Issue with dual mass flywheel

[craigstomer]

I own a 21-plate (registered May 2021) A220d automatic, acquired from a Mercedes-Benz dealership. I have a service plan with Mercedes-Benz, and the vehicle has completed under 28,500 kilometres. The engine has begun to knock, and the dual mass flywheel is damaged. It is now under repair, with a total cost of £4650 for the repairs. All sources indicate that they should have a far longer lifespan, often citing 100,000, while several claim it corresponds to the engine's lifespan. We have acquaintances with their own garages who have been rather astonished by this occurrence. I would want to know the opinions of other members, please.

[RogerSalesCar]

Have you had the vehicle since its purchase? If not, for how long have you had it? If it has a complete service history from MB and has just 28,500 miles, I would need a substantial donation towards the repair costs.

[matthewlightburn]

Dual-mass flywheel?I was previously unaware that any Mercedes vehicles have these, except from some large diesel engines from other manufacturers, until I conducted a Google search just now. I consistently identify them with manual gearbox vehicles.I have one in my six-speed Alfa, still original at 175,000 miles.

[craigstomer]

Greetings, I purchased it from MB Plymouth in June 2022 when it was 11 months old. It had around 8,000 kilometres recorded. It has been maintained by them under a service plan; no other garage has serviced it save for tire replacements. It was also subjected to a MOT by MB Plymouth. I have accumulated 20,000 miles over a period of 2 years and 7 months. Thank you for your prompt response.

[matthewlightburn]

I have never seen a DMF failure at such little mileage. Even if it is out of warranty, I believe Mercedes should consider a goodwill contribution because to the minimal mileage. It must have been a manufacturing defect.
I would also want to see that bill itemised; it seems to be a substantial amount for that task, unless the component is excessively costly.

[inevitable99]

Perform routine maintenance on the torque converter. Automatic gearboxes are equipped with a dual mass flywheel (DMF), although some direct shift gearboxes (DSG) also possess this feature.

Does the A220 include a DSG or a TC?


Gearbox repairs are labour-intensive, given the time required and the hourly rates of main dealers; a fifteen-hour work might incur a manpower cost of £3750 plus components.

Given the mileage and extensive history, I would expect some type of "goodwill" from Mercedes-Benz; nevertheless, in contemporary times, monetary considerations sometimes outweigh customer loyalty, and regrettably, mechanical failures do occur.

[craigstomer]

I have verified that it is a DSG. I was offered £195 + VAT per hour for work, which I consider too costly.

[craigstomer]

Thank you. I have heard that they may last the lifespan of a vehicle, but experiencing this issue on a car with 28,500 miles is astonishing.

[jameswright77]

What is the reason?

Principal dealerships own costly facilities often situated in prominent locations; they are required to maintain expensive workshops and equipment, as well as invest in Star/Xentry systems to facilitate connections with MB for upgrades and coding.


MB independents incur reduced hourly prices because to their diminished overhead costs.

Utilising an independent Mercedes-Benz service provider will incur much lower charges than the main dealer.

[GoodBoyCar]

The repair is costly, and I empathise with your situation, hoping that MB would assist you.

I am enquiring if there has been any more harm resulting from the failure of the DMF. While it may provide little solace, I recall a YouTube video depicting the complete replacement of a gearbox due to casing damage incurred during failure. If I recall well, the vehicle was sold or purchased at auction owing to the expense of repairs.


I hope you resolve the issue and that MB provides a solution for you.