W204 subframe corrosion

[markg14]

My W204 recently failed its MOT due to a corroded rear subframe.

To MB’s credit, they immediately agreed to replace the subframe FOC, and the car is now awaiting repair in MB Southend.

The new subframe has been on order since mid-July, and there is no sign of it appearing any time soon.

More disturbingly, MB Southend currently have 3 vehicles all awaiting new subframes (including mine), but no sign of MB Germany supplying the new subframes!

Is anyone else finding that there are supply issues from Germany for MB UK?

During the discussion I had with my local dealer, he let slip that they are waiting for lots of parts from Germany, and some parts will not be available until 2023 at the earliest.

Any other members encounter similar supply issues?

 

[mioba]

Its been covered a few times already on the forum.
Its not just car parts let alone MB Germany to the UK.
It is everything from everyhwhere. Its been covered in the news for the last (few) years at least.

 

[steveq]

I had the same problem with a corroded rear subframe on my 2011 W204.
MB agreed to replace it under warranty, which was great, but I was waiting for over 2 months for the parts to arrive and be fitted.
The main dealer in Dublin did keep me informed and they did a great job in fitting the new one. Apart from the new subframe, they used new bolts all round, new exhaust clamp, new rubber hangers and the new subframe had lots of corrosion protection applied.

 

[markg14]

After waiting for 2 months, I have been informed that the subframe has arrived and will be fitted next week. Jardine Motors have been good enough to provide a courtesy C200 for me for the past month, so full credit to them for their efforts. Will post when the work is completed and any problems that may arise. Thanks to all for their comments.

 

[markg14]

Well first the good news - new subframe fitted and car has now passed MOT, although unlike SteveQ (comment above) they did use the old rusty bolts when refitting. Unfortunately, there is some bad news. When the car was returned, the plastic engine cover was cracked. Took the car back to dealer, who flatly denied responsibility. According to Jardine the cover was already cracked. There was no mention of this on the comprehensive health check they had performed, and the only person to remove this cover would have been the technician who needed to access the injectors in order to replace the leaking seals. Jardine said that this would not have been damaged by their ‘experienced technician’. Two days later, the plastic shield that covered one side of the subframe came loose. I crawled under the car, pushed it back into place and drove to the dealer. They confirmed the shield had not been fitted properly, and it was now secured properly. I had no reply when I asked if it was the same ‘experienced technician’ who had failed to secure the shield properly in the first place. Communication with this dealer is impossible by phone, as they appear content to let the local call-centre field their phone calls. Appropriate feedback left on social media is all I can do by way of protest.

 

[Blobcat]

Well first the good news - new subframe fitted and car has now passed MOT. Unfortunately, there is some bad news. When the car was returned, the plastic engine cover was cracked. Took the car back to dealer, who flatly denied responsibility. According to Jardine the cover was already cracked. There was no mention of this on the comprehensive health check they had performed, and the only person to remove this cover would have been the technician who needed to access the injectors in order to replace the leaking seals. Jardine said that this would not have been damaged by their ‘experienced technician’. Two days later, the plastic shield that covered one side of the subframe came loose. I crawled under the car, pushed it back into place and drove to the dealer. They confirmed the shield had not been fitted properly, and it was now secured properly. I had no reply when I asked if it was the same ‘experienced technician’ who had failed to secure the shield properly in the first place.

My main dealer broke the plastic engine cover of my W211 removing it for service - they told me about it and ordered a new one and fitted it. So it does happen

 

[markg14]

Jardines have now agreed to replace the engine cover, but without admitting responsibility.
A bit of a half-arsed apology, but I’ll take it.

 

[peterws1957]

Jardines have now agreed to replace the engine cover, but without admitting responsibility.
A bit of a half-arsed apology, but I’ll take it.

IE - they've realised they can't get away with it. On the day of the service at the MB dealer I use they take a video of the entire car including the engine bay. I make sure they do it in my presence and I give the car a quick once over when picking it up. The old "it was like this when we got it" is a pathetic response.

 

[markg14]

Yes, the car had a complete health check, and they sent me a video highlighting other problems (which I authorised for repair). When they denied causing damage to the engine cover (they needed to remove this to repair the injector seals), I asked why the damaged engine cover had not been highlighted in the health check. The service manager said he would review the workshop video (if it was still available). It was only when I asked for the result of his investigation that he agreed to replace the engine cover, without admitting responsibility.

Popping in tomorrow morning for them to fit new cover.

 

[rf065]

My main dealer broke the plastic engine cover of my W211 removing it for service - they told me about it and ordered a new one and fitted it. So it does happen

The engine cover on my CLK was missing the foam sound insulation that sits over the injectors after Mercedes carried out one of their incredibly expensive services on it. No one told me and I only noticed 6 months later, so no chance of it still sitting in the workshop. You live and learn.

 

[markg14]

Oddly enough, when I inspected the broken engine cover, Jardine had also managed to separate the foam insulation from the cover. But I accepted that after 15 years and 280,000 miles, this was not entirely their fault, and maybe due to “fair wear and tear”. I expect the new cover to come with insulation, but I will keep you posted.