Vik888

My dealer is telling me that due to "modifications" (i.e. washers) used to lower my car, they cannot honor the warranty for an airmatic pump failure.

I was under the impression they have to prove the modification caused the pump to fail.

I'd like to get some advice on how to get this resolved.

sosh

I am certain the dealer knows what caused the failure. Why on earth would you make a half assed mod like that. Serves you right maybe it taught you a lesson but from your tone I doubt it

220S

You did do a modification that involved the suspension. Airmatic is part of the suspension. They have a point. But it sounds like the dealer is just not on your side. I'd ask them to spell out the connection and have it writing. Also arrange to bring your car in when the regional tech comes to the dealership and have them give you their assessment. The MBUSA regional tech has the last word.

But the easiest "fix" is to take off the lowering washers and bring it to another dealer and get the pump fixed under warranty. That will solve everything.

sosh

If the original dealer has written it up it is a part of the service record and will appear when the car goes to another dealer.

grane

Here is the text in my Warranty info book 2005

items...not covered
Damage due to alterations
Alterations by changing or adding to the car can adversely affect its performance, reliability and longevity and are not covered by this warranty.

Thus, mbusa's burden of proof is very low. You loose.

I would take the car back to the Shop that did the alteration and tell them they are on the hook for the dealer repair.

Then have the MB dealer fix the car and make the car stock and have the dealer record it is stock. The MB warranty for a dealer repair will then go into effect.

One hopes....

Vik888

I didn't do it. It was done by a recommended place.

Vik888

I guess what I should have done in the first place is had a ELM installed so I could easily remove it prior to repairs. Will go this route after this.

220S

My assumption was that it wasn't black flagged. If his dealer did do that, then it's time to find a new service dealer and leave the enemy.

sosh

Certainly was not reccommended by any MB person. Perhaps you should give the bill for the repair to the shop or the person that reccommended it. In any case the fault is yours for permitting them to do this. It is likely that the dealer wrote it up as a denied warranty claim as I am certain that they must cover their tracks in a situation like this.

lkchris

When you finally get it fixed, be sure to undo all the lowering.

ALLDATAdiy INFO

Ouch, are they going to void out the entire suspension warranty?

Vik888

Well, first, the mods were done without my knowledge believe it or not. I paid for lowering via SDS. I do plan to have the mods removed.

The dealer is not going to "Status 8" the vehicle which means every single warranty repair has to be approved by MBUSA.

They are going to simply have it in the system as a customer paid repair and not mention the mods or have any record of the mods.

I do like the lowered look of the car and its a shame someone tricked me by installing mods and telling me my car is 100% stock with lowering via SDS.

I will most likely spend the money on a ELM or something which I can remove prior to the car going for service -- I'll search the forum before posting a new thread on ELM.

WEBSRFR

Wow you are going through a lot of effort for lowering your car a couple of inches or so...

gaazmon

sorry to hear all that. to be honest, i never saw it worth it to lower the car on these airmatic/abc systems, way to costly: the sds can go back to stock eventually, the modules cost way too much, washers aren't totally safe, etc etc etc

220S

The other issue is adding more neg camber when lowered. It runs negative already (and more so if you use SportII setting.) Lowering will wear the inside edges of your rear tires quickly. MB does sell bolts but I think they're good for only about 1 degree. Renntech has some adjustable arms. There's also K-Mac.

I assume you did an alignment afterwards when you had it lowered.