MB bluetec lawsuit in USA
Senior Member
Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 356
Likes: 66
2012 ML350 Bluetec, 2015 GL350 Bluetec
Well, my AEM has taken a turn for the worse. The service advisor just called me and said that because my DPF is missing and a bunch of sensors are unplugged, they can't do the AEM. Get this... They are telling me that they have to sell me a new DPF, install it, and then do the AEM. Which, of course, includes a new DPF. I've got the MAF sensors unplugged because the O2 and temp sensors are missing and I didn't feel like adapting the new MAF sensors since they're putting a new tube and sensor setup on as part of the AEM anyway. The DPF pressure sensor is capped off, and the NOx sensor is tucked up under the plastic cladding with the control box for it. The missing temp sensor is actually sitting in the trunk area since there's no place to really put it since there's no DPF.
I totally get that they want to make me buy the missing O2 sensor - in fact I told them when I dropped it off that it was missing and to go ahead and sell me one. But the thing where they want to sell me a DPF so they can take it back off again makes my head explode.
Neither the MBUSA 800 number nor the settlement administrator are any help whatsoever. To be fair, the gentleman who answered the phone at the settlement administrator was very polite and I didn't expect that they could do anything about it, but I figured I'd try to exhaust (haha, get it?) every possible avenue.
Anybody have a junk DPF they want to sell me for cheap? Or a line on a dealer within a couple hundred miles of Cincinnati that is easier to work with? Or know of a better escalation process?
They're currently putting together a list of things that they will require me to do before they'll do the AEM. Once I have that, I suppose I'll have to figure out what I'm going to do.
I truly do not understand how these people ever sell anyone a second car....
I totally get that they want to make me buy the missing O2 sensor - in fact I told them when I dropped it off that it was missing and to go ahead and sell me one. But the thing where they want to sell me a DPF so they can take it back off again makes my head explode.
Neither the MBUSA 800 number nor the settlement administrator are any help whatsoever. To be fair, the gentleman who answered the phone at the settlement administrator was very polite and I didn't expect that they could do anything about it, but I figured I'd try to exhaust (haha, get it?) every possible avenue.
Anybody have a junk DPF they want to sell me for cheap? Or a line on a dealer within a couple hundred miles of Cincinnati that is easier to work with? Or know of a better escalation process?
They're currently putting together a list of things that they will require me to do before they'll do the AEM. Once I have that, I suppose I'll have to figure out what I'm going to do.
I truly do not understand how these people ever sell anyone a second car....
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 9,224
Likes: 1,798
From: V E G A S
1922 Ford Model T / no OBD
I have hard time to believe it really happen.
Don't know what was your reasoning for replacing DPF with straight pipe (?) but what prevents you from buying used DPF (it doesn't even have to be good), mount it on the car and take for AEM. I could not buy new DPF for my E and that what forced me for delete in 1st place.
You still need to plug all the sensors in.
I am waiting for the parts to take mine for AEM, so will not for sure if that works. Hopefully in days.
Don't know what was your reasoning for replacing DPF with straight pipe (?) but what prevents you from buying used DPF (it doesn't even have to be good), mount it on the car and take for AEM. I could not buy new DPF for my E and that what forced me for delete in 1st place.
You still need to plug all the sensors in.
I am waiting for the parts to take mine for AEM, so will not for sure if that works. Hopefully in days.
Last edited by kajtek1; Jul 26, 2022 at 11:56 AM.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jan 2014
Posts: 1,053
Likes: 355
From: USA - Minnesota
2014 GL350
Not only is an unmodified system a requirement, you won’t get any sympathy from either MB or the government as the modifications you made are technically a violation of federal law.
Personally, I’d either forget about the AEM completely or get the system put back together to qualify. There is no half measure here and you won’t find a “sympathetic” dealer to complete the AEM in the present condition because they are all following the same requirements.
Junior Member
Joined: Mar 2021
Posts: 39
Likes: 14
E250 4M
This is a big part of it IMO
Not so fun fact: Some states allow shops to simply show the old parts to you to confirm that they were actually removed, however since most owners wouldn't recognize the parts anyway, let alone whether they originated on their particular vehicle, this practice seems pretty bogus and quite the loophole for unscrupulous shops.
There is a big market for precious metals right now, as we all know. The core charge for any catalytic-related exhaust hardware is therefore a real thing for dealers/MB. MB and many other manufacturers are now refurbishing these used/defective parts and reselling them. This is a small, but not insignificant, mitigation of their costs for the recall and they aren't givin' it up! Too bad for you Wae, cuz I'd have sold you mine. I'm going to delete if there are any problems after my warranty is up anyway. By that time my car will be at least 12 years old and not much of a loss if the deletion becomes an issue for licensing or resale. What is quite certain is that repairing or replacing a modern diesel engine's exhaust system is a sure route to the poorhouse, and that's a road I'm not travelling.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 9,224
Likes: 1,798
From: V E G A S
1922 Ford Model T / no OBD
For years MB USA is selling "rebuild" parts, who are actually new. Some speculate that this is to remove all used parts from aftermarket and charging core, makes the buyers bringing the old stuff back.
Than rumors say that no American mechanic is allowed to open MB engine or transmission when on warranty.
The assemble gets replaced and failed one goes to Germany for inspection.
Than rumors say that no American mechanic is allowed to open MB engine or transmission when on warranty.
The assemble gets replaced and failed one goes to Germany for inspection.
Member
Joined: Mar 2014
Posts: 174
Likes: 30
From: RI
2020 GLE 450
Same here...I contacted Shelby in early July, found out I had some paperwork missing...forwarded it to her and 30 days later rec'd my $878!
Senior Member
Joined: Jul 2014
Posts: 305
Likes: 22
From: BC
G11 750i Individual, X166 GL550 Designo, W222 S550e, W221 S63
So my service manager reached out that the AEM is ready for my vehicles and both the 09 ML and 16 GLE are scheduled to go in end of Sep.
He also recommended to replace the oil cooler seals on both vehicles with the ML previously identified to have an oil cooler leak and nothing on the GLE, just as a preventative measure. However, he said it would be around $1200 per vehicle (CAD).
Initially, I thought this was a great deal since when the leak was identified back in 2018 or so, they quoted around $5500-6000 in labour. My indy shop said it's a good price given they said it's a $3500-4000 job on their end and I should do it since the seals were never replaced.
However, after reading this thread and seeing people's dealers charging them $300-550 in the states, I'm rethinking this and was wondering what the scope of additional work hours is to replace the oil cooler seals when the AEM is fitted on the W164 and W166.
I'm just surprised the quoted amount has such a large discrepancy especially since they usually give us really fair quotes and a lot of items on the house and having always brought over a dozen new mb's back to them for service with the exception for one, the 09 ML since it's so old and doesn't really make sense throwing money into it; is it essentially punitive since I turned down a 7k turbo repair quote from their end and brought it to an indy instead?
What's the best way to approach this? Just ask once again for the number of work hours required when I drop the vehicles off and mention how other dealers are about to complete it in 2-2.5hrs?
He also recommended to replace the oil cooler seals on both vehicles with the ML previously identified to have an oil cooler leak and nothing on the GLE, just as a preventative measure. However, he said it would be around $1200 per vehicle (CAD).
Initially, I thought this was a great deal since when the leak was identified back in 2018 or so, they quoted around $5500-6000 in labour. My indy shop said it's a good price given they said it's a $3500-4000 job on their end and I should do it since the seals were never replaced.
However, after reading this thread and seeing people's dealers charging them $300-550 in the states, I'm rethinking this and was wondering what the scope of additional work hours is to replace the oil cooler seals when the AEM is fitted on the W164 and W166.
I'm just surprised the quoted amount has such a large discrepancy especially since they usually give us really fair quotes and a lot of items on the house and having always brought over a dozen new mb's back to them for service with the exception for one, the 09 ML since it's so old and doesn't really make sense throwing money into it; is it essentially punitive since I turned down a 7k turbo repair quote from their end and brought it to an indy instead?
What's the best way to approach this? Just ask once again for the number of work hours required when I drop the vehicles off and mention how other dealers are about to complete it in 2-2.5hrs?
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 9,224
Likes: 1,798
From: V E G A S
1922 Ford Model T / no OBD
All the quotes are always negotiable. ALL and ALWAYS.
I still think that if you already have a leak, $1200 Can is good deal, but beware about Sprinter owner experience, who went for such deal and engine seized 3 miles from the dealership. Turn out dealer technician did not clean the valley before cooler removal and the dirt ended on bearings.
I still think that if you already have a leak, $1200 Can is good deal, but beware about Sprinter owner experience, who went for such deal and engine seized 3 miles from the dealership. Turn out dealer technician did not clean the valley before cooler removal and the dirt ended on bearings.
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Junior Member
Joined: Dec 2016
Posts: 20
Likes: 2
ML 350
Well, my AEM has taken a turn for the worse. The service advisor just called me and said that because my DPF is missing and a bunch of sensors are unplugged, they can't do the AEM. Get this... They are telling me that they have to sell me a new DPF, install it, and then do the AEM. Which, of course, includes a new DPF. I've got the MAF sensors unplugged because the O2 and temp sensors are missing and I didn't feel like adapting the new MAF sensors since they're putting a new tube and sensor setup on as part of the AEM anyway. The DPF pressure sensor is capped off, and the NOx sensor is tucked up under the plastic cladding with the control box for it. The missing temp sensor is actually sitting in the trunk area since there's no place to really put it since there's no DPF.
I totally get that they want to make me buy the missing O2 sensor - in fact I told them when I dropped it off that it was missing and to go ahead and sell me one. But the thing where they want to sell me a DPF so they can take it back off again makes my head explode.
Neither the MBUSA 800 number nor the settlement administrator are any help whatsoever. To be fair, the gentleman who answered the phone at the settlement administrator was very polite and I didn't expect that they could do anything about it, but I figured I'd try to exhaust (haha, get it?) every possible avenue.
Anybody have a junk DPF they want to sell me for cheap? Or a line on a dealer within a couple hundred miles of Cincinnati that is easier to work with? Or know of a better escalation process?
They're currently putting together a list of things that they will require me to do before they'll do the AEM. Once I have that, I suppose I'll have to figure out what I'm going to do.
I truly do not understand how these people ever sell anyone a second car....
I totally get that they want to make me buy the missing O2 sensor - in fact I told them when I dropped it off that it was missing and to go ahead and sell me one. But the thing where they want to sell me a DPF so they can take it back off again makes my head explode.
Neither the MBUSA 800 number nor the settlement administrator are any help whatsoever. To be fair, the gentleman who answered the phone at the settlement administrator was very polite and I didn't expect that they could do anything about it, but I figured I'd try to exhaust (haha, get it?) every possible avenue.
Anybody have a junk DPF they want to sell me for cheap? Or a line on a dealer within a couple hundred miles of Cincinnati that is easier to work with? Or know of a better escalation process?
They're currently putting together a list of things that they will require me to do before they'll do the AEM. Once I have that, I suppose I'll have to figure out what I'm going to do.
I truly do not understand how these people ever sell anyone a second car....
Super Member
Joined: Jun 2022
Posts: 739
Likes: 328
From: WA State, USA
2014 Cummins, 2014 E250 Bluetec
Generally recall parts are always collected. Its either a safety standpoint where they dont want the old parts out in possible cerculation to be sold/installed and negate the reason for the recall in the first place. Not to mention they are required to change these parts out as the old ones were deamed incorrect and needed to be taken off the street if you will per any lawsuit or guidance by any of the government agencies.
The other aspect is with the DPF and SCR there is a decent amount of money involved with recycling and since they are replacing with new no reason they shouldnt get the core in good condition to do as such. Even gutting the DPF and expecting a replacement is gambling as the dealer if they look at it should be fully capable of rejecting the parts and not performing the AEM the same as having the parts removed. Figure $100 per part, 2 per vehicle for ones with DEF, thats $20MIL per 100k cars. Ofcourse these car manufacturers throw around billions so not sure if that amount even matters to them in the long run and honestly no idea of the recycle amount or how many vehicles total affected by this recall/modification/whatever it is.
The other aspect is with the DPF and SCR there is a decent amount of money involved with recycling and since they are replacing with new no reason they shouldnt get the core in good condition to do as such. Even gutting the DPF and expecting a replacement is gambling as the dealer if they look at it should be fully capable of rejecting the parts and not performing the AEM the same as having the parts removed. Figure $100 per part, 2 per vehicle for ones with DEF, thats $20MIL per 100k cars. Ofcourse these car manufacturers throw around billions so not sure if that amount even matters to them in the long run and honestly no idea of the recycle amount or how many vehicles total affected by this recall/modification/whatever it is.
Junior Member
Joined: Dec 2016
Posts: 20
Likes: 2
ML 350
Picked up mine on Friday. Took it in on Monday so I was pleased with the turn around given some of the feedback here. It took a couple of days extra because the ad blue heater died and a new one had to be ordered. Drove it Saturday and a CEL came on. 3 say the value returned from the ad blue control unit are implausible. The 4th says the adblue system has not been tested. The counter possible starts is active. I'm going to guess I'll see the 10mstarts message soon. Back to the dealer....
Junior Member
Joined: Oct 2016
Posts: 20
Likes: 0
From: California
2011 E350 Bluetec
My E350 has been at the dealer since 8/18 . Dropped it off in perfect working condition, with DEF heater/pump, oil cooler and a few other seals replaced in recent years. Having second thoughts now (11 days already, no ETA) -- do I really need this extended warranty and the settlement $ while risking the AEM upgrade mishaps? Seems they don't even have qualified diesel specialists at the dealership, hence the delays.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 9,224
Likes: 1,798
From: V E G A S
1922 Ford Model T / no OBD
Per my experience, dealers use AEM to "fill the holes" in their schedule.
When on sedans AEM involve replacing some exhaust piping, on some Sprinters it comes with replacing single sensor and ECU flash, what was reported to take 3-4 hr. yet dealers like to keep vehicles for 4 days to do it at their convenience. The only way I see to push them to work on it faster is requesting the loaner.
Lately they gave me GLC with 1400 miles on it. One of the way to check what new Mercedes can offer, although the loaner was pretty bare with no GPS.
When on sedans AEM involve replacing some exhaust piping, on some Sprinters it comes with replacing single sensor and ECU flash, what was reported to take 3-4 hr. yet dealers like to keep vehicles for 4 days to do it at their convenience. The only way I see to push them to work on it faster is requesting the loaner.
Lately they gave me GLC with 1400 miles on it. One of the way to check what new Mercedes can offer, although the loaner was pretty bare with no GPS.
Junior Member
Joined: Dec 2016
Posts: 20
Likes: 2
ML 350
Picked up mine on Friday. Took it in on Monday so I was pleased with the turn around given some of the feedback here. It took a couple of days extra because the ad blue heater died and a new one had to be ordered. Drove it Saturday and a CEL came on. 3 say the value returned from the ad blue control unit are implausible. The 4th says the adblue system has not been tested. The counter possible starts is active. I'm going to guess I'll see the 10mstarts message soon. Back to the dealer....
Junior Member
Joined: Oct 2020
Posts: 57
Likes: 11
R350
Per my experience, dealers use AEM to "fill the holes" in their schedule.
When on sedans AEM involve replacing some exhaust piping, on some Sprinters it comes with replacing single sensor and ECU flash, what was reported to take 3-4 hr. yet dealers like to keep vehicles for 4 days to do it at their convenience. The only way I see to push them to work on it faster is requesting the loaner.
Lately they gave me GLC with 1400 miles on it. One of the way to check what new Mercedes can offer, although the loaner was pretty bare with no GPS.
When on sedans AEM involve replacing some exhaust piping, on some Sprinters it comes with replacing single sensor and ECU flash, what was reported to take 3-4 hr. yet dealers like to keep vehicles for 4 days to do it at their convenience. The only way I see to push them to work on it faster is requesting the loaner.
Lately they gave me GLC with 1400 miles on it. One of the way to check what new Mercedes can offer, although the loaner was pretty bare with no GPS.
The four cylinder engine reminds me why SUV need diesel engine, even small SUV!!!!
Junior Member
Joined: Oct 2016
Posts: 20
Likes: 0
From: California
2011 E350 Bluetec
After the AEM, the dealer returned my diesel with grossly overinflated tires (>41 psi each) and a visible oil leak from the V6 valley. It did not leak a drop of oil for a year prior to this shop visit. At best, the techs did not clean up after removing the EGR, turbo and intake manifold. Keeping my fingers crossed and weighing my options.
Newbie
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 9
Likes: 1
AEM deadline
Hi guys I'm on waiting list for the AEM since May with no ETA on when EGR will be available. What would you advise considering filing the claim. Can you file without the AEM just to meet the deadline and add the paperwork later?
Last edited by kiroCLK; Sep 1, 2022 at 10:11 AM.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 9,224
Likes: 1,798
From: V E G A S
1922 Ford Model T / no OBD
read FAQ | MB Blue Tec Settlement
If an AEM is not available by October 1, 2022 for a Registered Subject Vehicle that you own or lease, then starting on that date, you may file a claim by November 30, 2022 for a Class Member Payment under the Class Action Settlements. Class Members who cannot install an AEM because it is not available and who timely file a claim may receive the Owner/Lessee Payment or Post-Announcement Owner/Lessee Payment under the Bosch Class Action Settlement, and under the Mercedes Class Action Settlement, they may receive an additional payment.
Junior Member
Joined: Feb 2022
Posts: 18
Likes: 1
2013 E350 Bluetec
I dropped off my E350 at local dealer on Aug 19. I just got a message from my dealer that they are too busy and cannot handle my case until first week of Oct. I am wondering what that means? Technically, AEM is available by Oct 1, 2022, it is the dealer who doesn't have the bandwidth to work on the recall. Shall I reach out to the MBUSA or the settlement contact?
Newbie
Joined: Sep 2022
Posts: 1
Likes: 0
2012 R350 Bluetec
I was told at the dealer that a new ECU would be installed. The dealer gave me the full parts list to be installed on my 2012 R350 Bluetec. If it helps folks, I could post pictures of the parts lists. There are a few pages.
I have a question for the community. If the ECU is being replaced, is it possible for Mercedes to provide an engine tune for a more modern version of the OM642? Other versions of the engine came with a significant HP improvement. I have read as much as 260 HP instead of the 210HP I believe mine has.
Is there a contact at Mercedes that we could beg this sort information from?
I have a question for the community. If the ECU is being replaced, is it possible for Mercedes to provide an engine tune for a more modern version of the OM642? Other versions of the engine came with a significant HP improvement. I have read as much as 260 HP instead of the 210HP I believe mine has.
Is there a contact at Mercedes that we could beg this sort information from?
Super Member
Joined: Jun 2022
Posts: 739
Likes: 328
From: WA State, USA
2014 Cummins, 2014 E250 Bluetec
I dropped off my E350 at local dealer on Aug 19. I just got a message from my dealer that they are too busy and cannot handle my case until first week of Oct. I am wondering what that means? Technically, AEM is available by Oct 1, 2022, it is the dealer who doesn't have the bandwidth to work on the recall. Shall I reach out to the MBUSA or the settlement contact?
