Headlight Crack - not a warranty case?
#1
Junior Member
Thread Starter
Headlight Crack - not a warranty case?
Hey guys,
After recent rains in LA, my right front headlight got really moisture (it had some condensate to built up before, but not like WATER in it), I went to Mercedes dealer to see what is going on and they opened it and found a crack on it. They are stating it is not warranty case because crack couldn't appear itself, while I did not crush or hit on a road anything, it doesn't look to me as a crack from the impact as well, I attach a picture to the post, what do you think guys?
After recent rains in LA, my right front headlight got really moisture (it had some condensate to built up before, but not like WATER in it), I went to Mercedes dealer to see what is going on and they opened it and found a crack on it. They are stating it is not warranty case because crack couldn't appear itself, while I did not crush or hit on a road anything, it doesn't look to me as a crack from the impact as well, I attach a picture to the post, what do you think guys?
#3
Junior Member
Thread Starter
#5
Senior Member
It looks like an impact crack to me and unless you have spent the car's entire life looking at that headlight, there is no way you can know one way or another. You are going to have a very difficult time getting a dealer to warranty that problem. The manufacturer will have the light shipped back to them and will charge the dealer for the repair if they think it was an impact and not a stress crack.
#6
Junior Member
Thread Starter
It looks like an impact crack to me and unless you have spent the car's entire life looking at that headlight, there is no way you can know one way or another. You are going to have a very difficult time getting a dealer to warranty that problem. The manufacturer will have the light shipped back to them and will charge the dealer for the repair if they think it was an impact and not a stress crack.
Thank you for reply guys, I appreciate your opinion!
#7
MBWorld Fanatic!
What the heck, I'll chime in with an opinion
To me it looks like a stress crack as it begins from the inside edge of the headlight, where it doesn't seem susceptible to a road impact - isn't that area hidden by the hood? If it was a dropped tool it seems that you would see some sort of impact damage and I don't see that, I see a crack that begins from the inside edge of the light and works towards the lens, where it ends before reaching the lens. So my vote is for a stress crack in the unit.
To me it looks like a stress crack as it begins from the inside edge of the headlight, where it doesn't seem susceptible to a road impact - isn't that area hidden by the hood? If it was a dropped tool it seems that you would see some sort of impact damage and I don't see that, I see a crack that begins from the inside edge of the light and works towards the lens, where it ends before reaching the lens. So my vote is for a stress crack in the unit.
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#8
MBWorld Fanatic!
Nonsense, it's on them to prove it was an impact hit...not the other way around. Unless there is clear evidence there was an external impact, I see it as a material defect. I'd either escalate up the chain or go to another dealer for the claim.
#9
Senior Member
We all need to read our warranty closer. It really is not "on them to prove" anything. The dealer makes a decision and they act upon that decision. You could appeal to the manufacturer if not satisfied but that does not assure a change in their position.
#10
MBWorld Fanatic!
I agree. I would push the warranty issue since you have it. Escalate to MBUSA if you want. But if you get shot down, then a small amount a silicone will probably fix you right up.
#11
Junior Member
Thread Starter
Thank you, everyone, for replying, been on phone today with an associate, escalated to higher management and they took a unit out, and sent me another picture of it stating it is impacted from the top, where a triangle formed, they state it is lower than a whole surface by a bit. here is a picture:
#13
MBWorld Fanatic!
At least you have peace of mind as to what it was. Well worth escalating it and having them assess it.
#14
Junior Member
Thread Starter
The strange thing is that they are claiming it is made by opening hood and leaning on the unit, tho there is no evidence of impact damage whatsoever... They stat it has one of the triangles lower, but no scratch or dent or even protectant rubber damage... Same for the hood itself no damage. I'll try giving it to the other dealer and see what they say, will keep posted.
#15
MBWorld Fanatic!
The strange thing is that they are claiming it is made by opening hood and leaning on the unit, tho there is no evidence of impact damage whatsoever... They stat it has one of the triangles lower, but no scratch or dent or even protectant rubber damage... Same for the hood itself no damage. I'll try giving it to the other dealer and see what they say, will keep posted.
#17
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2014 E550-sold 😩
Placing one of these two ton batteries in that area during a replacement will crack the light.