Subframe

[mks89]

Hello everyone
I have been looking for a W212 350 CDI coupe to purchase for a while and have finally found a 2010 model for the right price, spec, service history…etc

If inspection later this week is satisfactory I will be the 3rd owner (and by first benz!)
On research the last mot mentions the rear subframe is corroded but is not seriously weakened.

I have read plenty of threads regarding this quite common issue and in most cases Mercedes replacing it free of charge.

My question is if I purchase the car then visit a mercedes dealer a few days after purchase will they still replace it free of charge or does it have to fail an mot first?
Are there certain criteria for mercedes to replace the rear subframe?
Any recommended mercedes dealers close by that would carry out the work for free?
The car has FSH part dealer and part independent.

Any help or advice is greatly appreciated!

 

[markjay]

Welcome.

I think that there two issues here.

The subframe issue manifests itself as rotting from the inside. When it is first noticed, there'll already be a hole in the subframe.

From what you describe, the MOT advisory is regarding surface rust on the outside, which is a different issue

Assuming you can confirm that this is indeed just external surface rust, then this is normal and easily rectified.

If you're asking whether you should buy this particular example given the corroding subframe issue on MB cars... my answer would be that all MBs of that era carry this risk. The presence of external surface rust does not make this subframe more likely or less likely to fail than other similar cars.

Regarding buying the car and having the subframe replaced by MB FOC... I don't know the specific answers to your questions, but this is a bad plan.

Firstly, it can be an uphill struggle to get MB to replace the subframe, even if the car has FSH and you've had it for a while. Then, if MB agree to replace the subframe, the car will be declared unroadworthy and off the road for weeks.

 

[Fastcar155]

Assuming your car is actually a C207 my car was written off due to subframe failure.My car was also inspected by a specialist who gave the cear the all clear.I must point out that he told that these subframe assemblies corrode from the inside.

My car had a full Mercedes service history.

Great cars but be careful and mine was a 2016 model registered in late 2015.