Hole in rear subframe.

[SG E350]

Firstly thanks to members who advised me to take the problem to MB. The car is less than ten years old, well maintained in super condition. 75500 miles covered with one previous owner and service by MB. I was advised at the last service that the subframe was badly rusted with a hole "in the usual place" front mounting, also brake pipes pitted.
I took it MB Cardiff and Newport to carry out an inspection of the subframe and report to MB Milton Keens. They also did a recall issue. Within hours they reported the car was unsafe to drive and MB would cover the entire cost of the subframe replacement. I had to pay for the brake pipes replacement to copper but it was a minimal as the major cost was in taking the back of the car apart. The local dealership were very proactive and helpful but the redesigned subframe took 2 weeks to arrive. It's fine now and a great deal of money saved thanks to club members advise. It was a great shock to find this issue on a MB, but they covered their responsibility for what must be a design error.

 

[grahamcol]

You may wish to consider some rust proofing treatment to help prevent future problems.

 

[malcolm E53 AMG]

Glad you’ve got the problem sorted and MB honoured their obligation.
Have you any photos of the rusted area of the subframe I have an identical car so very interested in this

 

[SG E350]

Glad you’ve got the problem sorted and MB honoured their obligation.
Have you any photos of the rusted area of the subframe I have an identical car so very interested in this

The local dealership told me they have no need to take photos, they simply ring MB and authority is given. Devolved responsibility. I did ask for copies but that was their answer. It's worth taking the rear cover off and have a look. I went up the car during the last MOT but there was no sight of the problem.

 

[malcolm E53 AMG]

Thanks, I’ll lift the rear of the car when the weather improves and have a look at it I think I know where the problem manifests itself

 

[mioba]

Glad you got sorted OP. MB wont let you see or take pics as last thing they want is this being all over the news papers and them having to shell out millions on recalls.

I was at my indy last week and he said he is doing a subframe per week and MB have them on backorder with a lead time of 4 weeks.

Now if every MB owner was to go to MB it would simply cost them huge money.

 

[mioba]

Glad you’ve got the problem sorted and MB honoured their obligation.
Have you any photos of the rusted area of the subframe I have an identical car so very interested in this

Its been well covered and been going on a few years. If you google what you are after I am sure you will find the pics/rust location you need.

 

[charlysays]

Absolutely nuts that in some ways MB rust problems have gotten worse. I remember people thought the rust woes were over in 2004.
People say the W202 is bad but I just finished restoring the rear subframe area on my 1997 C250 TD which has covered 208k miles and there were no holes in the subframe. It was rusty, flaking in places but it blast cleaned fine and had 3 coats of epoxy mastic, then wax injected. I had to weld up some very small holes in the boot floor on the shell then epoxy mastic on that entire area inc with fuel tanks removed. Kinda shocking that rust prone 90s Mercs are holding up better in some ways than a much newer Merc. Glad it's all sorted. Don't assume it's an isolated issue though. If you like the car, take it to somewhere like RustBuster and get their full works done on it.