c220 cdi

[grk56]

I have a Y reg c220 cdi estate which I bought from my company(ex co car) in Sept 03. Since then I have had several rear bulbs blow, the computer management system has failed, the passenger window motor has also packed up both these items being replaced under warranty.

Now just having the car MOT'D I find out it needs a new steering rack at £1138. + VAT Merc have said they will pay 50% of this cost as its 8 days out of warranty.

Am I just unlucky or is this a regular occurance? and can I get more money out of M'Benz.

 

[OlafMaxwell]

Ok, wher eto start.

Accordiong to your service book there is a check to be carried out on the steering. Check your last service date and whether A or B.

Only 8 days is very close, you need also to check the date they have for the warranty start, not uncommon for the date to be incorrect. Check against your delivery date/first insurance or whatever. It might be dated by first registration and if it was pregistered this is not correct, has to apply from date it was delivered. As a matter of interest I thought the MOT test was to be done before the annual anniversary of registration which does seem to suggest it might be inside a correct warranty period.

I would insist on the defective unit being returned and have it inspected by an independent power steering specialist and get a report on it. It is more than possible the fault should have been spotted in the previous service. If there is even a hint that it could have been damaged by the electrical problems, or become faulty and not diagnosed or recorded by the Management system get that in writing. MB will probably try to insist on keeping the old unit if they are giving a goodwill repair. If there is hydraulic fluid all over it then it is possible to say whether it has been happening for more than 8 days. It is not reasonable to expect you to crawl under the car etc at the end of the warranty to carry out a detailed examination, none of us is qualified to do that.

Half of that parts cost plus labour is a big bill.

 

[OlafMaxwell]

I received a very useful suggestion from guydewdney about electrical problems.

He mentioned an over voltage protection relay in his c class and suggested I have a similiar problem. He recommended looking at this and doing a voltage check. Have a look at what he says on my site, makes a lot of sense to me and could prevent you having some big repair bills.

No idea of cost but something says to me it should not be expensive.