Update on corrosion of the rear subframe in C class W204 - 2024.

[Uneripty]

I have perused several discussions and am now in the midst of thoroughly going through all of them, as well as any other accessible web resources.

The C class 60 plate has failed its MOT due to significant rust damage. The rust has caused a crack in the frame, which is located a few inches above the damaged area. The shock on the opposite side has likewise disappeared, and the front shock is deteriorating.

Received notification from MBCS and instructed to schedule an appointment with the store. I was informed that I would need to bring it in and pay £222 per hour for staff to assess it, since it lacks Mobilo and MB service history.

I declined the offer, providing reasons such as the ongoing recall in the United States, the availability of free-of-charge replacements, and supporting evidence from The Guardian article (which highlights Mercedes' refusal to cover the cost of repairing my corroded vehicle). Furthermore, I informed them that they were welcome to either retrieve the car themselves or examine it on my driveway, as other individuals have previously reported doing. It is worth noting that a visual inspection can be conducted without the need for a jack. I notified them that the vehicle's value is less £3k and that it is not economically feasible to fix it based on their pricing. Additionally, I sent them with a photograph of the MOT.

After around 10 email exchanges, during which I clearly expressed my intention to escalate the matter to a formal complaint and involve the ombudsman if necessary, they have now responded by reiterating the same response and disregarding my request for information on their official complaint processes.

I have perused this lawsuit filed in the county court about rust. The provided link leads to a webpage on the Honest John website, where a discussion is taking place regarding a car manufacturer being taken to court due to issues with their

Is this the subsequent stage, despite not being the original owner?

Thank you in advance for any advice.

[Uneripty]

https://www.honestjohn.co.uk/askhj/answer/50735/i-took-mercedes-benz-to-court-over-their-30-year-bodywork-warranty-

[Squirrrel]

No, the warranty does not cover the subframe. The 30-year guarantee specifically covers the body shell, but only if it has rusted through from the inside. It does not extend to bolt-on components such as subframes. Subframe replacement is only an act of goodwill by Mercedes, hence it is advantageous to have their support. Engaging in aggressive behaviour and issuing threats to others is unlikely to yield any positive results.

[Uneripty]

Could a moderator please relocate this to the suspension section?

Since they have already indicated that I would be facing charges, what strategies do you propose I employ to gain their support or favour?

To ensure clarity, I shared the email with the price of £222 per hour with CS and proceeded to discuss the matter further with them. I only called the shop on one occasion.

[Squirrrel]

Excellent... if they have given their consent, you are in a favourable position. They are likely to request more funds for the purchase of bolts, bushes, and corroded brake lines, as indicated by past discussions on this platform.

[Uneripty]

Is it intended to be a kind of irony when the speaker expresses the opposite of what they really mean?

[Squirrrel]

No, I apologise if it gave that impression. It just operates in the manner it seems to. My buddy had to pay just about £600 for a "free" subframe replacement on his 212 E Class.

[Uneripty]

Indeed, there is no need to be concerned, since this situation is only a result of a misunderstanding.

An acquaintance of mine visited a Sytner dealership and encountered a complete refusal of service. However, they were able to get assistance from a Vertu dealership, although at a cost of around £200 for bolts. It is worth noting that there are several stories of these bolts being provided free of charge, indicating a lack of consistency in the matter.

Another risk is that even if the subframe is replaced, the absence of a MOT may result in the vehicle not being released if there are any problems with the arms, bolts, bushes, and so on. Under what circumstances, their rates will rapidly deteriorate and become BER.

I want information on the specific aspects that will be addressed, in order to preemptively replace the shock component prior to transferring it to them. Otherwise, it would be futile to invest more money in the automobile just for them to reject it following inspection.

[Kiddokt]

There is an individual named Dave Evans who is active on one of the SLK boards and has effectively assisted several individuals in obtaining complimentary replacements. I recommend doing a search to find his contributions. His method prioritises safety, although it would likely require taking the automobile to the dealer.

[Kiddokt]

He is on the website slkownersclub.co.uk.

[Uneripty]

Hello, my friend. I believe I may use a tow rope to transport the vehicle to the nearby dealership. However, I am reluctant to do so due to the exorbitant fee of £222 per hour for a "inspection." This seems unnecessary considering that the issue has already been identified during the MOT. Otherwise, I would have already completed that task.

[Kiddokt]

Peruse his written material. The inspection should be provided at no cost, since it is an activity connected to safety.

[Uneripty]

Read and sent a message to him.

Here is the answer I received from a dealer, who also declined someone I know facing the same problem:

'Please be aware that customers who possess a warranty, extended warranty, or corrosion warranty (if they have regularly serviced their vehicle via Mercedes Benz) will have coverage if the issue is determined to be a defect of the manufacturer.' However, if you do not own a warranty or if the issue is not considered a manufacturing defect, there will be an inquiry cost of £222 for the first hour, calculated proportionally.