MB contact for a list of 'recalls' performed ?

[03E500]

Hi everyone,

I wished I had seen many of the posts here before deciding to get a MB E class. I have just picked up a MB E class E500, 2003 model, I was very impressed about the car over the weekend, smooth, powerful and appeared to be very well made.

However, reading these posts, it looks like there are many reliability issues and recalls - Rediator fluid leaks into Automatic transmission fluid, SBC pump recall ...etc. What I would like to find out is a contact number from MB which I can call to find out the history of my car (it has full Mercedes Benz service history), and check if there is anything that requires my immediate attention.

Any idea ? I remembering calling a number for BMW, to check out whether or not a car has this nasty Niscali (spelling ?) issue.

I am taking the car to Colin Ferns at Kew, just to have the car check out by the specialist....

Thanks.

 

[Blobcat]

Hi & Welcome,

I would not worry too much, almost all posts start out because someone has a problem. There are very few threads started beacuse everything is fine. I do not know the % of MB owners who visit this site but it is very low compared to the number of MB's out there.
You have a very fine car indeed and one of Honest Johns very favorites. Depending upon exactly how old it is it may have some MB warranty left. Or if you bought from an MB dealer and it has less than 120K miles you will have a years warranty from the MB dealer. If you take yours in they will be able to tell you of any warranty and service work that it has had done.

 

[jberks]

As you say, the car has FMBSH so any recalls should have been dealt with during the services. A quick call to your local dealer will confirm anyway.

There were a number of teething issues with the E as it was fitted with too many gizmos and many weren't as tried and tested as we might have liked.
The 4 zone climate (if fitted) was always going wrong for example. However, my Dad has just picked up an E with this installed and it works perfectly. No great surprise, given that MB have had a couple of years to figure out what the problem is and update accordingly. I'm sure most issues have already been attended to and you have a good reliable motor on your hands. Just pity the poor bugger who had it first!

 

[03E500]

Thanks guys, I have tried out a few things, the only thing that I can see not working is the electricla adjustment for head rest - driver side not working and the knob on passenger side missing. I have not yet looked into the four zone climate control closely, but they appeared to be working.

Anyway, I noticed the engine bay is always making some noises (sounds like some electronic adjustment) after I unlock the car, and the engine sounds 'different', not sure if there is anything unusual with that.

Well, I have taken the car to Colin Ferns in Richmond to have the car inspected. Unfortunately, I did not get the car from a MB dealer, is it still possible to have some sort of MB warranty ?

I am happy to pay for extra MB warranty, but not sure if I can. Given that the car is over 3 years old.

Thanks for the advice guys .... I hope I will not be the unlucky one with a major issue.

 

[Blobcat]

If your car has covered less than 120,000 miles you can buy a warranty from MB. MB do a range of service and warranty options, some have been discussed in lenght on this forum. There are some details on the MB website however best option would be a visit to your MB dealer.

 

[jberks]

As Blobcat says, you can get an MB warranty or equivalent. Assuming it has FMBSH, then you still have the 30 yr corrosion warranty and Mobilio for what that's worth anyway.
The better warranties tend to require a 2 hour inspection before they'll cover you, if it doesn't consecutively follow the manufacturer's so it can get quite expensive, fixing whatever they find, plus £200 for the inspection before paying out for the actual warranty itself (on a car you've just fixed!) which based on what I paid, is around £600 per year. Probably not worth it.
You may also like to look at the service plus contracts - do a search on here. Some seem to imply that it's as good as a warranty but many are not so sure.

They all click and whirr when you open the door, unlock, lock, just walk past it or look at it in a funny way. Not sure what it's actually doing but that's computerised cars for you - nothing to worry about.

Electric headrest adjuster switches seem to be a weak spot. They replaced mine on the PDI.