Louisperez333

I have a 2011 E550 where all of the simulated wood trim is badly faded. I took the car to mercedes of culter bay to have it verified at the request of mbusa. It was, and despite it being a known issue which caused the need to change products for production, mbusa, their answer was; tough luck because it was a couple K miles from warranty. It would have been replaced if it was still under warranty. This actually should be a recall because they have a back log of these being requested.
How does anybody else having the same problem feel about "class action"?

konigstiger

Check your PM.

pamiboy

That's really aweful service by MB dealer.

24HRC

Did you buy it new or as a CPO?

zhonglip

I have the same problem. The wood trim is fading on my 2010 E350, and I've contacted the MB US Headquarters. They agreed to pay for the materials, but I need to pay for the labor fee which is more than 800 dollars. Since this was their fault for not putting a UV protection layer on the trim, this is completely unreasonable. The customer service at HQ that I talked to were unhelpful and impolite (the lady hung up on me when I wanted to talk to a supervisor), and my case went nowhere. I don't know what the next step is, but if we've got enough people here with the same problems, I think we can figure something out.

screw991le

Try another dealer, just got mine replaced for free last month. How are you out of your 4 year warranty?

schorert1

Still under warranty, I received two answers from my dealer...first guy said "no", next guy said "absolutely". They don't even need to see it, he said just call ahead before sending it in for routine maint...they'll order the parts and have them waiting. He said turnaround on the trim is two weeks.

pamiboy

Yes trying out multiple different dealers is a good solution. They get reimbursed by MBUSA for the warranty work anyway. Many of the members here have got it done even when out of warranty miles. Some have even got it done with CPO warranty. If you get no joy from calling MB USA, then the options are getting limited. Did you purchase new or CPO?

bachree

Is there anybody who got this job done to the dealer out of warranty (years and miles) and no CPO? This should be a recall.

OnlyGerman

Had mine replaced while IN factory warranty and now faded again and dealer and mbusa will NOT replace again. Definitely should be a recall.

thefisch

geez, you would think that the replacement wood would not have the same issue. IIRC the majority of those who replaced didn't have the issue again. what's the point then.

Alex.currie44

Touch wood, my 2011 is just fine. My 2001 is fine too.
I wonder if it is colour related or is this a southern climate issue?

resonator

OP: did anything ever come of this? I have the same issue with my 2011 E350 out of warranty (by time not mileage). After dealer verification and talking to mbusa, by request, they told me to take a hike. Very disappointed - this is my 9th MB and I have never had even a hint if fading trim in these cars.

screw991le

Surprised at that, I had no issue, I was in warranty, but only waited 3 weeks. Push the issue dsluga, I would, even file a BBB complaint and such. It was a very noted TSB. But it does cost $2400. to replace all the wood, maybe MB is getting ready for the fines on their diesels.

Streamliner

Question: Did anyone here have this issue with their wood steering wheel, or just the other wood trim?

Tonycpa

Mercedes Benz...The Very Best or Nothing At All!!!

resonator

Yeah. I am. I filed a grievance with the Attorney General so it's noted. Generally they do not do anything until they have a lot of them - then they become very unpleasant. I'd forgotten about the BBB. I'll look into that.

The fundamental key here is that it is a day 1 manufacturer defect that is well documented. It's the de facto meaning of "preexisting" and should be fixed - or, as I mentioned to MBUSA, they should at least work out a deal or something. I did offer to have the labor done at my cost and, later, even asked if they could offer a discount or anything at all.

z06michael

Every dealer get's a GOODWILL account to use for situations like this, most will use it for clients that spend money there and or bought there car there. It does not create any value to service dept to give someone goodwill out of there budget and never see them again. Reality is they want you to spend money at there dealership and if a one time goodwill does that then it is worth it to dealer.

mnje350

Hey Streamliner,

I followed these wood trim threads pretty closely and have never heard of an issue with the wood steering wheel fading. It was pretty noticable on the trim and I had the same issue. The steering wheel was fine.

Are you having the problem with the wheel in the S?

cx876

I have a CPO 2011 E350, and got declined on the repair,

but I have more than 5 MB dealership in 50 miles range, should I try the rest of them ?

resonator

You could but I think the above user's comment on the "goodwill" account is key. The dealer is not going to spend on a new MB owner that did not and will not spend at their dealership.

My local dealership simply told me up front that I'd have to take it up with MBUSA. I honestly did appreciate them being up front and direct with me.

thefisch

My local dealer told me to go to MBUSA. MBUSA said they would not offer any goodwill but did ask dealer to provide a discount. IIRC they offered to take 15% off but it was still too rich for my blood.

MBUSA told me that since I bought it from a non-MB dealer, was a first time MB owner and it was out of warranty (by 200 miles) when I purchased it that I was not eligible for any consideration. Sad to see that folks who have owned 9 MB's or others who purchased from a MB dealer and being treated the same way. So much for loyalty.

Tonycpa

It's a B.S. reason for denying a claim. The life expectancy of wood trim does not decrease based on mileage.

Additionally, MBUSA knows very well that it is a known issue. It is well documented in at least half a dozen bulletins.

They are just adamant about sticking to their Corporate motto...The very best or nothing at all.

resonator

Yeah. My dealership had the official parts quote at $2,900. The guy even said it was clearly a price that reflects the current shortage (we all know why that happened).

I do know of one person that got the kit "just shy of 2 grand" which is still a remarkable rip off. He was selling his old set, the faded ones, on ebay for $300 to recover some of the loss.

konigstiger

FYI part 2126801293 MSRP $2590

$1813.50 http://huskerparts.com/
$1942.50/free shipping http://www.oediscountparts.com