W212 rear subframe

[grayb]

We had a rude shock a couple of weeks back. The car had felt a bit wallowy and unstable for a while, so we took it to Alex / AFM for a check-up - only to find that the rear subframe had rusted and broken so that one longitudinal link wasn't really located to anything at all. Scary, as we had been towing the caravan two days earlier.
Alex strongly recommended approaching MB about it, so we did. The car was trailered to MB Tonbridge for inspection.
By the following morning, MB UK had authorised a free replacement subframe and the part was ordered for arrival the following week. We had to pay for new brake lines over the back, but that was at a reasonable cost. Everything was dealt with quickly, courteously and without fuss.
All on a 12-year-old car with 106,000 miles that hasn't been serviced with MB for at least the last 7 years (though always with good indies).

Of course, the subframe shouldn't have rotted out, but the remedy couldn't be faulted.

 

[V6Matty]

Good to hear another story where MB UK are doing the right thing by customers

 

[Steve@Avantgarde]

Having a few subframes declined by Benz now. I think they are tightening the rules to 10 years and FMBSH. We've done a few this month where the computer has said no.

 

[Mr Greedy]

Let's hope this filters through eventually to a vehicle standards agency safety issue, and the discretion is taken out of MB's hands. Surely a safety issue!

 

[grayb]

Having a few subframes declined by Benz now. I think they are tightening the rules to 10 years and FMBSH. We've done a few this month where the computer has said no.

So we were lucky? Or was it an advantage getting it done at the franchised dealer...?

 

[malcolm E53 AMG]

Any photos or info on the failed area(s)?

 

[alexanderfoti]

Any photos or info on the failed area(s)?

No photos but it was nsr just underneath rear control arm area. Fairly obvious when it had failed, but hard to spot otherwise.

Where there is a big hole, it tends to be easier

It was clear when driving it as well

 

[grayb]

No photos but it was nsr just underneath rear control arm area. Fairly obvious when it had failed, but hard to spot otherwise.

Where there is a big hole, it tends to be easier

It was clear when driving it as well

Too bl**dy right it was... So much better now!

 

[TeddyRuxpin]

Having a few subframes declined by Benz now. I think they are tightening the rules to 10 years and FMBSH. We've done a few this month where the computer has said no.

Very unfortunate to hear...

 

[grayb]

Any photos or info on the failed area(s)?

I found some photos...

 

[malcolm E53 AMG]

I found some photos...

Thanks for this very useful.

 

[star]

Oh dear.

 

[TeddyRuxpin]

Well that’s my sleep ruined

 

[grayb]

Oh dear.

Worse than ours!!