Massive rust problem on 2010 W212

[mobair]

Hi, I have a lovely (!) 2010 W212 with just 76K miles on it! When it went for the MOT I was told that the rear sub-frame is rusted to hell! I understand that Mercedes has a 30 year corrosion warranty! It seems that this is due to a change of paint spec! As an OAP this is a really big problem! I have had a number of older Mercs, but NEVER had a corrosion problem! Has anyone tried having a go at MB UK with any luck? If anyone has had the same problem how did they resolve the issue without breaking the bank? I have been told it MAY be possible to solve the problem by welding! Is this possible to a standard fit for the MOT? Answers please on a PC! I have just spent a few hundred quid sorting out the particulate filter so the engine is now running perfectly! HELP PLEASE! TIGA Mike in Hedge End near Southampton! Happy new year to you all!

 

[Blobcat]

Subframe rusting out is not uncommon unfortunately. Lots of C-Class, and SLK’s have suffered. I’d have a word with @Cole@MBS from MBS in Southampton. He’s changed a few and also had some luck with Mercedes for his customers cars.

 

[mobair]

Subframe rusting out is not uncommon unfortunately. Lots of C-Class, and SLK’s have suffered. I’d have a word with @Cole@MBS from MBS in Southampton. He’s changed a few and also had some luck with Mercedes for his customers cars.

Thanks Blobcat! As noted, I have just discovered this problem is NOT unusual! Not something I expect with a Mercedes!!! As of next Month I'm left with no car as I can't tax it until I get the MOT! There was no mention of the problem at last years MOT! I could understand it if it was an MGB or old mini!! Cheers, Mike

 

[malcolm E53 AMG]

Certainly worth contacting your local MB dealer and starting the conversation it’s certainly not unknown for MB to pick-up the cost or make a large contribution (which they should - reminds me of Alfasud days) having FMBSH obviously helps. If you get nowhere with the dealer (who will talk to MBUK) make sure you escalate to MBUK yourself

 

[mobair]

Certainly worth contacting your local MB dealer and starting the conversation it’s certainly not unknown for MB to pick-up the cost or make a large contribution (which they should - reminds me of Alfasud days) having FMBSH obviously helps. If you get nowhere with the dealer (who will talk to MBUK) make sure you escalate to MBUK yourself

Certainly worth contacting your local MB dealer and starting the conversation it’s certainly not unknown for MB to pick-up the cost or make a large contribution (which they should - reminds me of Alfasud days) having FMBSH obviously helps. If you get nowhere with the dealer (who will talk to MBUK) make sure you escalate to MBUK yourself

UPDATE! I contacted a local private Mercedes garage as they are highly reccomended to see if they offered a repair or any advice. They also suggested I contacted my local MB dealship (from where I bought my car) as they may offer a repair under warrenty! This I did and they said they are well aware of the problem (the receptionist said this!!) and that it could well be that MB would offer a free repair! However, I may still have to pay for two suspension arms! Anyway I have to take the car in first for an inspection. There is i gather a several week waiting time for sub-frames!! As you may know. this problem applies to E & C class and SLK vehicles! Watch this space and thanks for you help!

 

[ajlsl600]

Ho

Thanks Blobcat! As noted, I have just discovered this problem is NOT unusual! Not something I expect with a Mercedes!!! As of next Month I'm left with no car as I can't tax it until I get the MOT! There was no mention of the problem at last years MOT! I could understand it if it was an MGB or old mini!! Cheers, Mike

Hope you u get sorted, sadly benz not what they were, pretty much as all others today. Benz are great at pedaling quality, but today it's the interior experience and cut back on all u can't see.

 

[Flyinspanner]

I’ve read reports on here that MB are replacing FOC.

 

[alexanderfoti]

I’ve read reports on here that MB are replacing FOC.

It does seem to very dealer dependent. I would call around and find out which are willing to push for goodwill. They get paid either way!

 

[mobair]

UPDATE!! Well I took my car into MB dealership this afternoon for the inspection, and they confirmed that it will be done under warranty, all bar £150 for two connecting arms! The only problem is that it may take at least two weeks for the new sub-frame! to arrive! What concerns me is that there has been no notification of the problem or a recall inspection! The day before I found out my car was blighted I had hammered up to a site and back, and the back wheels could have fallen off! Scary! I don't know which years are involved, but mine's a 2010, so any E or C class or SLK about that time should get checked! Thanks to Southampton MB for their swift service.

 

[mioba]

Great result and pleased for you. Its been covered substantially over the last couple of years on the forum.
I get the impression that earlier MB were reluctant to pay for the work but as the can of worms escalated they seem to be getting the work done.
Once again good stuff and happy motoring.

 

[mobair]

Thank Guys! I have not really been on this forum much as I have not had any issues and have been busy on other things! It just shows how important and helpful forums can be! I always thought the mercs were pretty bombproof underneath, and none of my previous 6 cars had any problem, and most were older than my current e class! I did know about the Fire Red Opel paint malarky, and indeed my previous car was a beautiful Fire red SLK that I exchanged for the E class before I became aware of the problem. MB kept very quiet about that as well! I don't think the sub-frame issue was known about when I got my E class in 2014! It just shows you can never be too careful, even with a Mercedes! sadly I forgot to ask the guy to get a photo, but I will try to remember when it goes back in! It might however be too scary to publish! M

 

[Droverunner]

I can't see if you have said if you have a full Mercedes service history?

 

[Frontstep]

Doesn't seem to always matter.
The reality is a manufacturer who knowingly produces a safety critical component so badly deserves much stricter sanctions.
It is indefensible, Mercedes have been doing this for far too long.
Rust to this degree is very much a choice for Mercedes.

 

[mobair]

I can't see if you have said if you have a full Mercedes service history?

No, I don't but as I understand it a law was passed by the EU a while ago that said that is not now required! I did though buy the car from my local dealer who are (I hope) making the repair when the new part arrives!

 

[mobair]

Ho

Doesn't seem to always matter.
The reality is a manufacturer who knowingly produces a safety critical component so badly deserves much stricter sanctions.
It is indefensible, Mercedes have been doing this for far too long.
Rust to this degree is very much a choice for Mercedes.

I gather this problem was caused by a change of paint specification!!

 

[Frontstep]

I gather this problem was caused by a change of paint specification!!

Are you talking about the body or the components its two different things.

I can at length go through the paint issues on the bodies after a few successful court claims.

 

[mersum1es]

Great news. Here in distant north they have not repaired it under warranty/goodwill... quite common issue still.

 

[mobair]

Are you talking about the body or the components its two different things.

I can at length go through the paint issues on the bodies after a few successful court claims.

I'm talking about the sub-frame! The plate that holds EVERYTHING together! There may well be other issues as well!

 

[mobair]

I gather this problem was caused by a change of paint specification!!

In I think 1968 Mercedes announced the new 30 year corrosion warrantee on the basis that, they said, the Mercedes were so well made!!! I have had Mercs for over 20 years now, and never had a problem before, despite most of the cars being older than my present E class!

 

[Uncle Benz]

A good result. I always send my customers to mercedes first. Most of them get done, regardless of whether the service history is main dealer or not. Only a few get turned away, and I have replaced them at customer expense when that happens