Merc SL R231 Sub Frame Corrosion - Merc Contribution

[96spec76]

Trying to get some advice - long term SL R231 owner - well my wifes SL. 2012 car with ~41k on - Full MBSH and purchased used from MB - has been serviced annual at MB Harrogate. The car has just failed its MOT on the subframe - no previous advisories or notes on the subframe until now.

Rear Sub-frame corroded to the extent that the rigidity of the assembly is significantly reduced (6.1.1 (c) (i))

Merc are offering 50% on the parts and labour. Reading around - Merc US increased the warranty on this part due to the issues on this and some other models from the same period - and due to a class action lawsuit.

There are UK owners where Merc have covered 100% of the cost. Any thoughts - do I just accept the 50% gratefully or should I be pushing for more?

[Gixer968CS]

What is the total cost?

[96spec76]

They suggested ~3k

[Robertb]

I'd push for it to be 100% covered... as you say, they've been doing the same for others. As you've always had it looked after by MB dealers you've a strong case.

Odd its gone from not noted to fail over one year. Same MOT place?

[BEARDYB0Y]

Id widen your search as well, a lot of similarly aged C class and E class have those same issues appearing with their rear sub frames.

The logical part of my brain says that if they are willing to do 100% cost on those cars (and I saw this when I worked for MB), then why not on your car... then again, thats logical thinking and warranty departments are frequently dont think that way...

[SteBrown91]

It should be covered under the anti perforation warranty.

[GlenMH]

My 2011 E class rear subframe was 100% covered.

[Terzo123]

I appreciate the below is for North American cars, but as far as I knew, UK dealers were doing similar.

[AlecT]

My 2013 350SL failed its MOT (prior to my purchase) on 16th Feb 2024 for the following

Nearside Rear Lower Suspension component mounting prescribed area damaged to the extent that control of the vehicle is likely to be adversely affected Suspension arm detached from badly corroded subframe (5.3.6 (a) (ii))

Mercedes of Worcester changed the subrame free of charge under goodwill, see attached invoice



Please use this as evidence to help your calim, I wish you luck.

By the way these are fantastic cars and in my opinion unbeatable value

[Robertb]

This bloke got his C class one done FOC recently after a Merc health check.
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=WjB3SEpbon4&pp=u...

[trevalvole]

Robertb said:

This bloke got his C class one done FOC recently after a Merc health check.
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=WjB3SEpbon4&pp=u...

There's a letter in the new issue of the Merc Club magazine, where the writer says that a couple of months ago, he got the subframe replaced FOC on his W204 C-Class at a Vertu Merc dealer (Reading). And it would appear that this was on a car that had at least some of its servicing done at a specialist, rather than a dealer.

[96spec76]

Its the same MOT place. I think the issue is they rot inside out.

MB are still sticking to 50% goodwill on parts and labour. price is about 900 + 400 - so 1300 to us.

They have had the car for coming up to a month now. Concern is that continuing to battle it - the car will just be off the road for longer

[trevalvole]

That's disappointing. You'd expect SL owners, and particularly owners of SLs that haven't been outside the dealer network, to be treated better than C-Class owners.

[BlimeyCharlie]

It should be 100% by MB

Have you contacted MB themselves as opposed to Main Dealer?
I had mine done (R171) and can help with emails if required.

Had a courtesy car too (for approx' 5 months) via localish Main Dealer...

[Venisonpie]

BlimeyCharlie said:

It should be 100% by MB

Have you contacted MB themselves as opposed to Main Dealer?
I had mine done (R171) and can help with emails if required.

Had a courtesy car too (for approx' 5 months) via localish Main Dealer...

Do this, the dealer is being obstructive.

[Sheepshanks]

96spec76 said:

Its the same MOT place. I think the issue is they rot inside out.

MB are still sticking to 50% goodwill on parts and labour. price is about 900 + 400 - so 1300 to us.

They have had the car for coming up to a month now. Concern is that continuing to battle it - the car will just be off the road for longer

There's probably 50% margin in the parts and the warranty labour rate will be half retail so basically they're getting you to pay for the job.

Did you also buy the car from the dealer where it's serviced?

[Robertb]

Ask MB UK straight how they justify a blanket warranty in the US vs their ad hoc treatment of UK customers with the exact same issue.

Get a quote from an independent. Probably cheaper than 50% of a Mercedes dealer.

Why line their pockets?

[Dog Star]

BlimeyCharlie said:

I had mine done (R171) and can help with emails if required.

Mrs DSs R171 was done totally FOC - it was MB main dealer that actually flagged it up at service.

I’ve got a very good nick 2012 S204 with 203k on the clock and they’re prone - I just keep an eye on it and keep it slathered in Lanoguard (just re-applied it on Saturday).

My main car is an R230 SL and luckily they’re an alloy subframe. It’s a shame that they went back to steel on the R231, I’m looking to change to a newer one in the next year so I’ll need to pay attention to this.