Steering column problem

[A160 onthehill]

I've just had my A160 (1999) into the dealer?s workshop to resolve a rumbling noise and a faulty rear electric window. Whilst both these issues were resolved (Anti-roll links, electric motor) the dealer advised that the steering column should be replaced (cost £700). I've declined to have this work done, I believe that this component should last a great deal longer than 34K miles.

I?ve seen a number of complaints regarding this issue at www.carsurvey.org, has anyone had success getting MB to resolve this matter at their cost?

 

[joe bloggs]

£700 far too expensive, the column costs about £200, get the CAC (customer after care) number from dealer & complain.

 

[A160 onthehill]

Thanks Joe,

Letters in the post to Milton Keynes.

Fingers crossed I get a response, I'm sitting on the finance agreement for an A210 at the moment.

Rgds Mark

 

[doriant]

Hi,
Just had my local dealer (stealer!!) tell me my steering column needs changing on my A170 CDI (1999) after it's service . The cost is £450 + vat, £200 ish for the parts, and 3.5 hrs labour (£60/hr).
They said it was not covered, even it's a know problem by MB.
So, I rang customer service at Milton Keynes and complained.
They telephoned the dealer, and agreed to pay for parts. :wink: I still have to pay for labour, which is not cheap at £210 + vat. :cry:

I now going to get the car checked out for the other problem items:
Drop links and rear radius arm bearing.

Dorian.

 

[A160 onthehill]

Dorian,

What's the number of Customer Services? It's been a week and I had no reply to my mail from them. I think I'll take your advice and have a moan up to them.

onthehill

 

[doriant]

I rang the main switchboard number, and asked for Customer Service for Mercedes Benz, and they put me straight through.

01908 668899.

Allways make a note of the person you talked to.
Also have your chassis number / details available.

Happy moaning......

Dorian.

 

[A160 onthehill]

Thanks Dorian,

I'll give them a call tomorrow. I've got to get this fixed before the A160 goes into Loot.com!

A210 on order!

Rgds onthehill