coming from the inside out??? That is there sole obligation, and I repeat there are countless other marques that have rust issues, Mercedes-Benz are simply the current target of choice.

sorry for not being overly sympathetic but life can be a real four letter word at times.

Incidentally we have a metal framed garden swinging bench which is three years old and terribly rusty. We purchased it from B & Q which only offers a 12 month guarantee, we have no proof of purchase nor indeed any proof that it came from B & Q, plus the range is no longer sold. I spoke nicely to the manager and we are getting a free replacement of our choice. I certainly never shouted, threatened, or got on my high horse. I guess the swing was made from the same steel as Mercedes, and the manager of B & Q must have gone to the same school as our local Mercedes dealer. I am certainly no one special, but I speak to folks in exactly the way I would like to be spoken to!!!

Which reminds me to chase up the bill for my van service

John the optimist

 

[Flash]

I
Some members say they tried the nice way and had to resort to yelling, but when you read their posts, and also other posts they submit, a picture builds up of there character. If you read ALL the threads of rust, corrosion issues you will see a clear, obvious pattern......the nice guys come out best!!

I always be nice/polite to people and implement the “Mr Nice Guy” approach first BUT if people yell at me then I will yell back at them and IF they hit me then I will hit them back...! I did not yell at the "useless" people at DC UK/Stealership BUT raised my voice to match her tone when the rude woman at DC UK raised her voice at me first! In the end I came out on top!!!

Unless any of you have been in any situations where the DC UK/Stealership rip you off/fobb you off/mess up/damage your car and do not want to accept liability or put the problem right with a resolution then none of you have any room to talk as you have not experienced what some of us have!!!

 

[SimonLA]

Glojo

Ahhhh ....I wish I lived in your world, I bet your dealer doffs his hat and RAC men salute you as you go buy. Unfortunately my local MD dealer sees a 'reasonable' approach simply as a sign of weakness.

However you are right in that the first rule must always be to try diplomacy first, but If you need a motto dealing with MB its "Speak softly but carry a big stick". Reason for looking for legalise before October is that I have been here with MB before re under warranty spares that have failed and I have been asked for 'contributions' on the day of fitting.

As for your comment

"I would be amazed if any of your corrosion issues fall within the remit of Mobilio?? "

Re my first email they have already replaced the subframe under warranty and have agreed to bodywork. One of the discussion points with MB ws that as the paintwork was not broken and the rust was clearly visible below, then it can only berusting inside out. - I'd be interested if you had any experience of this being disputed.

Re B&Q This is different. B&Q will exchange an item because it's easier for them to do so than argue - it costs them practically nothing because of the low value of merchanside Whereas MB have to juggle, parts, labour and differnet businesses. Personally if it was out or warranty I'd keep my side of the bargain and pay for another one.

 

[Birdman]

Glojo

Ahhhh ....I wish I lived in your world, I bet your dealer doffs his hat and RAC men salute you as you go buy. Unfortunately my local MD dealer sees a 'reasonable' approach simply as a sign of weakness.

One of the discussion points with MB ws that as the paintwork was not broken and the rust was clearly visible below, then it can only berusting inside out. - I'd be interested if you had any experience of this being disputed.

I'm not sure whether or not we've had clear-cut examples of DCUK allowing mobilio 30-year claims on this forum. It seems corrosion claims are being met under a general goodwill policy, since they have been caused by rust penetrating from the outside through poorly sealed seams, microscopic holes in thinly painted areas, and ditto through unsealed underbody members etc - all too reminiscent of the problems that finished off Lancia UK in the 70's. It seems that the Mobilo corrosion scheme doesn't apply to anything that starts from the outside rather than breaking through from the inside. It's possible that even the underpaint rust you mention started externally, through invisible breaks in the paintwork. Not that this distinction is of any interest to the owner, only to the corporate lawyers that advise DC.

In your place I'd want and expect all the support I could get from this forum. You certainly have mine.

Good luck with your claim and let us know how it goes.

Andrew

 

[C43AMG]

I have just picked up the C43 from MB Brentford which had a slight rust problem on the corner of the sunroof. As mentioned brfore they seem to do these claims under Goodwill rather than Mobilo warranty why i don't know as the rust was coming from the inside to the outside.

I do have a good relationship with Brentford as they have looked after my SClass since new. The work was done to my satisfaction the only gripe i had with the body shop manager was that because it was goodwill and not a warranty claim i was not entitled to a loan car.

 

[glojo]

the only gripe i had with the body shop manager was that because it was goodwill and not a warranty claim i was not entitled to a loan car.

I cannot understand that and I would not have been happy. It is a 'courtesy' or 'goodwill' gesture to loan you a car. Certainly a failure in both goodwill and courtesy.

We keep flogging this issue and it took a while for me to fully understand, but are you sure the rust on your vehicle was coming from the underside of the steel??? It would literally take years for rust to eat its way through from the base to the surface. I have no objections to folks calling me names, or make insulting remarks, but these claims are mostly for the reasons that are continually being outlined. Namely the steel actually rusting underneath the paintwork. The horrible bubbles that we so frequently see are a reaction where the surface rust is trapped underneath the paint, the paintwork looses adhesion and it is referred to as a bubble. This is not rust forming from the underside.

Corners\edges of doors, sunroofs, boots, tailgates etc are usually caused by the method of cutting the steel, although the official party line was put down to how the steel was bent??

If a sub frame were to corrode from the underside to the surface, then surely before the rust actually appears on the surface the sub frame would have collapsed, or literally turned to rusty flakes? All the sub frames I have seen pictures of have had terrible underside protection and this has caused a terrible build up of surface rust. Totally unacceptable and worthy of a goodwill repair.


I am 'steel' monitoring numerous forums regarding the 211 and corrosion issues. So far I have only found the odd complaint which appears to be one off items?? Has anyone found rust on a 211 that was not on the black rail, or a poor paint job?

John

 

[PeterE320Cdi]

Does anyone know of any sites/threads where anyone has legally challenged MB ?

I found this website and would be interested to hear from anyone that registered with them.

http://www.irwinmitchell.com/News/MercedesBenzEclassRust.htm