Good day, everyone!
After much searching, I have located a 2010 W212 350 CDI coupe that meets all of my requirements (price, specifications, service history, etc.).
I will be the third owner (and the first Benz!) if the inspection later this week is satisfactory.
According to my study, the most recent mot report states that the rear subframe is corroded but not severely damaged.
In most circumstances, Mercedes will replace it at no cost to the customer, as I have read in other posts about this common issue.
I was wondering whether I could still get a free replacement if I went to a Mercedes dealer a few days after buying the car, or whether I would have to wait till it failed an inspection.
Is there a specific way a Mercedes rear subframe needs to be replaced?
Any local Mercedes dealers you can suggest who would be willing to do the repair for free?
The car is sold by a dealer and also has an independent part.
I would be very grateful for any guidance or assistance.
The framework
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MercedesMan98
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- Joined: Fri Mar 20, 2020 8:40 pm
Two problems, in my opinion, exist here.
The problem with the subframe becomes apparent when it starts to decay internally. A gaping hole in the subframe will be visible upon initial inspection.
Based on your description, the MOT recommendation is about external surface rust, which is an entirely separate matter.
So long as you can verify that the rust is only on the outside, then it's perfectly normal and should be easy to fix.
All MBs of that age face this risk of a corroding subframe, thus I wouldn't recommend this particular example if you're worried about it. This subframe is just as likely to fail as any other comparable vehicle, regardless of whether it has surface rust or not.
Concerning the purchase of the vehicle and the voluntary replacement of the subframe by MB... Although I am not privy to the precise details, I can tell you that this strategy is flawed.
To start, even if the car has FSH and you've had it for a while, it can be difficult to persuade MB to rebuild the subframe. Then, for weeks, the vehicle will be off the road since it will be deemed unroadworthy and MB will agree to rebuild the subframe.
The problem with the subframe becomes apparent when it starts to decay internally. A gaping hole in the subframe will be visible upon initial inspection.
Based on your description, the MOT recommendation is about external surface rust, which is an entirely separate matter.
So long as you can verify that the rust is only on the outside, then it's perfectly normal and should be easy to fix.
All MBs of that age face this risk of a corroding subframe, thus I wouldn't recommend this particular example if you're worried about it. This subframe is just as likely to fail as any other comparable vehicle, regardless of whether it has surface rust or not.
Concerning the purchase of the vehicle and the voluntary replacement of the subframe by MB... Although I am not privy to the precise details, I can tell you that this strategy is flawed.
To start, even if the car has FSH and you've had it for a while, it can be difficult to persuade MB to rebuild the subframe. Then, for weeks, the vehicle will be off the road since it will be deemed unroadworthy and MB will agree to rebuild the subframe.
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SteveRulz23
- Moderator
- Posts: 106
- Joined: Wed Feb 23, 2022 9:35 pm
My C-207 was totalled because the subframe gave up. Just wanted to confirm whether yours is a genuine model.Additionally, an expert examined my vehicle and gave it the green light.His statement that these subframe parts are internally corroded is worth noting.
I had the complete Mercedes service record for my vehicle.
Amazing vehicles, but use caution; I registered my 2016 model in the latter half of 2015.
I had the complete Mercedes service record for my vehicle.
Amazing vehicles, but use caution; I registered my 2016 model in the latter half of 2015.
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James_Cam00
- Senior
- Posts: 92
- Joined: Sat Jul 06, 2019 8:23 pm
Hi
Apparently, I've struck it rich. Last week, I had my 2007 C200 Kompressor taken in for its A2 service. The mechanic informed me that the subframe was rotten, the spring was knackered, and there were a few drop links.
After learning about the problem, I contacted my local dealer and paid for the service. Images were given to Mercedes after it passed through the mandatory examination.
In addition to agreeing to conduct all the works, they also offered to install the springs and drop links at no extra cost, for a total of £340. Having spent £3,500 on the vehicle five years ago, and having experienced nothing less than a dream ride ever since, I am absolutely ecstatic.
I was curious about the criteria used to approve or reject a claim; I don't understand why some individuals obtain it without paying for it while others don't. Luckily, my application was just within the "under 20 years" restriction.
Since I intend to go campervanning and will not require a vehicle for the next decade, I will be satisfied as long as the replacement holds up.
Best regards
Apparently, I've struck it rich. Last week, I had my 2007 C200 Kompressor taken in for its A2 service. The mechanic informed me that the subframe was rotten, the spring was knackered, and there were a few drop links.
After learning about the problem, I contacted my local dealer and paid for the service. Images were given to Mercedes after it passed through the mandatory examination.
In addition to agreeing to conduct all the works, they also offered to install the springs and drop links at no extra cost, for a total of £340. Having spent £3,500 on the vehicle five years ago, and having experienced nothing less than a dream ride ever since, I am absolutely ecstatic.
I was curious about the criteria used to approve or reject a claim; I don't understand why some individuals obtain it without paying for it while others don't. Luckily, my application was just within the "under 20 years" restriction.
Since I intend to go campervanning and will not require a vehicle for the next decade, I will be satisfied as long as the replacement holds up.
Best regards
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Hunger_for_love
- Moderator
- Posts: 119
- Joined: Tue Mar 10, 2020 8:44 pm
I am happy to hear that everything worked out well for you. There is no "20 year limit" in my opinion, since some members have been denied for autos as early as 2015.
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jameswright77
- Moderator
- Posts: 137
- Joined: Thu Jul 14, 2022 5:35 pm
Since this is becoming increasingly rare, it might be worthwhile to indicate which dealer did it for free. But if there's an unexpected surge in requests for free subframe replacements, it's likely that's it!
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MBcarOWNER
- Moderator
- Posts: 155
- Joined: Fri Sep 13, 2019 2:15 pm
MBUK, and not the dealer, decides if the subframe needs replacing. However, I have my suspicions that the dealer's efforts to convince MBUK to pay the price have an impact. All it takes to make the request is a little amount of filling out an internet form, and the dealer may even include their own reasoning for why it should be free. Without putting forth any effort, the dealer can easily return to the consumer and accuse MBUK of rejecting their request. But, since it's a lucrative sale for the dealer, it's worthwhile for them to try to sway MBUK in their favour.
