ucfbeta92

So my 2007 C230 was at the MB dealership last week to get the alternator changed (whiny noise from the passenger side of the engine; they thought it was a bad bearing in one of the pulleys; it ultimately turned out to be alternator so they changed that).

Anyway, when I got my car back last Thursday, I notice that my Head Unit's faceplate was damaged (the right side, the number pad and above it, and some of the phone button). I had one of those oil-based air-fresheners that's clipped on to the A/C air vent. Apparently, it leaked while my car was at the dealership and caused the cosmetic damage. Funny thing is, I've used this and similar clip-on air fresheners many times in the past with no damage.

When I noticed this on my way back to the office, I went right back to the dealership to show / get it fixed. It turns out, there is a memo from MB about this sort of thing (which was never mentioned to me when I dropped my car off with this air freshener in full view) that this is not something covered under factory warranty, even though it happened while the car was in their possession. After much negotiation, they're agreed to contribute to the cost of the replacement and want me to pay around $360 to have the old one removed and the new one put in.

I'm not happy to have to pay anything at all to say the least. I don't park my car in a garage at home or at work and it's never happened before. It happened while they had it so it upsets me that I'm having to come out of pocket on it.

I didn't mention this at all in my previous thread because I was waiting on an offer from the dealership at the time.

Bottomline, I'm posting a few pictures here to see if there's any interest from forum members in my head unit for $360. From what I'm told by the MB dealership, the price of a new unit (installed) is over $1,000.

It is fully functional with cosmetic damage on the right side as you can see from the pictures.

The dealership also put me in touch with a company called 4Mercedes.com in South Florida (by Ft. Lauderdale) that apparently fixes faceplates and he gave me an estimate of around $375 to replace the faceplate.

So for me, it's the same whether I go with MB's offer to put in a new one or if I change the faceplate.

I haven't put this post in the Classifieds subforum because this is not a FOR SALE listing yet. I haven't removed it or gotten a new one put in my car. I'm merely trying to determine if there is anyone who would be interested in buying for $360. I'm not trying to make money off of it - I'd just like to break even.

Since my car is "new" for me, the cosmetic damage really bothers the heck out of me. But for someone whose head unit is damaged, it could be a cheap buy.

If someone in Central Florida is interested in taking a look at it firsthand, PM me and I'll provide my cellphone number and we can arrange to meet.

I'm just trying to figure out what to do at this point.

-AJ

tommy

If the damage was done by the oil from the freshener, I have no idea why it would be the dealer's fault. I'd count myself lucky that they are willing to work with you.

My recommendation is to pay them the $360, and ask for the old one back. You can then put it up in the classified section and see if anyone's interested, though I think it would be a tough sale.

MW_ATL

+1 Tommy. They didn't do it, or cause it, so I would think they are being pretty generous.

Check the prices from salvage yards for a fully functional radio, http://www.pgauto.com/ is showing them for about 225.00, with no significant cosmetic damage.

nickgailloux

You should be able to buy that same head unit on these forums for about $200. Lots of people have upgraded to comand, maybe you should think about doing that now!

slammer111

Damn, the oil off air fresheners is a solvent!?

AdidasC230

that happened to a friends honda accord and thats def your fault not MBs. But as it has been said you can pick up a new HU just like that cheap there in almost every 05/06/07 C class. $1000 will get you a command unit.

91RS

It isn't something they installed or caused, so I don't see how it is the dealer's fault either. Unless you can find a used one for cheaper I would just accept their offer and call it a learning experience.

Why do you need an air freshener for such a new car though? My car is two years older and still smells like a new car.

Beepbeep

Mind is almost 4 years old and still smells like a new car too.

zerocover

You guys know that new car smell is carcinogenic right? It’s the smell of solvents drying. Of note my car smells like nothing at all and that’s the way I like it.

My headunit has a big scratch on the clear part of the face. Ill have to give the 4Mercedes.com a call, thanks OP

johnand

Agreed

TA-9FF

What great timing for a thread like this.

I'm looking for a COMAND unit for my 2006 W203.....

Where can I find one?

Thanks!

AdidasC230

The internet...

Google a command unit, you can find a few for sale, also ebay and check out the sticky about it.

TA-9FF

Haha, duh.

The ones I've found (eBay, other forums, etc.) are all in the UK for some reason.....

Beepbeep

Yes, and I like it.

OneOfaKindTrini

Well the dealership had no role in this. Consider yourself lucky you are getting any compensation. Sell this and invest in a COMAND system.