Urgent. Dealer did not tighten oil cap during oil change, oil all over engine. Need A
Out Of Control!!
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 13,799
Likes: 3,229
2014 E63S; AMS 100 octane ECU dyno tune; EDOK TCU tune; BB intakes; sprintbooster
I don't think the OP will get anywhere significant without going to corporate -- also can get the bbb involved, although they'll need some tangible proof that something is persistently not fixed or faulty. The stealership will continue to ignore phone calls, emails, and what not until a) the OP gets tired of pushing the topic or b) they'll direct him to customer relations after thoroughly covering their tracks. I think many many many (majority) of stealerships would respond exactly the same way -- protecting their own asses first.
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 361
Likes: 28
Past 03 SL500,03 C240, 07 E350, 07 ML350, 10 ML350,11&14 E350 X2 2017 E300, 2017 C350e & 2000 S500
Oil changes are a high volume operation in most any new car dealership and it would not be abnormal for a mid-sized dealer to do as many as a thousand a month. It is... not if but when... any dealer is going to make an error. I have seen filler caps left loose, drain plugs left loose or cross-threaded, filters cross threaded, and faulty filters that leaked immediately. I have also seen cars started with no oil in them at all.
The problem occurs with new inexperienced techs and with techs of twenty years experience and excellent skills. A shop is a busy place and there are a number of potential distractions that cause the accident.
Leaving a filler cap loose can result in what appears to be a lot of oil blown everywhere under the hood but in all reality is not going to be more than a couple of quarts at most unless undiscovered for a number of miles. Any Mercedes engine is going to run just fine for a long period of time missing a couple of quarts of oil, much less twelve miles.
It is not right and unsettling for the owner to have this problem. Long term, it is a non-entry and will not cause long term damage to the vehicle.
The problem occurs with new inexperienced techs and with techs of twenty years experience and excellent skills. A shop is a busy place and there are a number of potential distractions that cause the accident.
Leaving a filler cap loose can result in what appears to be a lot of oil blown everywhere under the hood but in all reality is not going to be more than a couple of quarts at most unless undiscovered for a number of miles. Any Mercedes engine is going to run just fine for a long period of time missing a couple of quarts of oil, much less twelve miles.
It is not right and unsettling for the owner to have this problem. Long term, it is a non-entry and will not cause long term damage to the vehicle.
Junior Member
Joined: Oct 2013
Posts: 41
Likes: 0
2011 E350 Arctic White
Fair warning
First, you need something in writing - putting them on notice about the problem.
Second, you need to speak to them again (and memorialize your conversation/your request to them by sending out a certified letter) and ask them to address your concerns to avoid escalation of this problem.
It is imperative that you follow up your communication with them by memorializing this in writing by certified mail.
Last step, If they do not respond to step 1 and 2 - you need to consult with a Consumer Law attorney.
Second, you need to speak to them again (and memorialize your conversation/your request to them by sending out a certified letter) and ask them to address your concerns to avoid escalation of this problem.
It is imperative that you follow up your communication with them by memorializing this in writing by certified mail.
Last step, If they do not respond to step 1 and 2 - you need to consult with a Consumer Law attorney.
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 361
Likes: 28
Past 03 SL500,03 C240, 07 E350, 07 ML350, 10 ML350,11&14 E350 X2 2017 E300, 2017 C350e & 2000 S500
First, you need something in writing - putting them on notice about the problem.
Second, you need to speak to them again (and memorialize your conversation/your request to them by sending out a certified letter) and ask them to address your concerns to avoid escalation of this problem.
It is imperative that you follow up your communication with them by memorializing this in writing by certified mail.
Last step, If they do not respond to step 1 and 2 - you need to consult with a Consumer Law attorney.
Second, you need to speak to them again (and memorialize your conversation/your request to them by sending out a certified letter) and ask them to address your concerns to avoid escalation of this problem.
It is imperative that you follow up your communication with them by memorializing this in writing by certified mail.
Last step, If they do not respond to step 1 and 2 - you need to consult with a Consumer Law attorney.
check engine light has officially come on.
Out Of Control!!
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 13,799
Likes: 3,229
2014 E63S; AMS 100 octane ECU dyno tune; EDOK TCU tune; BB intakes; sprintbooster
Actually, as much as it sux -- it's a great thing that the check engine light has now come on! validates the OP's concerns and proves (potentially based on what caused the light to come on) that something is now wrong enough thanks to the oil pressure drop or spillage.
Maybe take it to another dealership (benz) to objectively diagnose the check engine light, have them document that in a statement/receipt to you and then take back to the crappy dealer that is responsible for this.
best of luck
Maybe take it to another dealership (benz) to objectively diagnose the check engine light, have them document that in a statement/receipt to you and then take back to the crappy dealer that is responsible for this.
best of luck
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Banned
Joined: Feb 2013
Posts: 274
Likes: 1
From: .
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You should also complain on their facebook; provides a better negative review and they usually respond to you from what I read. They've also been a bit slow on some paperwork with some clients of mine as well. Mind you that these are major corporations that have billions in assets. Personally, not a fan of them and I don't even do business with them! Good luck on this.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 5,141
Likes: 1,293
From: Southern US
2010 E550, 273 Engine: 2012 S550, 278 Engine
I understand they power washed your engine? If they did they probably got water in the ignition coil(s) that short now causing misfire.
If I was you I would open up some engine shields myself and see if there ia water at places where it should not be. Or take it to a different dealer as obviously the one you have is not trustworthy.
Member
Joined: Aug 2013
Posts: 89
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From: Oregon's beautiful Willamette valley
2014 Mercedes-Benz E550 4Matic, 2010 Subaru Legacy 3.6R
Probably no engine damage at all. A bit of oil looks like a lot when it is spread around an engine compartment. But, you can evaluate the risk better by checking the dipstick oil level. If it is at minimum level or greater, you have no problem. If less, then it becomes more difficult to know. Bear in mind that most car engines remain adequately lubricated at something less than minimum oil level. How much less on your car is unknown, at least to me. Good luck!
Newbie
Joined: Jan 2019
Posts: 1
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cla250
The genius at the shop today did not tighten on the oil cap. I drove about 12 miles before I smelled burning oil coming in from the AC. Looked back and saw a trail of blue smoke coming from my car. Pulled over and checked and engine bay, full of oil. Called the dealership and they sent two guy that cleaned the engine with brake cleaner but said I have to take it to the dealer to have it power washed. What kind of damage am I looking at and how should I cover myself when I go in tomorrow. Thanks for the advice.
Good morning,
I’m experiencing same issue with my cla 250 2014 model.
please sorry to disturb you but I want to know if when this happened to you, did the check engine light come up?
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jul 2012
Posts: 1,556
Likes: 15
From: Canada
07 E63 + 07 CLK63CAB
I hate to break the news to some of you owners of these fine cars, but do you actually think a certified mechanic does your oil change.
The fellow changing your oil chances are he is a low paid fellow just trying to make ends meet.
There is no chance that any dealership will pay a certified mechanic to change oil.
I watched a guy change tires on and off the rims of a sweet Benz, this guy had no idea on what he was doing using the tire machine, even going to the extent of trying to turn the rim with a 5 foot bar to try to get the tire on to the rim, this he did for all four tires, yeh right certified ha ha ha .
Mobile Alabama Mercedes
Same place told me I had 500 miles left on the brakes ha ha ha on my E63
Did not know how much oil to put in the engine, also had no idea about the oil cooler drain under the rad,
My car I watch everything going on, they say safety I can not watch, I say my safety they are messing with, I do not like sit in the waiting room- ever
To the owner who had the oil issue , go back and ask the dealership to show you the oil change mans credentials- certificate
Have a good Year 2019
The fellow changing your oil chances are he is a low paid fellow just trying to make ends meet.
There is no chance that any dealership will pay a certified mechanic to change oil.
I watched a guy change tires on and off the rims of a sweet Benz, this guy had no idea on what he was doing using the tire machine, even going to the extent of trying to turn the rim with a 5 foot bar to try to get the tire on to the rim, this he did for all four tires, yeh right certified ha ha ha .
Mobile Alabama Mercedes
Same place told me I had 500 miles left on the brakes ha ha ha on my E63
Did not know how much oil to put in the engine, also had no idea about the oil cooler drain under the rad,
My car I watch everything going on, they say safety I can not watch, I say my safety they are messing with, I do not like sit in the waiting room- ever
To the owner who had the oil issue , go back and ask the dealership to show you the oil change mans credentials- certificate
Have a good Year 2019
