W212 Subframe Corrosion MOT Failure

[mva212]

Hi all,

I have a W212 E350 (reg LM12UYC) which has recently failed MOT due to subframe corrosion. I have been advised that I could go to Mercedes Workshop and they may repair this FOC out of goodwill. So far I have taken my car to them and they have provided a free inspection. The technician has mentioned in the video that the subframe is badly corroded and the car is dangerous to drive. I have then followed up with asking them for a goodwill repair but they have declined me. Afterwards, I have contacted Mercedes customer services to see if they could re-ask the HQ to reconsider their decision. Customer services have come back to me saying that they cannot pursue my investigation any further. I have, once again, asked customer services to contact the advocacy team in the main HQs to see if they could repair my subframe out of goodwill.

Some of the factors that have been mentioned to me that Mercedes take into consideration if they repair the subframe out of goodwill has been the vehicle's age and service history. I have seen instances of '07 or '12 under that have been repaired, so that factor should be ticked for my case. In terms of service history, the car has 6 services done by Mercedes. Any other services have been done at independent garages.
Also, my car is a cat S, damage is not related to the subframe. Could they be taking this into consideration?

What actions should I take here? Should I continue pursuing Mercedes to see if they will repair it, or am I wasting my time?

Thank you all

 

[WilliamMaldivess211]

Hi all,

I have a W212 E350 (reg LM12UYC) which has recently failed MOT due to subframe corrosion. I have been advised that I could go to Mercedes Workshop and they may repair this FOC out of goodwill. So far I have taken my car to them and they have provided a free inspection. The technician has mentioned in the video that the subframe is badly corroded and the car is dangerous to drive. I have then followed up with asking them for a goodwill repair but they have declined me. Afterwards, I have contacted Mercedes customer services to see if they could re-ask the HQ to reconsider their decision. Customer services have come back to me saying that they cannot pursue my investigation any further. I have, once again, asked customer services to contact the advocacy team in the main HQs to see if they could repair my subframe out of goodwill.

Some of the factors that have been mentioned to me that Mercedes take into consideration if they repair the subframe out of goodwill has been the vehicle's age and service history. I have seen instances of '07 or '12 under that have been repaired, so that factor should be ticked for my case. In terms of service history, the car has 6 services done by Mercedes. Any other services have been done at independent garages.
Also, my car is a cat S, damage is not related to the subframe. Could they be taking this into consideration?

What actions should I take here? Should I continue pursuing Mercedes to see if they will repair it, or am I wasting my time?

Thank you all

This is what I was told when I tried to apply for the 30 year warranty for perforation by corrosion which my Mercedes had:

“Under the European Block Exemption Regulation 461/2010, car manufacturers cannot legally condition warranties on having the vehicle serviced exclusively at a main dealer. As long as servicing is conducted according to manufacturer specifications using genuine OEM parts, the warranty remains fully valid.”

Unfortunately, it seems very difficult to get Mercedes to fix it unless you take them to court. Some dealers are better than others I have heard - there are lots of threads on this forum about it with varying degrees of success.

Sorry I can’t be very helpful, but this is one thing I think Mercedes does quite poorly.

 

[WilliamMaldivess211]

Thread 'W212 Rear subframe corrosion'

Aug 16, 2022

Just had a work colleague of mine (here in Germany) had his rear subframe of his 2011 W212 (454k! 220d) replaced under warranty - clearly those W204/R171 frames are spreading. This is a saloon and not a C Class derivative Coupe/Convertible and is a known by the TuV stations (MOT test centre equivalents) when they pick it up on tests.

Might be useful for some to know?

• BfgSLKMan
• Replies: 63
• Forum: Wheels, Tyres, Brakes & Suspension

• 

 

[MrGreedy]

Take it to a dealer that is known for being helpful in this subframe replacement process.

Have a search on here to find dealers that are more compliant. I wouldn't flog the dead horse you're going to at present and I'd make sure I never use their services ever again.

MB Nottingham were pretty solid when I dealt with them over this issue on my 2011 E350. That's generated a lot of goodwill, and they are far from being on my avoid list as a result.

 

[ube63]

I got mine replaced by MB Brighton and I haven’t got my car serviced at a main dealer for 5+ years. They never mentioned it, just got on with the job. Where are you based? Lots of members here got this work done on goodwill and can recommend dealers who do it

 

[TrueSpirit]

Mb beaconsfield did mine , you may need to get the car towed to a different garage. Alternatively if that's a major struggle , an indy might be able to do it at a competitive price if the goodwill angle ultimately fails. Whereabouts is the car currently

 

[mva212]

Thanks all.
My local dealer is MB Plymouth, I tried to contact nearby dealer Exeter, but they have said that they ultimately get the same response from the "headquarters".

 

[Fastcar155]

I am amazed that the DVLA have not issued a recall on Mercedes passenger re rear subframe corrosion.
Its about time that car manufacturers take a responsibility for the vehicles they produce and try to hide beyond terms and conditions re product failure.

 

[TrueSpirit]

The indy I use is brilliant, he quoted me a full brake lines replacement with him removing the subframe for a lot less than what MB charged while they did the subframe under goodwill ! I suggest you give him a call if you can't get MB to do the subframe but I'm very surprised at MR'S stance

 

[mva212]

I'm trying my luck here with getting the customer services team to re-ask the "advocacy" team about a reconsideration and I've emailed a service manager at another branch.
Don't know what else I should be doing, I'll keep this updated
Thanks all