Lou Keong

Just bought an E200 (W213), CBU unit from Germany a month ago. Today, the steering broke down. Had to use my muscles to turn the car and park it. Mercedes guys towed my car away for repair. Has anyone had this experience?
My mileage is only a few hundred kilometres.

c4004matic

First one Ive heard of. The steering rack is electric so it could be as simple as a fuse or the whole rack may have failed. Let us know what it was.

Lou Keong

Dealer's manager called to say steering has been repaired but refused to give me a diagnostic report of the fault. Without the report I don't how serious the issue is with the new car. I then asked for a written undertaking that the car is safe to drive. That was also refused. Left with no choice, I arranged for a lawyer to meet the dealer for explanation and next course of action coming Monday.

teksurv

Not having traveled to many places outside of the US, please forgive my ignorance. In the US, when you take your car to the dealer/repair center, an itemized breakdown of parts and labor work is presented to you at completion of repair. This often includes tech notes on the failure/repair. Is this not customary where you are?

dieseldoc

This is really unusual. I always know exactly what was fixed on my car.

ua549

US regulations of mechanics and repair shops require a) cost estimates, b) details of what was done, and c) return of removed parts if requested in advance.

iammrsam

this happened to me on my previous vehicle (a 2015 C400) . fortunately the car was parked but i couldn't turn the steering wheel. after about 15 min, things came back to normal and there was a recall a few weeks later

https://www.nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2015/M...4%252520DR/4WD

loss of electric power steering assist

Lou Keong

Thanks everyone for your insight. All auto workshops will give a report after a vehicle is repaired except this MB dealer. Tomorrow I'll politely ask again but I know its going to be fruitless.
I don't know of anyone here with the same problem, I guess its just my bad luck.
I'll update tomorrow.

RickInHouston

You lawyered up rather quickly! Let us know how it goes.

konigstiger

Speak with MB direct to intervene, request dated invoice with narrative detailing warranty repair & associated part replacement.

Lou Keong

Thanks to everyone for your inputs. Firstly, the power steering loss in my car is permanent, that's why it had to be towed back to dealer.
Today, I met the assistant manager, he showed me a bunch of papers with numbers on it. I asked to copy it, he refused. I didn't understand the figures. So I don't really know what's wrong with my car.
I'm flummoxed and decided to let the lawyer handle my case. I am absolutely frustrated and yes I didn't take the car back.
How safe is my car now and will it happen again and on the highway?
BTW I'm a surgeon not a auto engineer. I have little knowledge of hydraulics and electronics.

RickInHouston

Do you mean to say 'the initial power steering loss in my car was permanent. It was in the shop six days and is now repaired."

You will not get the dealership (or any dealership for any car maker) to admit it will never happen again. No one knows the future and will not guarantee you it.

Good luck moving forward. I fear you will only end up with a fat lawyer's fee to you for this inconvenience.

I don't think you are in the U.S., though, so it might be different. MB USA doesn't really start paying too much attention until you hit the 20 - 25 day mark in the shop with a safety issue (thirty days and the ball is totally in your court), but I might be wrong on that.

Lou Keong

You are probably right but money is not the issue for me. I feel I have been sold a car that has a defect that makes it unroadworthty. I may be wrong but the dealer is not making it right.

RickInHouston

I understand exactly how you feel. Really, I do. I'm going through the same thing. I have been further down the road than you with my issues and only want you to know what you are up against.

Experts in cars and guys that work on them will chime in soon. It would be helpful if the dealership lets you know what parts they replaced.

What got me through is always thinking about Mercedes Benz' side of your situation. Right now it's only about numbers. If a $100, $1000, or $2000 part makes everything right - that's what they are going to do. You have your warranty, but will not get any guarantees. This could happen to any car you picked out on the lot, trust me on that.