W204 Rear subframe

[aybracers]

As the owner of two of this model I was more concerned about the 122000 mile 08 Estate than the facelift 2012 Saloon that my wife drives. But yesterday she told me the car was pulling to the right under braking and when I drove it the car tried to turn right when I braked.

Got the car on a ramp and it seems that the rear subframe had rusted through and detached the lower suspension arm, hence the rear wheel steering effect.

The fight with Mercedes starts tomorrow over bad design, etc. I know others have had subframes replaced FOC as "goodwill".

My car has lots of service with MB dealers but not for last 3 years. MB parts told be that new subframes are on back order and there are non even in Germany until the middle of May. Are they, like everything else these days, made in China? The car is too good to scrap - its a C250 petrol, 67000 with lots of desireable goodies so fingers crossed

 

[grahamcol]

Sorry to hear this. Makes me wonder how thorough the last MOT inspection was?

 

[mioba]

I think they rot from m inside being hollow. So when they go they literally snap. I guess an MOT inspector will only find it if he goes prodding with a screwdriver or the like.

To the OP, where are you based. find a good indy as a plan B. Subframes are not most difficult. If you plan on keeping the car. some good protection on the new subframe is in order and the underside.

 

[aybracers]

thanks guys. MOT inspection, not too sure. It was last September and nothing showing.
The AA have taken it to a MB dealer who will "inspect" the broken subframe for a goodwill fixing. Just waiting on their word at the moment.

 

[aybracers]

Good end to this tale. MB picked up the full cost of replacing the subframe

 

[mioba]

Top news glad you are sorted