RUST !! Is there a M-B published Warranty Policy?

[xila]

Hi this is my first post to what seems a very friendly and informative forum.

Honestly, I am not trying to start another thread on rusty Benz and I have had a long search looking for the information I was hoping to find out!!

I am looking for a published policy from MB on whether their anti-corrosion warranty is 8 or 30 years and whether it is goodwill as I been told by the dealer or whether they have a published warranty statement or hopefully a legal obligation to provide a car free from rust.

Does it state that the car needs to be serviced by a MB dealer or can it be serviced by any garage - isn't there an EU policy to stop manufacturers stopping warranty claims because of 3rd party service.

If you have a sales brouchure for a 2001 E-Class, what way does it state the warranty??

Any help would be appreciated. It for my dad who bought my old C-Class 10 years ago and then upgraded to an E-Class and is now a true MB believer - except for the rust!!

Thanks in advance

 

[JEZ.S320L]

Hi this is my first post to what seems a very friendly and informative forum.

Honestly, I am not trying to start another thread on rusty Benz and I have had a long search looking for the information I was hoping to find out!!

I am looking for a published policy from MB on whether their anti-corrosion warranty is 8 or 30 years and whether it is goodwill as I been told by the dealer or whether they have a published warranty statement or hopefully a legal obligation to provide a car free from rust.

Does it state that the car needs to be serviced by a MB dealer or can it be serviced by any garage - isn't there an EU policy to stop manufacturers stopping warranty claims because of 3rd party service.

If you have a sales brouchure for a 2001 E-Class, what way does it state the warranty??

Any help would be appreciated. It for my dad who bought my old C-Class 10 years ago and then upgraded to an E-Class and is now a true MB believer - except for the rust!!

Thanks in advance

Welcome to the Forum.

There will be an avalanche of replies to this 10.........9.........8 :-D

 

[100%Bitch]

Welcome to the Forum.

There will be an avalanche of replies to this 10.........9.........8 :-D

7..........6...........5..........4 1/2.............

 

[jp williams]

If XILA would like to send an email to me (jpwilliams@uku.co.uk) I will try to send him a copy of the Mobilo policy document which probably relates to his vehicle.
JP

 

[toxic]

Hi in a nutshell ....before November 98 a 6 or 8 years - year anti corrosion warranty after that 30 year mobile life.

no matter what your cars age it will go through a esku don't ask me what it stands for i don't know ...condition,millage,servicing, will all be taken into account, they will either refuse your application for a repair ( take it to another dealer ) ask you to contribute to the repair, or do the whole job complete. there will be no invoice and no account of the repair done, i had new bonnet, doors x4, new boot, £7000.00 grand including respray:-D, March 98 E class, the first inspection by a service manager advised stone chips, so what about these under the rubber strip at the top of the drivers door then thats when he sent me to there body shop:wink:

 

[xila]

Many Thanks to JP for sending the Mobilife document.

Astounded that they offer 30 years protection on bodywork against corrision if serviced at a MB garage.

The garage spoke about a goodwill repair on the bodywork but this states that it is a warranty. I noticed a number of other posters talking about goodwill repairs. If anyone has a detailed set of terms and conditions around this warranty I'd be keen to see it.

If this is only carried out under goodwill does this mean MB can withdraw it at a future date?

Thanks again for prompt response

Xila

 

[joem]

I had my 2001 W202 C200k Sport estate completely repanneled and repainted under warranty in April this year. Basically it seems that anything under 8 years old is sorted no questions asked - regardless of service history and ownership. The repairs are subject to an additional unconditional 3 year guarantee from MB.

Anything up to 30 years old is considered under Mobilo Life subject to it being covered by Mobilo Life which basically means the panel has failed from the inside out and you have been serviced by MB from new.

Basically, it would seem that if it is less than 8 years old no problem - any older you are at the mercy of MB.

 

[toxic]

Many Thanks to JP for sending the Mobilife document.

Astounded that they offer 30 years protection on bodywork against corrision if serviced at a MB garage.

The garage spoke about a goodwill repair on the bodywork but this states that it is a warranty. I noticed a number of other posters talking about goodwill repairs. If anyone has a detailed set of terms and conditions around this warranty I'd be keen to see it.

If this is only carried out under goodwill does this mean MB can withdraw it at a future date?

Thanks again for prompt response

Xila

Hi in a nutshell ....before November 98 a 6 or 8 years - year anti corrosion warranty after that 30 year mobile life.

no matter what your cars age it will go through a esku don't ask me what it stands for i don't know ...condition,millage,servicing, will all be taken into account, they will either refuse your application for a repair ( take it to another dealer ) ask you to contribute to the repair, or do the whole job complete. there will be no invoice and no account of the repair done, i had new bonnet, doors x4, new boot, £7000.00 grand including respray:-D, March 98 E class, the first inspection by a service manager advised stone chips, so what about these under the rubber strip at the top of the drivers door then thats when he sent me to there body shop:wink:

read my post Good will is a way of making you think you are getting something for nothing, it's not up to the garage/dealer get them to take the photos and send it off and if it's refused go to another dealer take photo's and it's all decided at head office, good will my a**e and they know it, they can not say jump if DCUK don't give the go ahead.

 

[energysolutions]

read my post Good will is a way of making you think you are getting something for nothing, it's not up to the garage/dealer get them to take the photos and send it off and if it's refused go to another dealer take photo's and it's all decided at head office, good will my a**e and they know it, they can not say jump if DCUK don't give the go ahead.

Is going to another dealer simply to get another chance of some action?

Will the claim not have to pass through the same channels and most likely have the same outcome?

I am in this position (awaiting a decision) and thats why I ask

 

[jberks]

The initial decision is taken by computer so no you'll get the same answer on that one.
However, you can appeal a refusal and this then depends on the negotiating skill and experience of the system that the dealer has. We have won a couple of appeals through our local dealer. I suspect this is where the 'regular valued customer' bit comes in, at least for me, my dad hasn't dealt with our dealer for years and they still won an argument for him.

 

[energysolutions]

The initial decision is taken by computer so no you'll get the same answer on that one. However, you can appeal a refusal and this then depends on the negotiating skill and experience of the system that the dealer has. We have won a couple of appeals through our local dealer. I suspect this is where the 'regular valued customer' bit comes in, at least for me, my dad hasn't dealt with our dealer for years and they still won an argument for him.

Computer, or lottery machine?!?!?!

Seriously, I`m curious as to how a computer can be used in a process like this?

What factors/parameters does it consider when making its decision?

 

[TerryMcGrath]

MB Warranty

Hi, this is my first posting and I too am having great difficulty in gedtting MB to admit to a warranty issue.
I have a 'C' class 180 which was first registered in 2001. I bought the car in 2004 and have been very happy with it upto recently when I discovered that the paintwork on the boot lid was FLAKING OFF right across the wholw lid. I got on touch with MB in Maastricht who very kindly inform me that my car does not have "a Warranted Defest". They say and I quote "In this instance, it has been deemed that the surface of your boot lid of your vehicle has occurred as a result of outside influence and regrettably the vehicle is outside the warranty period". MB's external events include salt water, accident damage, vandalism, storms, other enviromental impacts and the use of non-recommended car care products. I'm shocked thay they don't include pestilence and swarms of locusts. Is there no justice in the MB world.

 

[energysolutions]

Hi, this is my first posting and I too am having great difficulty in gedtting MB to admit to a warranty issue.
I have a 'C' class 180 which was first registered in 2001. I bought the car in 2004 and have been very happy with it upto recently when I discovered that the paintwork on the boot lid was FLAKING OFF right across the wholw lid. I got on touch with MB in Maastricht who very kindly inform me that my car does not have "a Warranted Defest". They say and I quote "In this instance, it has been deemed that the surface of your boot lid of your vehicle has occurred as a result of outside influence and regrettably the vehicle is outside the warranty period". MB's external events include salt water, accident damage, vandalism, storms, other enviromental impacts and the use of non-recommended car care products. I'm shocked thay they don't include pestilence and swarms of locusts. Is there no justice in the MB world.

I reckon "persistance" is the key here.........................

 

[alec2]

The Mobiolife 30 year warranty only covers if:

"vehicle rusts through from the inside anywhere on the bodywork or the underbody"

"services must have been carried out regulary in accordance with the manufacturers instructions and by a Mercedes Service station from the fifth year after delivery"

Based on what other posters have said perhaps they look at surface rust on cars younger than 8 years old. But Mobiolife does not seem to say this.

Alec

 

[toxic]

Is going to another dealer simply to get another chance of some action?

Will the claim not have to pass through the same channels and most likely have the same outcome?

I am in this position (awaiting a decision) and thats why I ask

Yes do not be put off if you are refused good luck, this has worked in the past,

Computer, or lottery machine?!?!?!

Seriously, I`m curious as to how a computer can be used in a process like this?

What factors/parameters does it consider when making its decision?

that's just passing the buck, it's DCUK that make the decision, the computer will be used to check serving and other repairs, i actully spoke to a guy at DCUK about my car, i acted like a dealer till he asked for my number that's when i found out about the system, he said "i am not allowed to talk to you how did you get through" thumb screws sprang to mind.

I reckon "persistance" is the key here.........................

This quote ids spot on 3 years ago when i had my whole car covered under the warrant they where ab it green, and be cause they have been inundated with claims they have grown into a wise old owl as this warranty = rust repair,
KEEP PLUGGING AWAY


Regards Mark

 

[xila]

My situation is as follows

My Dad is 83 and loves his Merc 240E. It needed 2 wings replaced and all 4 wings and the boot lid resprayed. There was a surface scratch on one of wings and MB want him to pay for 50% of the parts and labour of a new wing. I think this is very poor on their behalf - maybe 50% of the cost to spray that wing might be reasonable but then this is the 2nd time it's been in for rust and the scratch had no impact on the rust on the wing which was a completely different area of the wing and the scratch did not penetrate the paintwork.

I spoke to MB cust services and I got a list of excuses why they believe it wasn't covered under warranty and that the repair was treated as goodwill - none of the excuses stand up. This is obviously to make me feel good that they are carrying out the repair although I believe they are clearly responsible and there is no question of goodwill. They are in my opinion trying to minimise their cost here and are trying to pass back unjustified cost to my father.

Apparantly, direct from the Customer Services Manager, there is no appeals process, under no circumstances would they ever review or change a decision and their warranty assesors never make a mistake. Now that's a customer focussed company!!

I now have to write to MB UK, but am trying to think of other pressures I can put on MB. I guess I could contact "Trading Standards" but wanted to have a documented copy of the MB Warranty. Any other approaches people can think of? This is only for £300 but I am really annoyed at MB for their attempt to take advantage of my 83 year old father!!

 

[jp williams]

Why not be supported by a petition signed by all members of this forum?Perhaps an IT knowledgeable member could set one up?
Mercedes and Rust should not be compatible.
That might carry some weight and would certainly receive comment in the Press.
It is not acceptable that individual members (who have good grounds for complaint that is) should be forced to buckle under pressure from MB UK.

Mercedes America seems to have responded positively to complaints from its customers,so why don`t we try to have strength in numbers?

John

 

[Blobcat]

Why not be supported by a petition signed by all members of this forum?Perhaps an IT knowledgeable member could set one up?
Mercedes and Rust should not be compatible.
That might carry some weight and would certainly receive comment in the Press.
It is not acceptable that individual members (who have good grounds for complaint that is) should be forced to buckle under pressure from MB UK.

Mercedes America seems to have responded positively to complaints from its customers,so why don`t we try to have strength in numbers?

John

Mercedes did get tougher with the claims when back street car dealers started buying cheap MB's at auction because of rust issues then taking them straight to MB for repair. The back street dealer then made a nice profit selling on the car.

 

[xila]

Well this car was bought from the local MB franchise. That would be the same franchise that obviously didn't fight too hard for my father's interests....

Thanks for the support guys, I'll keep you updated on progress.

 

[energysolutions]

Mercedes did get tougher with the claims when back street car dealers started buying cheap MB's at auction because of rust issues then taking them straight to MB for repair. The back street dealer then made a nice profit selling on the car.

I have heard this also

Typical, someone gets greedy and messes it up for the geniuine cases - but the only solution is to ensure they are built to withstand rust in the first place - like other less illustrious manufactors manage

When I first met the service manager regarding my rust issues he went to great lenghts to find out how long I had owned the vehicle (4 years which I can easily prove)

I believe if you can show that you have owned the vehicle for a reasonable period of time I dont see how you could be refused.