MB bluetec lawsuit in USA
Junior Member
Joined: Jul 2021
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GL350
Recently my 2015 GL350 started making some rattling noise for a couple seconds on cold start. The dealer 'warranty department' told me that it would take 2 hrs to diagnose and if it was the timing belt it would be under the AEM warranty - including diagnoses - but if it was the 'chain tensioner' then it would not be covered. Interesting and a little strange that the timing belt is covered but associated components are not. Also - if it is the chain - then wouldn't they have to replace the tensioner at the same time as the chain? I haven't asked them if this was based on info from MBUSA.
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Joined: Jan 2013
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From: The Great White North
W204 C63 Coupe, W166 ML350 BlueTEC, 928GT, Taycan GTS Sport Turismo, C5 Z06 & IS300 race cars
Junior Member
Joined: Jul 2021
Posts: 31
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GL350
So your reading of this is that the components covered under 'Cylinder Head Assembly' are just those listed in the parentheses and 'Engine Timing Chain' would not include tensioner? I can see that. I guess what I am asking is what are others experience with AEM warranty repairs - but probably too soon to really get much feedback.
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MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jan 2013
Posts: 3,745
Likes: 811
From: The Great White North
W204 C63 Coupe, W166 ML350 BlueTEC, 928GT, Taycan GTS Sport Turismo, C5 Z06 & IS300 race cars
No Sir - if the tensioner itself was covered, it would have been explicitly mentioned like the rest of the components.
The double-row timing chains are known to stretch despite the fact that they are considered lifetime items (especially on the MLs and GLs), so you may be in luck. You could also have a late-date engine with the updated single row chain, which is actually more durable and less prone to stretching than the double row - but there is no way to know until you check.
Mercedes has a special tool (gauge) that screws in a port on the passenger side of the engine, presses against the chain and shows how much the chain has stretched without having to tear down the engine, lock the camshafts and measure the stretch on the crank hub, but it easily takes 1.5 - 2 hours just to be able to get to the side port. I am afraid that the dealership telling you that it takes 2 hours to do the check and that it may or may not be the chain (which also determines who pays for the diagnostic, not just the repair) is pretty much spot-on.
The double-row timing chains are known to stretch despite the fact that they are considered lifetime items (especially on the MLs and GLs), so you may be in luck. You could also have a late-date engine with the updated single row chain, which is actually more durable and less prone to stretching than the double row - but there is no way to know until you check.
Mercedes has a special tool (gauge) that screws in a port on the passenger side of the engine, presses against the chain and shows how much the chain has stretched without having to tear down the engine, lock the camshafts and measure the stretch on the crank hub, but it easily takes 1.5 - 2 hours just to be able to get to the side port. I am afraid that the dealership telling you that it takes 2 hours to do the check and that it may or may not be the chain (which also determines who pays for the diagnostic, not just the repair) is pretty much spot-on.
Junior Member
Joined: Aug 2020
Posts: 52
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2009 GL 320
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Junior Member
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2009 GL 320
I called my dealer in NE and they have not received notification yet. I pointed them to the documets on on site - they took my Vin and # and said they would call as soon as they recieve the notice.
Junior Member
Joined: Dec 2020
Posts: 41
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GL350
Direct from MBusa rep:
The national database updates 1-day post-approval: so if it's 13th then 14 the dealer's comps will get it.
So if it goes like the S class did it will hit then 1 day after
so Jan 14th would be the day
Vehicle (VIN) Eligible for Emissions Modification?
Yes
Emissions Modification Approved by EPA and CARB?
Yes, Expected Launch 01/13/2022
Call and get you name on the books for friday
The national database updates 1-day post-approval: so if it's 13th then 14 the dealer's comps will get it.
So if it goes like the S class did it will hit then 1 day after
so Jan 14th would be the day
Vehicle (VIN) Eligible for Emissions Modification?
Yes
Emissions Modification Approved by EPA and CARB?
Yes, Expected Launch 01/13/2022
Call and get you name on the books for friday
Senior Member
Joined: Mar 2015
Posts: 442
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From: Ohio/Florida
'10 C300, '15 ML250BT, '22 M850i Vert
Claim follow up
I filed 2 claims the beginning of April 2021. I have the claim numbers and a sheet that says "Your claim has been submitted successfully". Is there somewhere to check the status of the claim or do we just wait? Thanks in advance for a reply.
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Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 9,224
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From: V E G A S
1922 Ford Model T / no OBD
I did 3 AEMs in about 10 days period back in March 2020.
The check for the 1st arrived 2 weeks ago, while I am still waiting for other 2 checks.
There is nothing worse than waiting for free money?
The check for the 1st arrived 2 weeks ago, while I am still waiting for other 2 checks.
There is nothing worse than waiting for free money?
Junior Member
Joined: Aug 2020
Posts: 52
Likes: 13
2009 GL 320
Well talked to the dealer today and got a mixed answer. They are not sure if the intakes do come off for EMC 5 and are looking into it. They said they would be willing to do the oil coolers if the intakes do come off though. Here's what EMC 5 lists as the parts list.
https://mbepc.net/1/m/om642/69h/642884/0/14/030/
- Software Update
- New NOx sensors (TT3)
- New ECU
- New copper catalyst, DOC, DPF
- New DEF Injector
- New Crankcase Ventilation Valve (including line and heating element)
- New Left and Right Charge Air Distribution Line/Intake Manifold (incl. Intake Port Shutoff Linkage)
- New Charge Air Distribution Line Transverse Tube
- New Intake Port Shut-Off Actuator
- New Clean Air Duct with Mass Air Flow Sensors
- New EGR Valve (Actuator), EGR Cooler, and EGR Line(s)
- Lambda sensor
https://mbepc.net/1/m/om642/69h/642884/0/14/030/
Senior Member
Joined: Mar 2015
Posts: 442
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From: Ohio/Florida
'10 C300, '15 ML250BT, '22 M850i Vert
Senior Member
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 431
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From: Delray Beach, Fl
GLC SUV 350e4 Verde Silver Metallic
I got an email from the claim administrator on the 14th. restating the parameters of the suit. But nothing from the lawyers. So, I called the administrator. They found my claim but could not give me a date for mailing of a check. The lady did say that the claims are processed in the order that they are received. A check would be mailed as long as all the info is correct, and the claim is approved. So, it's a first come first serve as long as you pass. I filed 5/3/21 and I no longer own the MB.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 9,224
Likes: 1,798
From: V E G A S
1922 Ford Model T / no OBD
the warranty is post-AEM, so legally the dealer can charge you for fixing all known malfunctions before performing AEM.
However if high oil consumption would go unnoticed during AEM, you might follow the new warranty with it.
Think about it very carefully.
However if high oil consumption would go unnoticed during AEM, you might follow the new warranty with it.
Think about it very carefully.
Junior Member
Joined: Mar 2021
Posts: 39
Likes: 14
E250 4M
I had the AEM completed in August (4300 miles ago). About 200 miles ago the initial AdBlue message appeared. I thought that there would be about 1000 miles before the number of starts count down initiated - but it started today.
Questions:
1) Does the AEM include replacing/filling the Adblue? My AEM service order doesn't mention it - just "Replaced combo box DOC/DPF, nox sensors...[etc]"
2) The fact that the engine starts count down initiated so soon after the initial Adblue message has me worried there is a possible Adblue leak. Since I recently purchased the car this is the first time I have had to deal with these messages. The B service is due in 900 miles and since the Adblue is drained and refilled with the B service my plan was to have the AdBlue added at that time. Since I have gotten the count down I have scheduled the service for a couple days from now. But does it sound reasonable that the count down would appear so soon after the initial AdBlue message ("Refill AdBlue/Def See Operators Manual". Also - I don't recall seeing "Check Additive See Operators Manual" message.
Questions:
1) Does the AEM include replacing/filling the Adblue? My AEM service order doesn't mention it - just "Replaced combo box DOC/DPF, nox sensors...[etc]"
2) The fact that the engine starts count down initiated so soon after the initial Adblue message has me worried there is a possible Adblue leak. Since I recently purchased the car this is the first time I have had to deal with these messages. The B service is due in 900 miles and since the Adblue is drained and refilled with the B service my plan was to have the AdBlue added at that time. Since I have gotten the count down I have scheduled the service for a couple days from now. But does it sound reasonable that the count down would appear so soon after the initial AdBlue message ("Refill AdBlue/Def See Operators Manual". Also - I don't recall seeing "Check Additive See Operators Manual" message.
IF you suspect a leak, buy some DEF, fill up the tank (about 5-8 gals if empty--see your car manual capacity pages). Then monitor your parking spot/garage floor for any leaks or white residue under the car. You can also assess DEF tank levels with some scanners (Autel AP200 sold at WalMart as HyperTough HT200 is my fave at $49 bucks) or just top off the tank in a few weeks/months to assess how much it took and thereby calculate your consumption, which should be around 625 miles/liter or about 2500 miles/gallon. Do the math and if it's higher than that, you may have a leak. Peasy. You got this!
Last edited by Mawk1; Jan 20, 2022 at 06:09 PM.
