Takata Airbag Recall
#76
Domwild, I appreciate your input.
S70Houston, not trying to highjack a thread, I was just giving a review of my Takata airbag service which included a trans service. I forgot how sensitive people here are to "forum etiquette" how dare I continue with questions based on the response of someone trying to help. I have given myself several lashings for this and had a stern talk in the mirror...
S70Houston, not trying to highjack a thread, I was just giving a review of my Takata airbag service which included a trans service. I forgot how sensitive people here are to "forum etiquette" how dare I continue with questions based on the response of someone trying to help. I have given myself several lashings for this and had a stern talk in the mirror...
#77
Wow, you are way more patient and tolerant than I am.
I would have insisted on speaking with a Manager and would have let the Manager know that I would reach out to MB of North America to inform them of the dealers incompetance.
One thing I have learned over the years, ....... MB Dealerships are only to be used when a car is in warranty or in need of recall work. Otherwise, STAY AWAY.
Find yourself a good, trustworthy Indy, who will appreciate your business and go the extra mile to make you happy. A Indy in most cases also has a much cheaper labor rate.
Neither my S550, nor my wife's C300 (or my daughter's 330i BMW for that matter) will see the dealer based on what you have described as well as my own personal disappointments.
My Indy services all of our cars and is happy to see me each and every time, has never let me down and still insists in EXCELLENT customer service.
Good luckto you, I hope you will find a competent Indy, specializing in European cars in your area.
I would have insisted on speaking with a Manager and would have let the Manager know that I would reach out to MB of North America to inform them of the dealers incompetance.
One thing I have learned over the years, ....... MB Dealerships are only to be used when a car is in warranty or in need of recall work. Otherwise, STAY AWAY.
Find yourself a good, trustworthy Indy, who will appreciate your business and go the extra mile to make you happy. A Indy in most cases also has a much cheaper labor rate.
Neither my S550, nor my wife's C300 (or my daughter's 330i BMW for that matter) will see the dealer based on what you have described as well as my own personal disappointments.
My Indy services all of our cars and is happy to see me each and every time, has never let me down and still insists in EXCELLENT customer service.
Good luckto you, I hope you will find a competent Indy, specializing in European cars in your area.
My '11 E350 is going to the dealer that is ~3/4 mile from my condo (Mercedes-Benz of Buckhead) who provides outstanding service. With the $150 off $300 coupon my engine mounts and trans mount will end up $50 cheaper at the dealer than the best indy in town (Revolution Motorsports) that is ~8 miles away and does not offer loaners or a shuttle to where I need to go. I'm not even sure if they do the wash or vacuum either as MB of Buckhead has always been competitive on price with the indy's and my service with them has been fantastic so I have only had my departed C300 and E350 serviced there. Without the $150 off $300 coupon the engine and trans mounts would have only been ~$100 cheaper at Revo but would have taken 40-45 minutes round trip of my time driving to/from the dealer and the associated uber/lyft costs and another 40-45 minutes round trip to get to where I needed to go (work or home).
#78
Airbag replacement at Ray Catena
Just had the driver and passenger airbags replaced at Lynnwood Mercedes (north of Seattle). In the past I was not impressed with this dealership, but they did great work this time. I asked for the transmission service while they had the car and was told it was on special for $369.00. When I went to pick it up I was told they actually had a 50% off deal that was better and did the service for $265.00. At that point they had already quoted me and I had agreed to the higher price. Kind of impressed they gave me the better deal, and washed and vacuumed the car as usual. Josh was the service writer that gave me the deal.
I was told on the phone that the entire job would take 1-1.5 hours, but when I arrived at the appointed hour, the Service Manager explained that both the driver and front passenger airbags had to be replaced.
That would take 3-4 hours.
As it turned out, the job was completed in less than 3 hours, including a free car wash.
Ray Catena did an excellent job and I would recommend them for this service without hesitation.
My regular MB independent mechanic, whom I used exclusively for 40 years!, just retired, so I'm looking for another experienced independent MB mechanic in the north or mid-Jersey area.
I was paying $90 for a Mobile One European/Mann Filter complete oil change, but I don't expect that's possible with a new guy.
Any suggestions?
#79
I just had Ray Catena in Edison, NJ replace my defective Takata airbags in my 2009 C-300 Sport.
I was told on the phone that the entire job would take 1-1.5 hours, but when I arrived at the appointed hour, the Service Manager explained that both the driver and front passenger airbags had to be replaced.
That would take 3-4 hours.
As it turned out, the job was completed in less than 3 hours, including a free car wash.
Ray Catena did an excellent job and I would recommend them for this service without hesitation.
My regular MB independent mechanic, whom I used exclusively for 40 years!, just retired, so I'm looking for another experienced independent MB mechanic in the north or mid-Jersey area.
I was paying $90 for a Mobile One European/Mann Filter complete oil change, but I don't expect that's possible with a new guy.
Any suggestions?
I was told on the phone that the entire job would take 1-1.5 hours, but when I arrived at the appointed hour, the Service Manager explained that both the driver and front passenger airbags had to be replaced.
That would take 3-4 hours.
As it turned out, the job was completed in less than 3 hours, including a free car wash.
Ray Catena did an excellent job and I would recommend them for this service without hesitation.
My regular MB independent mechanic, whom I used exclusively for 40 years!, just retired, so I'm looking for another experienced independent MB mechanic in the north or mid-Jersey area.
I was paying $90 for a Mobile One European/Mann Filter complete oil change, but I don't expect that's possible with a new guy.
Any suggestions?
#80
#81
Senior Member
Joined: Jan 2018
Posts: 295
Likes: 24
From: Edmonton Area
2007 CLK550 Coupe, 2003 CL600, 2012
I just had Ray Catena in Edison, NJ replace my defective Takata airbags in my 2009 C-300 Sport.
I was told on the phone that the entire job would take 1-1.5 hours, but when I arrived at the appointed hour, the Service Manager explained that both the driver and front passenger airbags had to be replaced.
That would take 3-4 hours.
As it turned out, the job was completed in less than 3 hours, including a free car wash.
Ray Catena did an excellent job and I would recommend them for this service without hesitation.
My regular MB independent mechanic, whom I used exclusively for 40 years!, just retired, so I'm looking for another experienced independent MB mechanic in the north or mid-Jersey area.
I was paying $90 for a Mobile One European/Mann Filter complete oil change, but I don't expect that's possible with a new guy.
Any suggestions?
I was told on the phone that the entire job would take 1-1.5 hours, but when I arrived at the appointed hour, the Service Manager explained that both the driver and front passenger airbags had to be replaced.
That would take 3-4 hours.
As it turned out, the job was completed in less than 3 hours, including a free car wash.
Ray Catena did an excellent job and I would recommend them for this service without hesitation.
My regular MB independent mechanic, whom I used exclusively for 40 years!, just retired, so I'm looking for another experienced independent MB mechanic in the north or mid-Jersey area.
I was paying $90 for a Mobile One European/Mann Filter complete oil change, but I don't expect that's possible with a new guy.
Any suggestions?
#82
Time to be completed
Just took my 14 C300 in on the 10th for the recall & stayed while the repairs were completed. It took approximately an hour and 45 mins, but that time included the customary wash. My dealer is located in St. Clair Shores. Always timely
#83
Senior Member
Joined: Jan 2018
Posts: 295
Likes: 24
From: Edmonton Area
2007 CLK550 Coupe, 2003 CL600, 2012
I called the MB Canada phone number and they said my car had no recalls. When I use the website to input my VIN number it says that my passanger air bag is in recall.
What gives with MB Canada?
What gives with MB Canada?
#84
Super Member
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 792
Likes: 30
From: Bay Area, CA
2011 C300 Sport, P1, MM, Wood, Heated FS, DIY rearview camera. 2002 QX4
Finally the wait is over. About a week ago I called the dealer. They verified my car shown on the last notice from MB corporate and ordered parts. I called today and scheduled the fix this Saturday. I was told it will take about three hours for the fix.
#85
Thread Starter
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Mar 2015
Posts: 1,965
Likes: 257
From: Sacramento, CA
2018 GLC300 4Matic; 2008 ML550 4Matic; 2004 C320
Let the Saga continue!
#86
The whole Takata scenario is nuts. They alone used ammonium nitrate as the propellant for their airbags. When the problems with this design became known, they added a dessicant, hoping they could continue selling a modified form of the original A-M inflator. Will this work? No one knows, too soon to tell.
In the meantime, every replacement Takata air bag is an ammonium nitrate design with dessicant, so if you have one replaced you are part of the big experiment, congratulations. In fact current model new vehicle buyers are also getting Takata A-M-with dessicant inflators, so they are also unwitting test subjects.
You would think auto manufacturers who care about their customers would get a non-A-M replacement airbag to bring closure for this whole issue, but none are, it's cheaper to take the 'improved' Takata replacements than to have TRW or some other manufacturer make new units.
BTW, Takata's assets were purchased out of bankruptcy by a Chinese company, so who knows what ethics/concern for end user safety this new owner may have!
In the meantime, every replacement Takata air bag is an ammonium nitrate design with dessicant, so if you have one replaced you are part of the big experiment, congratulations. In fact current model new vehicle buyers are also getting Takata A-M-with dessicant inflators, so they are also unwitting test subjects.
You would think auto manufacturers who care about their customers would get a non-A-M replacement airbag to bring closure for this whole issue, but none are, it's cheaper to take the 'improved' Takata replacements than to have TRW or some other manufacturer make new units.
BTW, Takata's assets were purchased out of bankruptcy by a Chinese company, so who knows what ethics/concern for end user safety this new owner may have!
Last edited by exhaustgases; 04-15-2019 at 07:57 PM. Reason: spell exits correctly
#87
Junior Member
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 50
Likes: 13
From: T.O Canada
2019 C300 4matic Premium package 2010 C2504matic sports
I have 2 recalls letter on hand. One 2.5 yrs ago.One a few days ago.
I called MB Canada ,they said still working on getting the parts for the last 2.5 years. I think they are betting on the first lawsuit or the original owner selling or trading in the car and the problem forgotton.
#88
Member
Joined: Aug 2016
Posts: 158
Likes: 4
From: Seattle
2019 GLC300 4matic, 2019 C300 4matic, 2018 C300 4matic, 2009 C300 Flex, 2004 C230 Kompressor
Got both my fronts replaced at the dealer free of charge and added a new wrapped steering wheel to that new airbag, looks fantastic
#89
Thread Starter
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Mar 2015
Posts: 1,965
Likes: 257
From: Sacramento, CA
2018 GLC300 4Matic; 2008 ML550 4Matic; 2004 C320
GREAT! I got a note in the mail from MB USA 2 weeks ago, letting me know that my car will get the recall done and I should contact my dealer as the parts were now available. As of last week Monday, 04/01/19, the dealer is still trying to locate the Passenger Side Airbag as they only have the Driver's Side.
Let thie Saga continue!
Let thie Saga continue!
#90
Super Member
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 792
Likes: 30
From: Bay Area, CA
2011 C300 Sport, P1, MM, Wood, Heated FS, DIY rearview camera. 2002 QX4
I rescheduled to tomorrow with a loaner available. Last Saturday I got to the dealer but found all loaners were out, forgot to ask them first, and I live outside of their shuttle service within 10 mile radius.
I called earlier to make sure the airbag modules ordered for my car are not used for other customers as I postponed my service. Service dept said no the order is based on VIN waiting for my car.
I called earlier to make sure the airbag modules ordered for my car are not used for other customers as I postponed my service. Service dept said no the order is based on VIN waiting for my car.
#91
Airbag Recall
On our C Class I have received numerous letters that it is under recall but no parts available for the airbag. I keep thinking for a Mercedes this is pretty bag. A safety issue goes on for years. Just one more item that has not impressed me with Mercedes. Was talking with the Service Manager yesterday that this 2009 C Class has had more service issues than any of our American cars in the last 40 years. That is on top of the regularly scheduled services.
#92
Super Member
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 792
Likes: 30
From: Bay Area, CA
2011 C300 Sport, P1, MM, Wood, Heated FS, DIY rearview camera. 2002 QX4
Finally airbag recall fix is done.
This time I got a 2019 CLA with 5000 miles loaner car. Again the inline turbo 4 is rougher and noisy at start and at low speed, can't compare to V6. The overall noise level is noticeably higher than my 2011, partially due to its 18" wheel vs my 17".
This time I got a 2019 CLA with 5000 miles loaner car. Again the inline turbo 4 is rougher and noisy at start and at low speed, can't compare to V6. The overall noise level is noticeably higher than my 2011, partially due to its 18" wheel vs my 17".
#93
Super Member
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 792
Likes: 30
From: Bay Area, CA
2011 C300 Sport, P1, MM, Wood, Heated FS, DIY rearview camera. 2002 QX4
I checked MB recall status found my airbag recall is incomplete as of today. I chatted with MB corporate. They already contacted dealer but no valid response yet. They will follow up and give me a definite answer shortly. I told them there could be a chance that dealer was busy that time they forgot to do my repair when they thought it was complete.
#94
Thread Starter
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Mar 2015
Posts: 1,965
Likes: 257
From: Sacramento, CA
2018 GLC300 4Matic; 2008 ML550 4Matic; 2004 C320
I checked MB recall status found my airbag recall is incomplete as of today. I chatted with MB corporate. They already contacted dealer but no valid response yet. They will follow up and give me a definite answer shortly. I told them there could be a chance that dealer was busy that time they forgot to do my repair when they thought it was complete.
#95
Super Member
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 792
Likes: 30
From: Bay Area, CA
2011 C300 Sport, P1, MM, Wood, Heated FS, DIY rearview camera. 2002 QX4
Paperwork I received clearly says recall work complete, plus multiple inspections complete plus free car wash. It took about four hours.