W204 rear subframe corrosion - dealer diag fee

[hebdenwill]

Hi all,

I've been reading quite a few threads on here and other places about people taking their C class (and other affected models) for defective rear subframe replacements courtesy of MB.

mine is pretty crispy so I asked someone I know who works at a dealership about it, they said they do sometimes replace them for free, but it would involve a £180 diagnostic fee - waived if the work is carried out. I guess this is usual but has anyone found a way around this? Even if I'm fairly sure they might want to replace it, it's a very large amount of money on the line for them to potentially say "no don't worry that's fine it doesn't need doing"

Just wondered if anyone has any advice, thanks!

 

[Will]

Try a different dealer?

Or ask if they do vehicle health checks (or MOTs) - £180 seems a bit steep for just the subframe to be checked for a claim (doesn’t feel like this is a diagnosis to me really?)

 

[markjay]

It's just the standard reply. In essence, there's not much that the dealer (or anyone else) can see until it's too late.

I did ask MB Brooklands to inspect the rear subframe when they last serviced the car, they got their MOT tester to come and have a look and he said everything was fine, though I wasn't expecting anything else. I wasn't charged.

Alternatively, any MOT tester or garage can check it for you - it's a very simple and quick external visual check.

Again, passing the visual check doesn't mean that there isn't a problem looming inside the rear subframe, but short of drilling a hole and inserting a borescope camera there's not much else that can done.

 

[Will]

Again, passing the visual check doesn't mean that there isn't a problem looming inside the rear subframe, but short of drilling a hole and inserting a borescope camera there's not much else that can done.

That’s pretty much my thoughts, but I doubt they will be drilling and/or borescoping a subframe for that £180 diagnostic fee anyway.

OP says it looks crusty though so maybe a visual check would be enough to submit a claim anyway?

 

[TC350]

I've just received the video health check for my 2012 C350 that's in for its service and MoT. The technician pointed out a corrosion hole in the subframe and said "I do believe it's covered under the extended warranty for subframes, so I recommend getting that booked in with us as soon as possible." I certainly will.

 

[hebdenwill]

I've just received the video health check for my 2012 C350 that's in for its service and MoT. The technician pointed out a corrosion hole in the subframe and said "I do believe it's covered under the extended warranty for subframes, so I recommend getting that booked in with us as soon as possible." I certainly will.

View attachment 174449

Wow, yours has a lot less corrosion around the ball joint / bushing below than mine had, but MB Leeds turned it down for a replacement! I think it seems to really depend on which technician inspects it and at which garage.

I managed to get away without paying the £180 inspection fee though, somehow...maybe they forgot

 

[Londonscottish]

I didn't get charged for my inspection.

 

[TC350]

Well, Mercedes Peterborough are waiting for MBUK to get back to them to confirm that they will pay for the replacement subframe. They were confident that the work would be authorised. Then they have to order the parts and do the work. Apparently the process is likely to take anything from 24 hours to two weeks - if the subframe is in stock! Much longer if not, although stock levels are generally better than during the early days of the issue.

They were reluctant to let me take the car away, expecting me to leave it with them for as long as it takes. They couldn't/wouldn't loan me a car for however long it takes. With it being the family's only car, we're a bit f***ed without it. I can fully understand the danger of driving around in a car with unknown hidden corrosion of the bit that holds the rear wheels on!

I'm reluctant to hire a car for an indefinite period, so I'll have to wait for MB to get back to me with better information on a timeframe. For now, we'll have to be even more careful than usual, and only use the car for essential journeys.

Hey ho!

 

[hebdenwill]

Well, Mercedes Peterborough are waiting for MBUK to get back to them to confirm that they will pay for the replacement subframe. They were confident that the work would be authorised. Then they have to order the parts and do the work. Apparently the process is likely to take anything from 24 hours to two weeks - if the subframe is in stock! Much longer if not, although stock levels are generally better than during the early days of the issue.

They were reluctant to let me take the car away, expecting me to leave it with them for as long as it takes. They couldn't/wouldn't loan me a car for however long it takes. With it being the family's only car, we're a bit f***ed without it. I can fully understand the danger of driving around in a car with unknown hidden corrosion of the bit that holds the rear wheels on!

I'm reluctant to hire a car for an indefinite period, so I'll have to wait for MB to get back to me with better information on a timeframe. For now, we'll have to be even more careful than usual, and only use the car for essential journeys.

Hey ho!

Fair point TC350, ive read one or two cases of them providing a courtesy car but I bet it's very rare. You could argue they should really if they're going to hold your car for an indefinite period to rectify an issue of their own making!

 

[TC350]

Fair point TC350, ive read one or two cases of them providing a courtesy car but I bet it's very rare. You could argue they should really if they're going to hold your car for an indefinite period to rectify an issue of their own making!

Good point. I'll give it a try. But not hold my breath!