W203 - track rod end MOT failure

[timk]

That's the position I was in with the "drift left" and stability issues on my car. The dealer test drove it and said it was fine so they wouldn't check the alignment. The outside edge wear on the tyres (noted on 2 MOTs) was explained away as "they all do that, sir".

Eventually had the opportunity to take it to WIM and the tracking was miles out, but equal - as if it had been set wrong on purpose. Complained to dealer and they ignored it. Service Manager told me I should buy a new car as mine is old now! I might do, but I'm not sure it'll be a Mercedes.

I thought Merc were supposed to be making a big effort to improve their bad reputation for customer service - I've been irritated by the effort it's taken to get them to do something which should have been done in the first place - not to mention their sudden realisation that the steering arm is also shot - which they should have spotted at MOT/ track rod replacement time - my issue is that whilst they appear to be sorting out the problems, the whole episode has diminished my confidence in their ability and made me doubt their honesty.

 

[Rory]

I thought Merc were supposed to be making a big effort to improve their bad reputation for customer service - I've been irritated by the effort it's taken to get them to do something which should have been done in the first place - not to mention their sudden realisation that the steering arm is also shot - which they should have spotted at MOT/ track rod replacement time - my issue is that whilst they appear to be sorting out the issue, it has diminished my confidence in their ability and made me doubt their honesty.

Latest thing on my car is that the black window surrounds have started bubbling as if they're corroding. Dealer said they're trim so not covered once out of warranty and they won't make a goodwill claim to Mercedes.

Emailed Mercedes explaining that I'm aware other people have had them replaced, my car has low mileage, full MB service history etc etc and they said "we take each request on a individual basis and as stated, we regret that we are unable to assist on this occasion."

So basically they told me to sod off as I'm not worthy of their goodwill.

 

[nigel cross]

They cost about £20 and are just a push fit on, just use an old wooden clothes peg to lever then off.
They come already finished.

 

[timk]

Do you usually get a receipt of some sort or something in writing when warranty work is carried out?? Had a look at my invoice and there is no mention of the track rod end replacement anywhere.

 

[Rory]

Do you usually get a receipt of some sort or something in writing when warranty work is carried out?? Had a look at my invoice and there is no mention of the track rod end replacement anywhere.

I had very little paperwork for my car as it was all done on ServicePlus, so I asked for a copy of the invoices.

They hummed and harred about it, but eventually just printed them off. Looking at them, I can see that the reason they probably don't like to give them is that they show the discounted parts prices and labour rate.

 

[Rory]

They cost about £20 and are just a push fit on, just use an old wooden clothes peg to lever then off.
They come already finished.

That makes it even worse, to be honest. Considering the money they've had out of me, not to replace the 4 of them just seems petty now.

 

[timk]

Not sure whether to be riled by this or whether I'm being OTT.

Picked up car today after leaving it with them since Friday - so they've had it for 4/5 days. Noted the mileage and fuel before handing it over and it's quarter of a tank down on what it was, and has done another 27 miles - I'd expect a couple of mile road test but that seems excessive, I reckon one of the techs has been enjoying my car.

They appear to have done something with the geometry - I have a print out - but the steering wheel is still tilted to one side when the car is going in a straight line!!!! Losing the will to live - not sure where to go from here

 

[Stratman]

Take it to Wheels in Motion.

They come highly recommended by Forumites, and occasionly post here with advice.

Look at the left side of the home page for "Mercedes Pulling Problems".

 

[timk]

Take it to Wheels in Motion.

They come highly recommended by Forumites, and occasionly post here with advice.

Look at the left side of the home page for "Mercedes Pulling Problems".

I take your point and have heard they are good, but it's a long way to go to pay to sort out a problem Mercedes caused.

 

[momomo]

Not sure whether to be riled by this or whether I'm being OTT.

Picked up car today after leaving it with them since Friday - so they've had it for 4/5 days. Noted the mileage and fuel before handing it over and it's quarter of a tank down on what it was, and has done another 27 miles - I'd expect a couple of mile road test but that seems excessive, I reckon one of the techs has been enjoying my car.

They appear to have done something with the geometry - I have a print out - but the steering wheel is still tilted to one side when the car is going in a straight line!!!! Losing the will to live - not sure where to go from here

That does sound like an excessive test drive to be honest. 27 miles!!

This is really bad service from a dealership. Im finding it difficult to understand why they are finding it so hard to rectify such a small issue.

 

[timk]

That does sound like an excessive test drive to be honest. 27 miles!!

This is really bad service from a dealership. Im finding it difficult to understand why they are finding it so hard to rectify such a small issue.

Back into MB today for them to have their latest go at sorting this out.
Irritatingly the courtesy car they have given me has an out of date tax disc.... Seriously beginning to doubt the competence of main dealers, a stern letter to MBUK is in order. Anyone know who the appropriate contact write to is?