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I have had push Botton start issues, and also started to notice a smell in the car ... a wet carpet type smell. I brought the car to MB to have these checked out and was SHOCK to hear that what they found may not be covered under warranty.
My 2018 roadster has 16k miles on it ... has been regularly serviced by MB.
The dealership found that both the convertible to drain holes had become plugged with leaves and debris (not sure how). When I drove the car home from a 2 hour trip, it was raining a lot. The plugged drain holes apparently caused water to get into the cabin. The water then impacted a control box (on the floor) that has something to do with the push Botton start. The dealer said the carpet is wet and so is the control box.
In a nut shell, they are saying that may be considered an "act of nature" and not covered under warranty. ARE YOU FING KIDDING ME!!!! I am in the process of escalating this issue as from what I understand these drain holes are to be checked during service and the car was service least September.
The dealership found that both the convertible to drain holes had become plugged with leaves and debris (not sure how). When I drove the car home from a 2 hour trip, it was raining a lot. The plugged drain holes apparently caused water to get into the cabin. The water then impacted a control box (on the floor) that has something to do with the push Botton start. The dealer said the carpet is wet and so is the control box. In a nut shell, they are saying that may be considered an "act of nature" and not covered under warranty.
Convertibles are often susceptible to water damage - a hood left open whilst parked, or light rain turning heavier while driving, and in your case the blocked drain lines from leaves and other debris. No car manufacturer would cover the damage from this under warranty. This is not a design fault.
The ECU module is what has been damaged. It is possible to remove the module and let it air-dry.
If it hasn't been wet very long, and there is no rust, it should be ok to use.
In most cases, if the car is still under warranty; Mercedes always suggests it is replaced.
The ECU module in itself is not expensive - about £350 - but the labour from its position means there is a lot to take away, and a lot to be built up.
So make sure you take the car to an AMG specialist dealer who is familiar with the model and V8 engine.
Whilst they're replacing the ECU module, best for them to run a diagnostic test on the wiring loom as this is what fails next from water ingress if the module has been wet for long.
Convertibles are often susceptible to water damage - a hood left open whilst parked, or light rain turning heavier while driving, and in your case the blocked drain lines from leaves and other debris. No car manufacturer would cover the damage from this under warranty. This is not a design fault.
The ECU module is what has been damaged. It is possible to remove the module and let it air-dry.
If it hasn't been wet very long, and there is no rust, it should be ok to use.
In most cases, if the car is still under warranty; Mercedes always suggests it is replaced.
The ECU module in itself is not expensive - about £350 - but the labour from its position means there is a lot to take away, and a lot to be built up.
So make sure you take the car to an AMG specialist dealer who is familiar with the model and V8 engine.
Whilst they're replacing the ECU module, best for them to run a diagnostic test on the wiring loom as this is what fails next from water ingress if the module has been wet for long.
That's a bold statement not being a design fault. That question is still open as there have been a number of owners reporting the same thing here.
We have had over a dozen Mercedes convertibles and I have never ever checked a drain hole in my life nor should I. If it plugs up and caused more damage than a wet carpet, it's poorly designed.
MB in the US is also more tolerant than in the UK as to what is covered and what not (and what is covered under courtesy). If you have a good relationship with a dealer, they should work with MB on your behalf.
First off ... I would strongly disagree with "this is not a design fault" ... + this is suppose to be checked during servicing ... how is this not an issue that Mercedes is responsible for?
The labour just to get to the module is over $2000 ... another $2000 for installation ... and $500 in parts ... and $500 in labour.
I have bought a couple AMG's from this Mercedes dealer and I did expect a little more leeway on this issue. They are checking with corporate now to see what they will do. Fingers crossed.
I did a search on the forum and did not see this issue come up ... what am I doing wrong
BTW it clearly states that cleaning of the water ducts is done during service ... which was less than 2000 miles ago ... and less than a year ago.
First off ... I would strongly disagree with "this is not a design fault" ... + this is suppose to be checked during servicing ... how is this not an issue that Mercedes is responsible for?
The labour just to get to the module is over $2000 ... another $2000 for installation ... and $500 in parts ... and $500 in labour.
I have bought a couple AMG's from this Mercedes dealer and I did expect a little more leeway on this issue. They are checking with corporate now to see what they will do. Fingers crossed.
I did a search on the forum and did not see this issue come up ... what am I doing wrong
BTW it clearly states that cleaning of the water ducts is done during service ... which was less than 2000 miles ago ... and less than a year ago.
BTW it clearly states that cleaning of the water ducts is done during service ... which was less than 2000 miles ago ... and less than a year ago.[/QUOTE]
This kind of water damage, and carpets getting wet, is not a Merc specific occurrence. In any car, If any of the drainage channels in the doors or in the windscreen or rear screen; get blocked due to leaves, sludge from dust and rain building up gradually in the channel, or other debris, you will have water trapped and eventually finding its way into the car. I have had it in previous BMWs, and fortunately, the area of carpet which was absolutely soaked (under the removable car mats in the left rear footwell) did not have any specific components under it.
Another typical issue, not specific to Mercs again, is water ingress into the cameras; sprayed with water under pressure during car washes or pressure washers at home. This initially just blurs the camera - looks like a mist and may even clear up subsequently especially on a warm day, but if it continues this is a relatively inexpensive camera replacement. But if left to worsen, actually causes water ingress into the wiring loom which is a much more expensive repair.
The channels are visually inspected during a service, and any visible debris caught in the visible grate filters is removed, but an accumulation of debris gradually in the door cards and the length of the drainage channels is not disassembled and removed. I presume it could be if requested and paid for separately. I have learnt to clear leaves, dust, debris from the visible channel filters periodically and avoid parking under trees for long periods of time, especially during the autumn or early spring (pollen season!)
The service engineer may clear visible debris in the channel; but you could have an accumulation build up again within days or weeks.
This is probably why it is not covered under usual warranties.
If it just a wet carpet, most dealers will take out the carpet and air dry both the carpet and the area on the car, as a goodwill gesture.
If parts installed under the carpet are made faulty, this is usually a at-cost repair. I must say this is usually when damp accumulates under the carpet for a few days/weeks.
By all means, try the warranty route. I would.
But don't be disappointed if this is not agreed unless you can prove that the drainage channel (and the part) was damaged by a service part or debris from the service process or a manufacturing defect (which would presumably come up in all roadsters)
This is nuts - makes me never want to drive the car when it's raining. Everyone here has likely had owned numerous if not dozens of cars over the years and I have never seen this issue on any of my cars. I don't even know where to look to check for blockage... Drain pipe??? The dealer never said anything to me during delivery.
At least in the US (and cant imagine this excluded with any policy), why would this not be an insurance claim?? Regardless of this debate, isn't this what insurance is for? None of the issues appear to be related to a window or top left down during a rain storm or going through a car wash (not covered). This should be covered and let the insurance company go after MB if they are inclined to recover their costs. And its the comprehensive arm of your insurance so it will have no impact on your rating.
At least in the US (and cant imagine this excluded with any policy), why would this not be an insurance claim?? Regardless of this debate, isn't this what insurance is for? None of the issues appear to be related to a window or top left down during a rain storm or going through a car wash (not covered). This should be covered and let the insurance company go after MB if they are inclined to recover their costs. And its the comprehensive arm of your insurance so it will have no impact on your rating.
LOL ... "And its the comprehensive arm of your insurance so it will have no impact on your rating" ... you must be kidding if you think that is true.
It is official ... Mercedes corporate has declined to cover the damages ... however I have one other path that seems very promising.
LOL ... "And its the comprehensive arm of your insurance so it will have no impact on your rating" ... you must be kidding if you think that is true.
It is official ... Mercedes corporate has declined to cover the damages ... however I have one other path that seems very promising.
So, judging by your response you are either a high risk to insure; have one too many claims or don't know how insurance is supposed to work.
Comprehensive won't impact your standing unless you're a roach, or have used it a LOT. Go ahead though, avoid it and complain about your out of pocket expense....I don't care at all - in fact, it keeps my rates nice and low.
Wow .. touch nerve have we ... nope never had an accident ... my wife just happens to work for a major insurance company and know how it really works ... but you go ahead an insult people keeping your head up up a$$.
Wow .. touch nerve have we ... nope never had an accident ... my wife just happens to work for a major insurance company and know how it really works ... but you go ahead an insult people keeping your head up up a$$.
I see what you did there with those dollar signs.
So your wife has the inside track on the 'deep state' arm of the insurance business - I get it...the whole "don't be a sheep" thing - it's in the fabric of so many conversations these days. Again, its considered no-fault; use it or don't - you're paying for it. It's actually what its for...and if you own your car and don't ever want to use it, just drop it - it's optional as long as the bank doesn't own your title. I have a preferred rating and have had 3 claims on three different cars over the same amount of years - I've seen a $60 increase over the course of the following year in total, and it reset with a new car.. And, of course, I haven't been dropped. With the amount of costs you're being subjected to it seems logical to consider insurance.
Please feel free to share the details of your inside track - maybe Im getting ripped off and had no clue. Otherwise, it's just speculation.
Just to give everyone an update, the dealership that did the service 2700 miles ago is going to pick up the tab for this issue. I will have some pics tomorrow to show everyone but it is a real mess. The carpet was so wet that water was running off it when they removed it. There are replacing the control module and some wiring harnesses ...amonst other things.
Here some pics /// The carpet is completely ruined and has sopped up all the water ... all the modules and harnesses have to be changed ... the quote went from $4k to $
8k
Can someone explain exactly where these channels are and how to access then for routine inspection and cleaning? I had a very similar issue on an early A8. Audi foolishly routed external drains right though the main console. You had to remove the trim around the gear shifter to access two pinch valves that would get choked up with debris very easily and then water would literally poor into the front footwells if it rained.
My cayenne has two drains under the window cowel that need to be periodically blasted with compressed air. All of these external drains can and will get clogged. They just need to be inspected and cleaned regularly. It's unfortunate that MB routed these inside the car in a way that leads to this type of major damage when they fail.
I have had push Botton start issues, and also started to notice a smell in the car ... a wet carpet type smell. I brought the car to MB to have these checked out and was SHOCK to hear that what they found may not be covered under warranty.
My 2018 roadster has 16k miles on it ... has been regularly serviced by MB.
The dealership found that both the convertible to drain holes had become plugged with leaves and debris (not sure how). When I drove the car home from a 2 hour trip, it was raining a lot. The plugged drain holes apparently caused water to get into the cabin. The water then impacted a control box (on the floor) that has something to do with the push Botton start. The dealer said the carpet is wet and so is the control box.
In a nut shell, they are saying that may be considered an "act of nature" and not covered under warranty. ARE YOU FING KIDDING ME!!!! I am in the process of escalating this issue as from what I understand these drain holes are to be checked during service and the car was service least September.
Nope that was not my car ... I did get a chance to visit her today at the hospital ... the bill is over 9k right now but everything is new. New terminals, new computers, new carpet, new interior parts, etc ... the car's interior is practically brand new along with all the control modules and terminals. Look like I should get her back later this week.
08-19-2020, 12:53 PM
