SLK rear subframe

[Bobby Dazzler]

They have become much more difficult about subframe replacement in the last year or so. I certainly haven’t seen any customers getting it done for free in the last six months or so

It was good whilst it lasted. I’m surprised that they were even done FOC. My dealer was replacing them in January this when mine was being serviced.

My dealer kindly allows me to go and have a look underneath my cars whilst on the ramp and they had an SLK in another bay having the subframe replaced.

 

[ALFAitalia]

i have had the car since 2012. As the photos show the corrosion is very severe and localised - the other areas of the subframe look in the condition you would expect of a car 20 yrs old. Replacement cost was just over £4k (did a few other bits while the subframe was off).

https://www.autodoc.co.uk/car-parts/support-frame-engine-carrier-11604/mercedes-benz/slk/slk-r171/17886-55-amg-171-473

 

[toteimerced]

Even cheaper on eBay.

 

[TooFunny]

they had since decided to withdraw the warranty (with in my case retrospective effect).

Is this even legal; Have you contacted a solicitor or something?

 

[BlackC55]

The aftermarket subframes I would be very careful of. I have used one, and it was "ok". The geometry is the issue. How long they will last too?

 

[DSM10000]

Is this even legal; Have you contacted a solicitor or something?

Why would it not be "legal"

Mercedes were offering this as a goodwill gesture, they didn't issue a recall, they didn't admit liability so it is down to Mercedes when they chose to withdraw from the replacement program.

 

[Telebass]

Hmm, have just contacted them about the same subject on my 2009 S204. Doesn't give me a lot of hope!

 

[TooFunny]

Why would it not be "legal"

Mercedes were offering this as a goodwill gesture, they didn't issue a recall, they didn't admit liability so it is down to Mercedes when they chose to withdraw from the replacement program.

Sorry, I was aware that Mercedes were replacing rusted rear subframes as a goodwill gesture, it's just if he paid for an extended warranty and they've revoked it I'd say that was grounds for a lawsuit.

 

[DSM10000]

Sorry, I was aware that Mercedes were replacing rusted rear subframes as a goodwill gesture, it's just if he paid for an extended warranty and they've revoked it I'd say that was grounds for a lawsuit.

That's not what was said. Read the posts again.

The OP didn't pay for a warranty (their words) and there was no extended warranty.

The OP is talking about a 20 year old car. No manufacturer or after market company offers warranties on vehicles of this age and frankly why would MB et al take responsibility for a vehicle of this age that is far beyond it's design life?

Mercedes have been replacing subframes on some vehicles at their discretion and with no admission of liability it is entirely down to Mercedes to decide when this period of free replacement ends so there is no basis for any "legal" claim.

 

[ALFAitalia]

The aftermarket subframes I would be very careful of. I have used one, and it was "ok". The geometry is the issue. How long they will last too?

Can they be worse than the factory one!!?? If I went that way I'd get it coated in something (powder) before fitting.

 

[ALFAitalia]

Even cheaper on eBay.

I looked there first....but they all seemed to not fit the SLK55 version which is different to the non AMG version apparently.

 

[Jobsworth]

I looked there first....but they all seemed to not fit the SLK55 version which is different to the non AMG version apparently.

The AMG version is approaching twice the price of the non AMG version. From what I can see, the only difference is that the nearside rear differential mount is in a different hole. The non-AMG version has the hole, just no mount pre-fitted. I am going to be replacing one in the next month or two, and I’m going to buy a V6 subframe and swap the mount myself. I will report back if this works…

 

[lanchart]

Many thanks to all for the comments/input.Picking up on these a couple of points to highlight.
Firstly it was the MB dealer who first informed me that the damage on my rear subframe was the result of a manufacturing defect resulting in internal corrosion and the failure of the unit. So not ordinary wear and tear but a defective part supplied and fitted by Mb when the car was built. MB has not challenged this and doubtless this is the reason why MB put in place an extended warranty ( which they describe as a goodwill gesture) following the US class action against them.

Secondly, given the potentially catastrophic consequences of subframe failure due to this defect (I have seen on the forum a report of an accident following a subframe failure although MB has stated it is unaware of any failures during driving) it is extraordinary that MB has failed to issue any safety advisory or inspection recall. So most drivers of potentially affected cars will be unaware of the r defect and failure risk.

Finally to clarify what MB advised me on the warranty issue I quote their statement below:
“..at the time of inspection SLKs we’re covered under warranty. Then MBUK have decided to withdraw this model for goodwill gesture”
The inspection they refer to is the MB dealer inspection and submission of the claim for repair ( the dealer having advised me that this would be under warranty) following the MOT “serious”failure.

 

[BlackC55]

The AMG version is approaching twice the price of the non AMG version. From what I can see, the only difference is that the nearside rear differential mount is in a different hole. The non-AMG version has the hole, just no mount pre-fitted. I am going to be replacing one in the next month or two, and I’m going to buy a V6 subframe and swap the mount myself. I will report back if this works…

Its more than that. We put one in and the geo was very different. Dont do it!

 

[DSM10000]

Many thanks to all for the comments/input.Picking up on these a couple of points to highlight.
Firstly it was the MB dealer who first informed me that the damage on my rear subframe was the result of a manufacturing defect resulting in internal corrosion and the failure of the unit. So not ordinary wear and tear but a defective part supplied and fitted by Mb when the car was built. MB has not challenged this and doubtless this is the reason why MB put in place an extended warranty ( which they describe as a goodwill gesture) following the US class action against them.

Secondly, given the potentially catastrophic consequences of subframe failure due to this defect (I have seen on the forum a report of an accident following a subframe failure although MB has stated it is unaware of any failures during driving) it is extraordinary that MB has failed to issue any safety advisory or inspection recall. So most drivers of potentially affected cars will be unaware of the r defect and failure risk.

Finally to clarify what MB advised me on the warranty issue I quote their statement below:
“..at the time of inspection SLKs we’re covered under warranty. Then MBUK have decided to withdraw this model for goodwill gesture”
The inspection they refer to is the MB dealer inspection and submission of the claim for repair ( the dealer having advised me that this would be under warranty) following the MOT “serious”failure.

You keep referring to this as a "warranty" item.

Have Mercedes (not the dealer) ever used this term in writing to you? Warranty and Goodwill are very different legally.

Regardless, the car is 20 years old so why would you expect any company to repair it free of charge?

The subframe was clearly fit for purpose for the majority of that time.

 

[TC350]

Can they be worse than the factory one!!?? If I went that way I'd get it coated in something (powder) before fitting.

Coating with anything won’t reduce internal corrosion.

 

[markjay]

Can they be worse than the factory one!!?? If I went that way I'd get it coated in something (powder) before fitting.

Waxoyl (or a more modern alternative.... ) on the inside should do the trick.

 

[ALFAitalia]

Coating with anything won’t reduce internal corrosion.

Powder coating will cover all surfaces....inside and out....if electrostatically done.

 

[markjay]

Powder coating will cover all surfaces....inside and out....if electrostatically done.

Difficult to do DIY, though, because it needs to be done prior to applying the paint coat, and so really should be done by the manufacturer.

 

[ALFAitalia]

I've got a man......! He used to work for me....now he manages a coatings company in Chichester.