Tow Hitch Recall - VERY IMPORTANT IF YOU ARE TOWING!!!!!
Junior Member
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 64
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From: SoCal
2002 Carrera, 2003 S430, 2007 GL450, 2004 E55 AMG
Got my recall letter today. I don't tow, but will probably get it fixed anyways.
Just in case I sell it to someone who tows. Does anyone know how long it will take? Especially if they don't take care of it at the dealership?
Just in case I sell it to someone who tows. Does anyone know how long it will take? Especially if they don't take care of it at the dealership?
Last edited by occarfan; Jun 21, 2008 at 03:13 AM. Reason: typo
MBWorld Fanatic!
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From: Overland Park, KS
‘24 BMW iX M60
Bish
Member
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 116
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From: Franklin,TN
2008 GL320cdi
Recall applies to VIN #419399 or lower. I am scheduled to have it done Monday. Mercedes dealer has me going to Cadillac dealer for certified welder. Mgr said it would take 2 hours as they had to weld, clean, primer, then paint. After talking to him I am not too worried. Will post results on Tue.
Senior Member
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 377
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From: .
08 GL450
Well our brand new GL is included in the recall. Our SA told us that they are sending a 'tech' to 'learn the technique' so that the dealership can then perform the repair in house and hence bill for it instead of farming it out.
Think I'll wait a few months before I get the recall done. The boat doesn't have to be out of the lake until the end of October anyway.
Bish
Think I'll wait a few months before I get the recall done. The boat doesn't have to be out of the lake until the end of October anyway.
Bish
Sending an auto mechanic for a quick "lunch and learn" on welding ? There is some experience involved - knowing when the metals are truly fused but not under or overdoing it . It's like a dealer suddenly wanting to do in- house body shop repairs to capture the income and sending an engine tech to Earl Scheib for the afternoon to learn how to paint a car .
My boat is managed /stored for the season by a service at Tahoe so I'll just wait, as a couple of bikes hanging off the hitch ain't gonna worry me. I'll do it later and since there are lots of dealers in my area , I'll call around to see how each one is doing it .
Last edited by MKW; Jun 21, 2008 at 02:23 PM.
Super Member
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From: Spicewood, TX
2008 GL 320, 2007 Silverado LTZ C3500 Duramax Turbo Diesel
I find it odd that it is welded to the frame in the first place. Trailer hitches have always been bolted through the frame on pickups, including my 1 Ton C3500 Silverado. I assume whichever welder they use would be certified for liability reasons. A failure of a weld would be easily traceable and would open them up to a huge lawsuit if someone was injured or worse. If they knowingly used an unqualified person, it would then be negligence.
Senior Member
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 377
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From: .
08 GL450
I find it odd that it is welded to the frame in the first place. Trailer hitches have always been bolted through the frame on pickups, including my 1 Ton C3500 Silverado. I assume whichever welder they use would be certified for liability reasons. A failure of a weld would be easily traceable and would open them up to a huge lawsuit if someone was injured or worse. If they knowingly used an unqualified person, it would then be negligence.
From my reading , the entire hitch unit IS is bolted to the GL across the rear framework as in all trucks . It was the square "receiver " part of it that was incorrectly welded to that cross piece during that subcontracted work.
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Joined: Aug 2007
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From: Spicewood, TX
2008 GL 320, 2007 Silverado LTZ C3500 Duramax Turbo Diesel
That would make more sense. Unfortunately, there's no getting around some welding to manufacture the receiver hitch. That probably would have been a sub contractor.
Thread Starter
Member
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 118
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From: Seattle, WA
2008 GL 550
Got it done. As others posted it is not done at dealer. Here is what it looks like. Unfortunately I did not crawl under to see if the welds were there before, and do not have before pictures (recall was mentioned when I showed up for service; btw, still have not received letter). To an untrained eye, looks like a good job - welded at seams, consistant, and nicely painted. If you take it in, can you pls consider posting before and after pix? I suspect the quality will vary based on the welders.
Related - I'll post my experience with the suspension clacking in the right thread. In a nutshell, they did a whole bunch of stuff (including replacing suspension parts with new ones), loud noises have gone away. Some minor clacking from front suspension when suspension is on off road mode going over bumps. They could not get rid of this and after test driving a new one told me that apparently noise is "normal." Told me it is probable MB will have a service bulletin for this once they have a solution.... ugh.
To add insult to injury, they kept my car for 4 days and I just noticed they damaged my tire and wheel! Must have done this removing and installing wheel as they were working and testing suspension (tire has a slice in it and it looks like they tried to glue it, wheel has a ding). So now its back to the dealer. :-( I am not looking forward to this conversation, and hope they recognize and own their mistake. Wonder if I have any recourse if they do not? Thoughts? Has this happened to anyone else (dealer damaging your car when you take it in for service)?
Related - I'll post my experience with the suspension clacking in the right thread. In a nutshell, they did a whole bunch of stuff (including replacing suspension parts with new ones), loud noises have gone away. Some minor clacking from front suspension when suspension is on off road mode going over bumps. They could not get rid of this and after test driving a new one told me that apparently noise is "normal." Told me it is probable MB will have a service bulletin for this once they have a solution.... ugh.
To add insult to injury, they kept my car for 4 days and I just noticed they damaged my tire and wheel! Must have done this removing and installing wheel as they were working and testing suspension (tire has a slice in it and it looks like they tried to glue it, wheel has a ding). So now its back to the dealer. :-( I am not looking forward to this conversation, and hope they recognize and own their mistake. Wonder if I have any recourse if they do not? Thoughts? Has this happened to anyone else (dealer damaging your car when you take it in for service)?
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Member
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 196
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From: Bucks County PA
MB
Thanks for the pictures and I'm sorry to hear about the tire/ rim issue. I'd be pressing hard for a complete replacement. Just got the recall myself, and am apprehensive about the whole situation as well.
As for the pics, it seems as though they added additional weld to the joint. I'm no welder, but it's hard to believe we should trust this with a 5-6k lb load...
As for the pics, it seems as though they added additional weld to the joint. I'm no welder, but it's hard to believe we should trust this with a 5-6k lb load...
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Joined: Mar 2007
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From: Central Pa.
2013 GL450 (traded for 2015 Escalade), 2012 Corvette, 2014 Ford Fusion, Previous: 2007 GL450, 2011
Got my recall notice yesterday......will be scheduling the work.....two hours to do the work......reality is, how long did they have the vehicle???
Junior Member
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 27
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From: Nashville, TN
GL450
Recall applies to VIN #419399 or lower. I am scheduled to have it done Monday. Mercedes dealer has me going to Cadillac dealer for certified welder. Mgr said it would take 2 hours as they had to weld, clean, primer, then paint. After talking to him I am not too worried. Will post results on Tue.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 1,653
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From: Central Pa.
2013 GL450 (traded for 2015 Escalade), 2012 Corvette, 2014 Ford Fusion, Previous: 2007 GL450, 2011
Made my appt. ......dealer said give it to them for 1 day.......I get a loaner. Sounds good to me.......maybe they will do the job right with regard to the weld and subsequent painting! 
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From: Scottsdale, AZ
2004 RX330, 2008 Scion xB, 2001 Honda Insight Hybrid, 2010 Toyot Prius v ATP
I guess having several dealerships near by has been an advantage as after a couple of bone-head moves I simply stopped going to the further away dealership where I purchased my vehicle and started going to the closer one, whose service department is head and shoulders above the first's.
STP
Thread Starter
Member
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 118
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From: Seattle, WA
2008 GL 550
A serious no-no, returning the vehicle after damage and a cheap attempt to "patch" it. I don't know if you've got access to another dealership but if so, I'd include in that conversation that your continued (high profit) business is dependant on how they resolve this problem. STP
Re dealers, there are two in the Seattle area, and I have been going to the closest one which is the one I bought from. I purchased the extended warranty and service contracts (had a real bad experience with my ML). Given this, I wonder if they have the same incentive to keep my business since my maitenace is pre-paid? Anyway, have bought two cars from these guys and they seem to do the right thing eventually, so hoping it doesn't get to that. Would like to stay with them.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 2,244
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From: Scottsdale, AZ
2004 RX330, 2008 Scion xB, 2001 Honda Insight Hybrid, 2010 Toyot Prius v ATP
Re dealers, there are two in the Seattle area, and I have been going to the closest one which is the one I bought from. I purchased the extended warranty and service contracts (had a real bad experience with my ML). Given this, I wonder if they have the same incentive to keep my business since my maitenace is pre-paid? Anyway, have bought two cars from these guys and they seem to do the right thing eventually, so hoping it doesn't get to that. Would like to stay with them.
Senior Member
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 297
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From: Bay Area CA
2014 GL 350 blue tec
yes right on. the hitch is bolted to frame, it was the weld on the hitch itself. Just got mine fixed, no issues can't even tell.
Senior Member
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 457
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From: SD
Various
I find it odd that it is welded to the frame in the first place. Trailer hitches have always been bolted through the frame on pickups, including my 1 Ton C3500 Silverado. I assume whichever welder they use would be certified for liability reasons. A failure of a weld would be easily traceable and would open them up to a huge lawsuit if someone was injured or worse. If they knowingly used an unqualified person, it would then be negligence.
Got it done today (one day) and the body shop left lots of tape residue (swear it looks like it's from duct tape) on the two back side windows and two places on the roof. Plus lots of dust all over the back end. Glad my dealer looked it over before returning to my wife. Classic.
Wish I crawled under to look at before vs. after. So now the big question - do I trust it??
Junior Member
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 72
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From: North Carolina
BMW 335 Conv.; MB GL 320CDI
Hey, although I'm not a blue collar guy myself, I think that "Joe" is likely as good at his job as anyone else is. Welding is an art, and to get the higher certifications is a tough slog. I don't think you have anythhing to worry about.
If you are thinking of not doing the recall, make sure you disclose this at lease end/sale so someone does not get a ski boat in the face at 60mph, 'cus you guys were scared of a "dirty" welder being under your cars...just a thought.
If you are thinking of not doing the recall, make sure you disclose this at lease end/sale so someone does not get a ski boat in the face at 60mph, 'cus you guys were scared of a "dirty" welder being under your cars...just a thought.
Thread Starter
Member
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 118
Likes: 1
From: Seattle, WA
2008 GL 550
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From: Albuquerque
'10 CL550, '12 GL550
I'd expect poor treatment from these folks if I were you.
Super Member
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 771
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From: USA
E550
I noticed alot of people referring to where the trailer hitch is welded to the frame. Just wanted to remind/inform some that the GL is uni-body(subframe) construction, not frame based. I'm not sure if this means our hitches attach to the vehicle, but if anyone is towing alot of weight frequently, I would recomend a Heavy Duty style diesel pick-up instead if possible.
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Joined: May 2008
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From: DFW
2022 E350 Diamond White Metallic, 2016 GLC300 Dakota Brown Metallic
In general, the technicians at my MB dealer have been outstanding. The only time I worry is when work is sublet. If someone is a certified welder, I would expect the work should be fine.
Senior Member
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 457
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From: SD
Various
Sub'd work. Makes you wonder. The duct tape residue... guess they covered the back of the truck with something to 'protect' it, then just ripped it off when done. Plus lots of white dust all over the back third of the truck - makes me wonder if this 'protection' worked? Looked like buffing residue. It was perfectly clean and just waxed before it went in. I'll call the SM Monday to see if he has a clue what the shop was doing.
Crawled under today to look at the hitch. Not sure what part they welded but one weld on the back side of the square part looks pretty shoddy. Not a smooth bead. Lots of irregularities. More questions...
Crawled under today to look at the hitch. Not sure what part they welded but one weld on the back side of the square part looks pretty shoddy. Not a smooth bead. Lots of irregularities. More questions...
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 2,236
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From: DFW
2022 E350 Diamond White Metallic, 2016 GLC300 Dakota Brown Metallic
As I said in my previous reply, I always worry about sublet work. my benz dealer has its own body shop. All work is done on site. I would never expect my car to come back looking a mess. My GL is always returned to me sparkling clean.
