[Avel Du]

If any members in other countries come across information (subframe) about MB recalling, or honouring replacements, please add to this thread.

My understanding of UK market is a mixed response.
Some had no issue with replacement. Others had to fight for it & many had no joy at all.
A lot depends on the MB dealer that you use by the look of it.
That in mind, I suggest checking our our recommended list for MB dealers in your location/country.

 

[Avel Du]

My subframe gave up the ghost this week after 15 years. MB dealer says that there have been almost 500 subframes ordered for these cars so these are not isolated incidents. MB should bear some responsibility for the poor quality of a major structural part of the car and offer free replacement part or free labour to fit new one. Someone will be seriously injured one day if this is allowed to continue!

Dealer depending, some will sort for free, others not.

 

[Avel Du]

Typical of what folks get told.
It is very random whether they will do for free, or ask for muchos money.

What puzzles me, is if one dealer can get it done free, then another wants to charge, why is MB not yanking their collar. This is one reason I will not be buying an MB SUV when mine needs replacing.
Shoddy workmanship is another.

If you want brand loyalty, then treat customers well.

 

[Avel Du]

What I would really like a look at, is the MB inspection document for the rear subframe, then I could look at my own car, and make a decision myself, whether it's done free of charge or not. I don't want to replace it if it's OK. But would get it replaced, if it has a problem. Does it corrode more from the inside out ??? Are there any critical points where no corrosion is allowed??? Is there a Mercedes service bulletin for this procedure ??? Any info on this would be greatly appreciated.

Having looked at mine for the last 2 years when up on the lift at MOT/service time, there are some small areas of corrosion, that I have "waxoyl"ed, but nothing major noted. But I haven't had a boroscope down the inside of the subframe yet.

It does corrode both ways, but you can see the outside.
When it rots from the inside is the very dangerous one.

 

[Avel Du]

Having just bought a Bosch "inspection camera" (GIC 120C from Screwfix) to inspect a bathroom shower leak. It could be the ideal tool to inspect the inside of the subframe at the next opportunity.

I'll be interested to hear how you get on. Considered similar myself.

 

[Avel Du]

is there not a list of main dealers that have agreed the work under goodwill as maybe everyone should just turn up on there doorsteps and drop there cars off with them, i struggle to understand why one will do it free of charge but others refuse, on my last mot i asked my mot guy to check my subframe and he said there was some slight corrosion but nothing to worry about, but im not convinced

We (I) started one, but nobody bothers to contribute.

 

[Avel Du]

Yikes! Faff, or what.

 

[Avel Du]

The sub frame post on the dealers is not easy to find.

Strictly speaking it should be in the UK repair shops section.
It is currently a sticky in the UK section.

Anyone looking into subframe issues should be able to find it with a search due to the title.
Anyone skimming through UK regional should be able to find it in the stickies.

There is nowhere else that I can put it that is more visible than where it is right now.

It cannot go into the R171 General as it is for the UK only and my ears can only take so many chew outs.

 

[Avel Du]

gov site MOT checker gives some clues.

 

[Avel Du]

just having mine done at inchcape free of charge apart from them replacing the rear brake pipes while there at it, can`t really expect them to pay for that

Do you have your car serviced there?
I heard they were one of the places denying FOC.

 

[Avel Du]

Wow! So two members with opposite experiences.

Maybe I will try my luck when the time comes.