I have a situation with my 2009 GL320. I had a check engine light come on about a month ago. I put my code reader on and pulled 2 error codes P2080 and P2031. I have and extended warranty so I took it to my local Mercedes Dealer. The dealer replaced a sensor and a window actuator that had recently quit working. I drove the vehicle for several days and the light came back on again. I checked the code and got P2031 again. Unfortunately this happened the day before a 3 day work meeting followed by a 1 week vacation. I called the dealer when I got back from vacation and made an appointment to bring it in. I have a full warranty, but I was responsible for a $300 deductible. I assumed since it was the same code the dealer would take care of it, and I would not have to pay another $300. I was told that the problems were unrelated and I would have to pay another $300. I asked to speak to the shop manager so he could explain why the same error code was coming up. He gave me a convoluted explanation of sensors and said the sensor replaced the second time was not malfunctioning when I brought it in the first time. He showed me a data sheet from the second visit with the errors they found. I then asked to see the same sheet from my first visit. He said that they had a computer problem the first time I brought it in and the data was not available. He went on to say that the sensor they replaced on the 2nd visit was the most common culprit, and he was "sure" the mechanics would have checked that first. At this point my BS alarm was going off, but I grew tired of arguing with him, paid my deductible and left. Today, a week after picking it up the 2nd time, the light is back on. I checked code and it's the same P2031 error code. I am taking it back in tomorrow for repair. Am I correct in thinking they should not have charged me a deductible after my second visit? I plan on making it perfectly clear I will not be paying another $300 to fix this problem again. At this point should I ask for a refund of my $300 deductible from the second visit. Any advice I can get on this situation would be greatly appreciated.

 

lol, it will be VERY interesting to see what the Service Manager says this time!


I had similar problem with my 2010 GL550 - at least it was a similar DEALER problem. Under warranty had Check Engine Light come on. They replaced O2 senor (003-542-70-18). At the time I had no code reader and didn't care...it was warranty. Six month later the CEL came on again, but this time out of warranty. So $750 dollars later we are on our way.


Approximately six months later another CEL. This time I purchased a code reader. Guess what, the same code (left front O2 sensor). After reviewing my previous paperwork, that's what was replaced BOTH TIMES already. I didn't mention this to SA and sure enough got a call with another estimate for $750. Talked to the Service Manager and he committed to looking into it. Sure enough, the next day the vehicle is ready and no charge. They said it was "bad gas", purged the tank and filled it up with Super Unleaded - still at no charge.


I'm sure it was a wiring connector issue and/or something of the sort. It just makes me wonder how many people don't pay enough attention and get taken advantage of by service centers. I don't think it was anything malicious, just terribly poor attention to detail and a "don't give a ****" attitude.


Good luck with your repair. They should charge you ANYTHING else and owe you your second payment back.

 

Seriously, try another dealer. Obviously, this one is a fail on two counts:
1. Solving the problem
2. Standing behind their work