MB bluetec lawsuit in USA
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 9,224
Likes: 1,798
From: V E G A S
1922 Ford Model T / no OBD
Find your vehicle on the chart on this page. Some of them are due for modification in November.
https://www.epa.gov/enforcement/daim...vil-settlement
https://www.epa.gov/enforcement/daim...vil-settlement
Newbie
Joined: Mar 2021
Posts: 11
Likes: 5
2013 ML350 Bluetec
I just took my 13 ML 350 Bluetec in today for the diesel update. Drama started already as the dealer called me and said they refuse to do the repair if I don't pay them $515 for an Oxygen sensor that "isn't covered" by the update. I explained that the update parts and the subsequent warranty are not the same, they thought that only what they replace will be under warranty.
I also explained that they cannot refuse the service unless I modified the car, and it is stock. I think dealers are going to have a lot of kinks to work out doing this.
I left it with them to resolve and firmly refused to pay for a sensor. Lets see how long it takes for them to realize I am right.
I also explained that they cannot refuse the service unless I modified the car, and it is stock. I think dealers are going to have a lot of kinks to work out doing this.
I left it with them to resolve and firmly refused to pay for a sensor. Lets see how long it takes for them to realize I am right.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 9,224
Likes: 1,798
From: V E G A S
1922 Ford Model T / no OBD
I am in similar shoes with 1 of my Sprinters who has leak on exhaust flex and looks like PO replaced the flex with aftermarket one.
Beats me how technician found small leak as I had to go long way with hooking up shopvac to the tailpipe and lot of soapy water.
I am taking the van to 2nd dealer in the area and see what they will tell?
Beats me how technician found small leak as I had to go long way with hooking up shopvac to the tailpipe and lot of soapy water.
I am taking the van to 2nd dealer in the area and see what they will tell?
Senior Member
Joined: May 2013
Posts: 356
Likes: 33
From: NYC
glk
I just took my 13 ML 350 Bluetec in today for the diesel update. Drama started already as the dealer called me and said they refuse to do the repair if I don't pay them $515 for an Oxygen sensor that "isn't covered" by the update. I explained that the update parts and the subsequent warranty are not the same, they thought that only what they replace will be under warranty.
I also explained that they cannot refuse the service unless I modified the car, and it is stock. I think dealers are going to have a lot of kinks to work out doing this.
I left it with them to resolve and firmly refused to pay for a sensor. Lets see how long it takes for them to realize I am right.
I also explained that they cannot refuse the service unless I modified the car, and it is stock. I think dealers are going to have a lot of kinks to work out doing this.
I left it with them to resolve and firmly refused to pay for a sensor. Lets see how long it takes for them to realize I am right.
Senior Member
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 254
Likes: 4
From: N. Illinois, USA
2021 GLS450, 2015 E250BT 4Matic, 2007 GL320CDI, 2005 SLK350, 2001 SLK320
Looks like my 2015 E250 needs:
- Software Update
- New copper catalyst, DOC, DPF
- New PM sensor
- New NOx sensor
- Conversion of Lambda sensor to plug
Junior Member
Joined: Oct 2020
Posts: 57
Likes: 11
R350
I just took my 13 ML 350 Bluetec in today for the diesel update. Drama started already as the dealer called me and said they refuse to do the repair if I don't pay them $515 for an Oxygen sensor that "isn't covered" by the update. I explained that the update parts and the subsequent warranty are not the same, they thought that only what they replace will be under warranty.
I also explained that they cannot refuse the service unless I modified the car, and it is stock. I think dealers are going to have a lot of kinks to work out doing this.
I left it with them to resolve and firmly refused to pay for a sensor. Lets see how long it takes for them to realize I am right.
I also explained that they cannot refuse the service unless I modified the car, and it is stock. I think dealers are going to have a lot of kinks to work out doing this.
I left it with them to resolve and firmly refused to pay for a sensor. Lets see how long it takes for them to realize I am right.
My 2012 R350 has cost about $16,000 to repair and maintain so far. MB USA and MB dealers are criminally scam customers! One of my experience is: 2 years ago an emission code was on, which should be covered by federal envision warranty. Dealer charged me $1200 or so to replace EGR valve，they said their computer has no such warranty. I contacted MB USA, they said they trust their dealer. I contacted EPA, no response! Then the code popped up again 2 months later. This time I tried a diesel cleaner, the code disappeared after one tank of fuel!
I complained to my Credit card company, they totally agree it is a fraud. They contacted the dealer, dealer silently admitted that they committed fraud. The charge was waived.
So in short, to own the bluetec car for the next 4 or more years, you have to deal with criminals. The best way to fight them is to hire lawyers.
Newbie
Joined: Mar 2021
Posts: 7
Likes: 5
GL350
I had the campaign completed and just ran a 150 mile loop that starts in the city, proceeded through about 10 minutes of highway congestion, and ran at 65-70 mph. The throttle response is notably better. All the torque was there and seemed to be lower in the rev range. It seems stronger in the lower and midrange. The truck seems to be awoke. I was surprised a few times when mashing the throttle. The temp gauge was exactly where it always is. The entire loop returned 31 mpg. Normally, I was getting 28 mpg on this loop. I tried many times to “hypermile” by keeping below 60 mph, but would never end the loop at 30 mpg. The best I would get was 29 mpg. My 2015 GL350 has 49,000 miles on the ODO. I feared that I would lose performance and efficiency, but there is no doubt that both increased. I am thoroughly pleased with the result.
Junior Member
Joined: Feb 2021
Posts: 26
Likes: 4
2015 GL350
I had the campaign completed and just ran a 150 mile loop that starts in the city, proceeded through about 10 minutes of highway congestion, and ran at 65-70 mph. The throttle response is notably better. All the torque was there and seemed to be lower in the rev range. It seems stronger in the lower and midrange. The truck seems to be awoke. I was surprised a few times when mashing the throttle. The temp gauge was exactly where it always is. The entire loop returned 31 mpg. Normally, I was getting 28 mpg on this loop. I tried many times to “hypermile” by keeping below 60 mph, but would never end the loop at 30 mpg. The best I would get was 29 mpg. My 2015 GL350 has 49,000 miles on the ODO. I feared that I would lose performance and efficiency, but there is no doubt that both increased. I am thoroughly pleased with the result.
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Newbie
Joined: Mar 2021
Posts: 7
Likes: 5
GL350
90 deg C. The water temp shouldn’t change with an emission modification. The only reason I mentioned it is that someone alleged the engine would run hotter with the modification. The cooling system is very effective. There would need to be a problem or alteration in the cooling system, high outside temp, or heavy load to see a variation in the normal gauge reading. The thermostat is not changed with the modifications.
Senior Member
Joined: Jul 2017
Posts: 487
Likes: 114
From: DFW, TX
Ml350 bluetec
Here is a link to some information about the Copper Catalyst: https://www.basf.com/global/en/who-w...xhaust%20gases.
Basically at low temperatures, it reduces NOX emissions. And this is what EPA has been accusing MB that NOX emissions were not being controlled at low temperatures.
Basically at low temperatures, it reduces NOX emissions. And this is what EPA has been accusing MB that NOX emissions were not being controlled at low temperatures.
Newbie
Joined: Nov 2018
Posts: 12
Likes: 3
ML350BT
Got my recall work done
Just got my 2014 ML350 Bluetec back couple days ago after the recall modification it took 3 days. No performance issues or power loss that I can tell. I also had my 70k service done and rear brakes replaced. My SCR, Adblue heater was replaced under warranty at 50k and now at 70k they did the modification so hopefully good there for emissions issues. Was going to submit my claim this weekend but may wait a month to see how things shake out and others experiences.
Senior Member
Joined: Mar 2015
Posts: 442
Likes: 29
From: Ohio/Florida
'10 C300, '15 ML250BT, '22 M850i Vert
Yes, the reports of no lose of power and fuel economy are encouraging. I just wonder if these reports come from vehicles that weren't up to par to start with? My OM651 got a new Cat and all the OX and NOX sensers replaced at around 45k. I'm going in for my AEM tomorrow with a perfectly running car. In the 65k miles I have I have never rec'd less then 30mpg on a tank of fuel under all conditions. On a trip with the car loaded to the max I get 33/34 mpg, not bad for a 5000# vehicle.
Junior Member
Joined: Apr 2017
Posts: 40
Likes: 4
2011 E350 blutec
So I just registered my car with the MB website for the diesel recall. I wont see a repair until 4th quater this year. Okay, but in the mean time I want to install a catchcan on the pcv system. Think this would void any recall work or complicate things? i bought a Hummel Mann Provent 200 to strain the oil out of the blowby gasses .I havent fitted it yet ,but its very high on the do list. What do you think? Thanks,E350cruiser
Junior Member
Joined: Mar 2021
Posts: 39
Likes: 14
E250 4M
Two reasons to delay: 1) Don't wish to be beta tester of the AEM, which is both software and hardware dependent and highly complex (that's why its taken so long to develop) 2) The new warranty, in its longest possible iteration (for my vehicle year anyway), is 4 years or 48,000 miles AFTER THE FIX DATE. If your car is currently healthy and you want that warranty to cover the car for the longest possible period, then get the AEM done at the last possible second, which is October 1, 2022 for my vehicle. Not rocket science here, even though the fix seems to be. LOL
Last edited by Mawk1; Mar 29, 2021 at 04:37 AM.
Junior Member
Joined: Mar 2021
Posts: 39
Likes: 14
E250 4M
You should then be eligible for $35.00 additional compensation according to the terms of the settlement, as long as the fix takes over 3 hours to complete. Get your stopwatch ready! LOL
Last edited by Mawk1; Mar 29, 2021 at 04:38 AM.
Senior Member
Joined: May 2013
Posts: 356
Likes: 33
From: NYC
glk
Two reasons to delay: 1) Don't wish to be beta tester of the AEM, which is both software and hardware dependent and highly complex (that's why its taken so long to develop) 2) The new warranty, in its longest possible iteration (for my vehicle year anyway), is 4 years or 48,000 miles AFTER THE FIX DATE. If your car is currently healthy and you want that warranty to cover the car for the longest possible period, then get the AEM done at the last possible second, which is October 1, 2022 for my vehicle. Not rocket science here, even though the fix seems to be. LOL
they have to wait for potential previous owner claims?
Newbie
Joined: Jul 2020
Posts: 6
Likes: 1
2013 ML350 BLUETEC 4MATIC
90 deg C. The water temp shouldn’t change with an emission modification. The only reason I mentioned it is that someone alleged the engine would run hotter with the modification. The cooling system is very effective. There would need to be a problem or alteration in the cooling system, high outside temp, or heavy load to see a variation in the normal gauge reading. The thermostat is not changed with the modifications.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 9,224
Likes: 1,798
From: V E G A S
1922 Ford Model T / no OBD
https://www.epa.gov/enforcement/daim...vil-settlement
Here is EPA note what should be done on each MY.
The upgrade has 12 different categories depends, so there is no "1 shoe fits all"
2013 ML350 is EMC4
Here is EPA note what should be done on each MY.
The upgrade has 12 different categories depends, so there is no "1 shoe fits all"
2013 ML350 is EMC4
Last edited by kajtek1; Mar 29, 2021 at 10:51 AM.
Junior Member
Joined: Oct 2020
Posts: 57
Likes: 11
R350
https://www.epa.gov/enforcement/daim...vil-settlement
Here is EPA note what should be done on each MY.
The upgrade has 12 different categories depends, so there is no "1 shoe fits all"
2013 ML350 is EMC4
Here is EPA note what should be done on each MY.
The upgrade has 12 different categories depends, so there is no "1 shoe fits all"
2013 ML350 is EMC4
the modification is to reduce NOx emissions. The cheating device closes EGR valve to emmit exhaust to air directly. Which actually is a great option to keep the engine run more efficiently and less carbon buildup.
The modification forced EGR valve to open most of the time, so the combustion chamber feed with more exhaust gas. Then they use more catalyst to reduce NOx. To minimize the reduction of power output, they might adjust the fuel/air ratio, compression ratio, gears etc.
So in net shell, the short term effect after modification should match what MB told EPA.
But the negative long term effect is obvious.
First, more carbon buildup, which not only in the emission components, but also in the entire gas line.
Second, more expensive items to break down after four years. Keep in mind that these modification components developed in a rush, and MB has no desire to develop more diesel engine. The installed modification items more than likely to have reliability issues after four years. And they will be expensive .
Third, MB diesel engine has bad seals, hoses etc. Which most of us have spent thousands dollars to replace . For example, the oil leaks caused by broken cooler seal. The modification changed pressure and temperature for sure, which will put extra torture on these bad quality seals. We might have to spend thousands to fix them out of pocket since seals are not part of the modification warranty.
Junior Member
Joined: Mar 2021
Posts: 51
Likes: 21
From: Central FL
2014ML 350 Blutec
My 2014 ML Bluetec goes in Thursday for the AEM. I know what mileage has averaged over the past 79,000 since I kept mileage running on second odometer; 25.8.
now has 102,000 and runs great. If it carbons up the intake manifold then it is covered for the next 48,000 miles, as the listed components are. I will report back next week as I doubt I get it back until then.
as soon as I get the invoice I will apply for the settlement money and it should be a good test of speed of payment as I ordered this the way I wanted it so of course first and only owner.
now has 102,000 and runs great. If it carbons up the intake manifold then it is covered for the next 48,000 miles, as the listed components are. I will report back next week as I doubt I get it back until then.
as soon as I get the invoice I will apply for the settlement money and it should be a good test of speed of payment as I ordered this the way I wanted it so of course first and only owner.
Newbie
Joined: Mar 2021
Posts: 11
Likes: 5
2013 ML350 Bluetec
I just signed the opt out form, let lawyer to fight MB.
My 2012 R350 has cost about $16,000 to repair and maintain so far. MB USA and MB dealers are criminally scam customers! One of my experience is: 2 years ago an emission code was on, which should be covered by federal envision warranty. Dealer charged me $1200 or so to replace EGR valve，they said their computer has no such warranty. I contacted MB USA, they said they trust their dealer. I contacted EPA, no response! Then the code popped up again 2 months later. This time I tried a diesel cleaner, the code disappeared after one tank of fuel!
I complained to my Credit card company, they totally agree it is a fraud. They contacted the dealer, dealer silently admitted that they committed fraud. The charge was waived.
So in short, to own the bluetec car for the next 4 or more years, you have to deal with criminals. The best way to fight them is to hire lawyers.
My 2012 R350 has cost about $16,000 to repair and maintain so far. MB USA and MB dealers are criminally scam customers! One of my experience is: 2 years ago an emission code was on, which should be covered by federal envision warranty. Dealer charged me $1200 or so to replace EGR valve，they said their computer has no such warranty. I contacted MB USA, they said they trust their dealer. I contacted EPA, no response! Then the code popped up again 2 months later. This time I tried a diesel cleaner, the code disappeared after one tank of fuel!
I complained to my Credit card company, they totally agree it is a fraud. They contacted the dealer, dealer silently admitted that they committed fraud. The charge was waived.
So in short, to own the bluetec car for the next 4 or more years, you have to deal with criminals. The best way to fight them is to hire lawyers.
For the current car in the shop, I am waiting on MBUSA and the dealer to coordinate.
It would be one thing if they called and said by the way you have a bad tire. Very obvious unrelated matter. But I have to pay for emissions parts. Hell no.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 9,224
Likes: 1,798
From: V E G A S
1922 Ford Model T / no OBD
Internet copy at https://www.mbbluetecsettlement.com/...33&inline=true
Here is FAQ page. https://bluetecupdate.mbvans.com/faq
