Hi from Land Down Under - Australia




Hopefully this does not happen - more importantly I wonder if our USA or UK cousins know about this, or if their 2021 delivered models will be affected as well ?????
”“. Visited Mercedes-Benz Sydney (Alexandria) today and absolute craziness there today (end of month deliveries, etc).
Anyway, managed to chat to two of the sales guys who had a bit of time – Yes, it is confirmed that 2021 GLC's will not have Mercedes Pre-safe fitted as there is a shortage of computer chips. This is mainly due to political tensions between China, Taiwan and Germany; and the China (who's a massive purchaser of Mercedes vehicles) not wanting Germany to deal with Taiwan (who's the biggest producer of semi-conductors/CPU's/chips in the world).
For those who don't know what Pre-Safe is – it is basically the safety system that controls the selt belt tensions, adjustment of headrests, sunroof & window closure system when the car senses a possible crash. It also controls the autonomous braking, and works alongside the adaptive cruise control.
They are not sure when chip supplies will improve, but they are basically delivering cars without this important safety feature and giving customers a $545 credit. “
If correct, it is scary.........




Hopefully this does not happen - more importantly I wonder if our USA or UK cousins know about this, or if their 2021 delivered models will be affected as well ?????
”“. Visited Mercedes-Benz Sydney (Alexandria) today and absolute craziness there today (end of month deliveries, etc).
Anyway, managed to chat to two of the sales guys who had a bit of time – Yes, it is confirmed that 2021 GLC's will not have Mercedes Pre-safe fitted as there is a shortage of computer chips. This is mainly due to political tensions between China, Taiwan and Germany; and the China (who's a massive purchaser of Mercedes vehicles) not wanting Germany to deal with Taiwan (who's the biggest producer of semi-conductors/CPU's/chips in the world).
For those who don't know what Pre-Safe is – it is basically the safety system that controls the selt belt tensions, adjustment of headrests, sunroof & window closure system when the car senses a possible crash. It also controls the autonomous braking, and works alongside the adaptive cruise control.
They are not sure when chip supplies will improve, but they are basically delivering cars without this important safety feature and giving customers a $545 credit. “
If correct, it is scary.........
I'm not sure about the complicated Political reasons for the shortage, though.
Most sources say that almost all auto manufacturers over-estimated the impact of Covid and cancelled too many orders. The chip makers then immediately retooled and began filling other standing orders.
When auto manufacturers realized there would be more demand than expected, they had lost their place in line.




https://aplusmanual.com/5284/mercedes-benz-glc-class-x253c253-crossover-repair-service-manual-2015
Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class (X253/C253) crossover Repair Service Manual 2015 & UP
Catalog:
Truck / SUV
Make:
Mercedes-Benz
Model:
GLC
X253
C253
Price: US$ 55.00
Complete service repair manual with Electrical Wiring Diagrams for Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class (X253/C253) crossover SUV, with all the technical information to maintain, diagnose, repair, rebuild like professional mechanics.
Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class (X253/C253) series 2015 to present crossover SUV workshop service repair manual includes:
- Numbered table of contents easy to use so that you can find the information you need fast.
- Detailed sub-steps expand on repair procedure information
- Numbered instructions guide you through every repair procedure step by step.
- Troubleshooting and electrical service procedures are combined with detailed wiring diagrams for ease of use.
- Notes, cautions and warnings throughout each chapter pinpoint critical information.
- Bold figure number help you quickly match illustrations with instructions.
- Detailed illustrations, drawings and photos guide you through every procedure.
- Enlarged inset helps you identify and examine parts in detail.
PRODUCT DETAILS:
Total Pages: 1,770 pages
File Format: PDF (Internal Links, Bookmarked, Table of Contents, Searchable, Printable, high quality)
Language: English

Only got it licenced today I'm in WA and it came over from NSW so just really being able to drive it today. Very happy with it but some questions I'm hoping someone might be able to help me with.
When pull up at a stop sign or traffic light the engine seems to shudder as I'm just about to stop and then it's fine. I've never had a diesel before, does this seems normal? I tried it in 1st gear and it does the same thing, so I don't think it's transmission related, I'm just not sure if it's just the way they are.
Next, the codes for the car seem to indicate that it has sensor for the boot to open 871 SENSORS FOR TRUNK LID OPENING/CLOSING but for the life of me I cant seem to get it to work? Any tips please?
Finally we have the head up display, but it doesn't indicate traffic speed signs, the videos I've watched seem to show this, is it something to do with the maps or do the cameras read the signs?
The car has a 2 year MB warranty, anything in particular I should be mindful of?
I'm sure I'll have more, thanks in advance, appreciate the advice, cheers.




Not sure re shudder when about to stop, could be several factors, is drive select in Comfort or in Sports or Sports + ? Car behaves very differently in those last settings.
Could also be stop start kicking in and out, can vary depending on brake pressure on pedal, but usually a only when stopped. See how that goes.
Not knowing history of car and if it was a short tripper or a longer drive one there may be some build up odd deposits in injectors. Buy a bottle of heavy duty Nulon diesel fuel system cleaner and then fill with good diesel, like BP Vortex, 2 cents dearer than truck diesel.
2 or 3 tanks of fuel later I would do the same, that is fill fuel tank with Nulon DPF cleaner and run that, do not mix with fuel injector cleaner.
Another issue, minor though is the cars battery could be low on charge, depends on storage, travel, etc. Buy a Ctek 5.0 battery charger around $99 on special at Repco and put battery on charge for 24 hours, use AGM setting on battery to charge it at correct rate. Positive terminal passenger side under red slide and negative terminal on passenger side , copper round nit towards front headlight.
Check TYRE pressures when cold are at around 36-38psi, even though fuel lid says 32psi. Better TYRE wear and handling.
Check what tyres fitted, run flat simmer ? Or run flat all season M&S, like Goodyear Eagles.
Ask Dealer if car has had front steering knuckles replaced, not a recall in Oz, but hundreds done and thousands done in RHD in UK. Get it done under warranty ($4000 if you pay).
Boot opening sensor a bit hit and miss, do you have tow bar fitted ?
Heads up works fine, Aussie ADR design has it traffic sign data disabled in Oz as no common design type across nation. None of ours have it - few feature in Oz are disabled.
Ask for a printed history of service , can generate one at dealer for all services.
Check if 5 year auto and transmission service undertaken, this is around $1500-$2000 - if not it needs to be done, Dealer should have done it as part of factory guidance. Brake fluid every 2 years, Panna sunroof service every 3 years ?
get a reading of front and rear disc wear, can be soft and adaptive cruise can wear brakes out sooner, but great feature I am happy to pay for brake usage.
This is a good Aussie site too - https://forums.whirlpool.net.au/thread/9xw76563?p=246
Best of luck, great car.
Happy to PM or talk on mobile / email in future if you have questions.




Mercedes-Benz C, GLC and EQC vehicles
Model Year 2020
719 affected vehicles
Identifying features
VIN (Vehicle identification number)
See attached VIN list
VIN list.xlsx (31.33 KB)
What are the defects?
Due to a manufacturing defect, the wiring harness of the steering control unit may be damaged. The damage can allow water or moisture into the wiring harness, which can cause a short circuit, resulting in a loss of electric power steering.
A failure of the electric power steering would be indicated by a corresponding warning message in the instrument panel.
What are the hazards?
If a short circuit occurs, this may result in a loss of electric power steering or cause a vehicle fire. This can increase the risk of an accident, causing serious injury or death to vehicle occupants, other road users and bystanders.
What should consumers do?
Consumers are asked to contact their most convenient Mercedes-Benz Retailer for a free of charge inspection and repair if required.
To find a local Mercedes-Benz retailer, visit https://www.mercedes-benz.com.au/passengercars/mercedes-benz-cars/dealer...
Supplier
Mercedes-Benz Australia/Pacific Pty Ltd
Dates available for sale
3 February 2020 – 31 July 2020








Big shout out to ERIC extended warranty who covered full cost and made it so easy and simple. Thanks to all.
I had thought of doing it myself, but decided to access my warranty policy.
The Best of Mercedes & AMG




https://robbreport.com/motors/cars/mercedes-commits-47-billion-to-build-electric-fleet-1234626047/
The German automaker plans to be an exclusively electric marque by the end of the decade, according to a strategy update shared Thursday. To make that happen, the brand will spend more than $47 billion (€40 billion) over the next 10 years, creating a wholly emissions-free line-up and clean, green infrastructure to support it.
Big dreams – 8 years is not a long time to build new factories, develop new designs and source raw materials and extensive logistic support/supply chains, not to mention re engineering Dealer networks, training and warehousing systems.
https://www.motorauthority.com/news/...g-amg-division
Our issue now is how long to hang onto our petrol/diesel assets – there will be a tipping point for disposal. More importantly State and Federal policies and charging infrastructure in homes, on the road and impact on electricity networks infrastructure, assuming hydrogen is not the ‘new’ option.
Last edited by Teckno; Jul 22, 2021 at 06:56 PM. Reason: Add




heavily précis by me, but the jist is :
Last week EU hit VW and BMW with a $1.3bn fines due to “ illegally colluded to restrict competition on emissions cleaning technology in Diesel cars.”
Merc maker Daimler only avoided getting pinged because the company dubbed on the other two…….
Dieselgate could have cost VW $50bn, but they did it to over 11 million cars it appears.
In 2019 a grand jury indictment said Audi executives released not enough room in boot for diesel emission fluid and high end sound system, so designed software to cheat on emissions so they could fit a smaller tank for AdBlue. Sound was great, but US emissions were 22 times above US limits !!
John goes on to say most Dealers try and do the right thing by customers, but Companies, he quotes Mazda, stops them.
ACCC, Fair Trading, etc have little teeth.
Federal Govt needs to change approach, Federal rules say “ If you manuf, import, distribute, retail, supply …. Etc….. You are responsible to undertake recall action in event of a safety or non-compliance issue with a Veh or component.
A voluntary recall……
We leave the foxes to guard the chickens, really !!
Unlike other countries we allow self regulation for car sector.
Maybe the Deputy PM, Barnaby Joyce, new boss of federal Dept in charge of this mess, can stop the rort and rot.
To end my little observation, one more interesting event –
Last year we had our GLC serviced. I checked the onscreen AdBlue range after service, guess what ?????
My original range of 27,000km for the tank now reads 11,200km when full.
Mercedes look to have done a software update to my AdBlue consumption – no warning, no advice from Dealer or MBAu.
Risk is if I do 15,000km in a year my car will stop and cease to be able to be driven if I overlook AdBlue warning -this is a BIG departure to my tank capacity and what I purchased.
Dealer claimed ignorance, Service knew nothing, said I must have got it wrong !!
Same happened to wife’s GLC when hers was serviced and AdBlue filled, Her car now had a range of 11,500km before needing refilling.
So it looks like GLC owners with diesels might need to check their AdBlue levels and avoid being stopped on the side of a road due to a dramatic reduction of range to around 60%, not a small adjustment, and no requirement to advise owners….
Drive carefully.




Again, Federal Dept should be providing oversight, if MBAu ever told them !
They did this update in secret, never telling owners of impact or necessity, nor informing them of need to refill between annual servicing if high km usage.
My concern is no openness, honesty – what else ? Never a recall on knuckles, etc.
I guess these issues and others ? Are behind MBAu no longer importing a diesel GLC into Oz.
They’ve increased the AdBlue injection rate by 2.3X ??
By my calculations based on two diesel GLC models, same engine.
It would be good for other owners to look at their Menu, under Service , ABlue option and report back on their range, assuming recently serviced, or look at km on service, km now and range left to calculate.
I still believe range has dropped from 27000km to around 12,000km max for AdBlue tank. Tank holds 27l from memory. It use to work out 1lt per 1000km, not any more. It was designed to not need top up between servicing, based on 12mth or 25,000km, whatever came first.
Next issue will be cost Dealer charges for 20lt fill. Have heard of over the top charges, VW prices and Shell prices will need looking at. AdBlue has a shelf life of 2 years. Standards of AdBlue seem same across all brands. Check your last few service invoicing for cost.
Depending on driving style, freeway, country and inner city stop, start my best guess is that 1lt of AdBlue will be consumed every 440 to 500km travelled.
The GLC will issue a warning, not sure at what km mark, given new software, but owners should have 10 starts before the car shuts down. There is a procedure to fill, then turn on the car, do not start, wait around 30 seconds for new float sensor to register, then start. System should have reset.
Last edited by Teckno; Jul 25, 2021 at 11:14 AM. Reason: Add




https://www.carbuyer.co.uk/tips-and-...rce=newsletter
Enjoy.




See GLC sales are well down due to ??????? Supply, consumers shifting to other Brands ….?????
New Car Sales Trends
The top 5 models with the greatest increases so far in 2021 are:
MG ZS (+8,848 units)
Isuzu Ute D-Max 4X4 (+7,397 units)
Ford Ranger 4X4 (+6,785 units)
Toyota Hilux 4X4 (+6,445 units)
Mazda CX-5 (+5,733 units)
The bottom 5 models with the greatest decreases so far in 2021 are:
Volkswagen Golf (-5,812 units)
Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class (-2,522 units)
Honda Civic (-2,430 units)
Honda CR-V (-2,216 units)
Toyota Kluger (-2,188 units)
The top segment increases so far in 2021 compared to 2020 are:
SUV Light (+136%)
Micro (+86%)
SUV Upper Large < $100K (+61%)
Large > $70K (+59%)
Vans/CC 2.5-3.5t (+58%)
Conversely, some of the largest decreases are:
Upper Large < $100K (-39%)
Light Buses => 20 Seats (-37%)
Vans/CC <= 2.5t (-33%)
Large < $70K (-24%)
Small > $40K (-19%)
Some other highlights so far:
Toyota continues to dominate sales increases with 5 of the top 20 increases in 2021 being Toyota models
Chinese brand MG is making headwinds, with its ZS and MG3 models seeing substantial increase in 2021
Passenger vehicles continue to see the slowest recovery in sales in 2021 (+6%), particularly in small (-7%) and medium (+0%) segments
The rental market has finally seen strong growth, up 17,602 units (+93%) compared to 2020
Private sales (+52%) now make up more than 50% of all sales in the market due to dealers gaining higher margins on these types of sales
Sales by Import Country
Sales of imported vehicles from Japan continue to rebound significantly in 2021, seeing an increase of 57,097 units compared to 2020
Sales of imported vehicles from China continue to skyrocket in 2021 with an increase of 29,246 compared to 2020
Sales of imported vehicles from Germany and USA saw the largest declines so far, with Germany down 9,209 units and USA down 2,371.
These countries have been hit by production issues due to COVID outbreaks.
Honda has changed its sales model and buyers deal directly with Importer, by passing Dealers at fixed price sales, no negotiation.
Interestingly Mercedes Australia next year are doing the same business model and directing sales conditions and I guess Contracts. Dealer network is there to see a vehicle, test drive one and have it serviced, but not earn selling margins - to a closed fixed price model !!!!!!!!




https://www.heraldsun.com.au/motoring/motoring-news/mercedes-sued-by-accc-over-handling-of-takata-airbag-recalls/news-story/9f16f32357c60b14b82a4f3e7e0e710d
The ACCC alleges that Mercedes staff used language “inconsistent with the requirements of the compulsory recall notice”
The ACCC alleges that “on at least 73 occasions, Mercedes-Benz call centre staff made representations to consumers by phone or email to the effect that they were undertaking the recall as a precaution”. Customers were also told it was safe to drive vehicles affected by the issue.
Mercedes said its vehicles “do not contain Takata ‘Alpha’ airbags identified as critical by the ACCC, and the recall process overseen by the ACCC did not require affected Mercedes-Benz vehicles to be off the road or owners to cease driving them until the repair was undertaken”.
“As the Recall Notice did not require Mercedes-Benz owners to cease driving their vehicles, Mercedes-Benz Australia does not understand how saying an owner could continue to drive their vehicle could be a breach of the Recall Notice,” the manufacturer said.
The Takata problem represents Australia’s largest safety recalls. Joe Raedle/Getty Images/AFP
The Takata problem represents Australia’s largest safety recalls. Joe Raedle/Getty Images/AFP
ACCC Deputy Chair Delia Rickard said “it was a very important part of the compulsory recall that consumers were made aware in all communications from vehicle manufacturers of the risks of serious injury or death from defective Takata airbags, and the importance of having these airbags replaced as soon as possible”.
“We allege that Mercedes-Benz exposed consumers to the risks of serious injury or death because it used language which minimised these risks, and gave the impression that the recall was precautionary and that there was no urgency in having the airbags replaced,” she said.
The ACCC alleges Mercedes-Benz staff told customers the recall was “more of a precautionary measure” than a matter of life and death.
The government body accused Mercedes in February 2020 of “potentially putting lives of drivers and passengers at risk” by failing to initiate recalls of some cars with Takata airbags.
Mercedes said it “co-operated with the ACCC throughout its investigation and has taken steps to improve its internal systems and call centre operations”.
So it still begs the question, have they changed their approach,
Tyre juddering, even though Germany designed and issued a new steering knuckles remedy – but no recall and Dealers continuing to deny an issue, deny owners new info and sticking to athe ‘characteristic’ line of sales pitch.
AdBlue software change, no transparency , not informing owners like MB-UK did, no extension to warranty for diesel models.
Ceased importation of successful GLC diesels into Australia ? One has to question WHY ?
Is it time for the responsible Fed Dept to own this ?




https://www.fleetnews.co.uk/news/man...stomer-warning
maybe buy any remaining stock now that’s in Oz ?




https://www.drive.com.au/news/fixed-price-agency-dealer-network-will-lead-to-higher-new-car-prices-says-industry-expert/
Interesting article re selling price and role of Dealers.




https://www.dailymail.co.uk/money/ca...able-cars.html
Mercedes not doing that good re reliability or owner ‘happiness’.
Some interesting models are identified across Mercedes extensive range.




https://www.dailymail.co.uk/money/ca...able-cars.html
Mercedes not doing that good re reliability or owner ‘happiness’.
Some interesting models are identified across Mercedes extensive range.
It's basically a popularity poll, also influenced by advertising.
Do you have access to the actual survey questions that are asked? It would be refreshing to find a survey that isn't biased, like most here.




From The Australian newspaper.
“ Daimler Australia, the makers of popular car brand Mercedes-Benz, reaped $4.9m in JobKeeper.
The company disclosed in its filings to the corporate regulator it took the funds between April 2020 and September 2020.
This was during the period in which companies could qualify for JobKeeper if they forecast a 30 per cent decline in revenues.
Following September 2020 companies were required to show a decline in revenues.
A Daimler Australia spokesman said the company qualified for and was able to access JobKeeper.
“This support was used as intended, meaning we could retain our local workforce and limit the agreed period of reduced working hours for our employees, and could continue serving our customers and supporting our local dealer network,” he said.
Daimler Australia, which made $62.7m in profit, has not repaid its JobKeeper funds.
Despite the rebounding Australian car market not all car companies made profits in the most recent financial year. “
it is a great outcome for staff and their jobs. Let us hope customers continue to ‘be served’, with warranty, goodwill repairs and timely advice re software modifications !!!!




Extract :
“. German luxury car giant Mercedes-Benz has leapt ahead of the competition to sign up all its car dealers in Australia to a fixed-price model that will remove the art of haggling for a discount at car yards and provide greater transparency and equity in pricing across Australia.
Following months of work on the new pricing model, all 53 car dealers have signed up to Mercedes-Benz’s fixed-price deal, an agency sales model, despite major pressure from the car dealer networks and the Australian Automotive Dealers Association to try and kill the move.
A spokesman for the company said: “Mercedes-Benz Cars Australia will soon move forward to an agency model with the continued aim of delivering the best possible experience for all Mercedes-Benz Cars customers, both new and established.
“We are pleased that all existing Mercedes-Benz Cars retail partners in Australia have reconfirmed their commitment to the brand under the new agency model, and will join us in launching the next exciting chapter of the company’s history, starting January 2022.”
The new pricing model has caused huge infighting and controversy within the car dealership and carmakers industries.
The fixed price model means a car, no matter if it is sold in a city dealership or in the country, will have a set price that eliminates the need for haggling, negotiating and posturing by both car dealers and shoppers. For those shoppers unskilled in haggling, or just not confident to fight for a better price than that advertised, it removes the chances they will miss out on a good deal. However, car dealers often rely on haggling and negotiation to attract customers, do deals and shift cars off their lot.
Many dealers had been looking for government regulation to protect their sales model.
In July, Mercedes-Benz board member and businesswoman Britta Seeger spruiked the advantages of a shift from the franchise model to a fixed price agency structure in Australia, dubbing it “the future model of doing business in automotive”.
Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries chief executive Tony Weber told The Australian there was nothing remarkable about the fixed price and agency model, it has been the norm overseas for decades and was a key to innovation and an evolving modern economy. “
It will be interesting to see how MB and Nissan progress this model and how buyers migrate to other brands ??
Brokering services and Novated lease or Fleet buying discounts may be under pressure, forcing organisations and buyers to BMW, AUDI, LEXUS for better pricing- where design and features are similar.
No mention of servicing and maintenance cost model ??? Labour rates ??




GLC down by more than 2,500 units –
https://datiuminsights.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/AUNewCarSalesBottomModel_20210903.png
New Car Sales Trends
The top 5 models with the greatest increases so far in 2021 are:
MG ZS (+10,231 units)
Toyota Hilux 4X4 (+8,833 units)
Isuzu Ute D-Max 4X4 (+8,439 units)
Ford Ranger 4X4 (+7,676 units)
Mazda CX-5 (+6,088 units)
The bottom 5 models with the greatest decreases so far in 2021 are:
Volkswagen Golf (-6,077 units)
Honda Civic (-2,594 units)
Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class (-2,522 units)
Honda CR-V (-2,104 units)
Toyota Kluger (-1,805 units)
The top segment increases so far in 2021 compared to 2020 are:
SUV Light (+124%)
Micro (+76%)
Large > $70K (+54%)
Vans/CC 2.5-3.5t (+53%)
SUV Upper Large < $100K (+51%)
Conversely, some of the largest decreases are:
Light Buses => 20 Seats (-31%)
Upper Large < $100K (-31%)
Vans/CC <= 2.5t (-29%)
Large < $70K (-26%)
Small > $40K (-22%)
Some other highlights so far:
Toyota continues to dominate sales increases with 5 of the top 20 increases in 2021 being Toyota models
Chinese brand MG is making headwinds, with its ZS and MG3 models seeing substantial increase in 2021
Passenger vehicles continue to see the slowest recovery in sales in 2021 (+7%), particularly in small (-4%), medium (+1%) and upper large segments (-8%)
The rental market has finally seen strong growth, up 16,367 units (+82%) compared to 2020
Private sales (+52%) now make up more than 50% of all sales in the market due to dealers gaining higher margins on these types of sales.




The new GLS only lasts an average of 8 days on the lot, pretty amazing for a $100k auto. https://www.iseecars.com/fastest-sel...study#v=202108




Is your car second hand or have you had it since new ?
MB HQ in Mulgrave have approved a number of free conversions across Australia and New Zealand.
If original owner you need to speak with your local dealer, if they do not help, you need to go online and log a job with MB directly.
If you have purchase second hand you still need to follow same steps.
Should be free, with new knuckles and wheel alignment.
Lots written back in 2019 here, around Aug, Sept and Nov, follow advice and links provided.
Happy to try and help, process can be a bit drawn out during COVID, but Dealers are open to perform these updates.
No recall issued as far as I know, MB treating each customer individually re solution.
You need to be polite, but be firm.
Thanks for the quick reply. I bought the car second hand last march 2021 from the dealer but not mercedez dealer. The original rims used to be is 19 inch rims with continental tyres.When I replaced it with original 21 amg rims from glc 43 i started to notice the crabbing issues. Tyre right now fitted in front is 265 40 21 michelin pilot sport 4s with 40psi.I still have the 19 rims and tyre and posted it in gumtree to sell. My glc is 250d 2016 just modify the looks to make it like 43. Thanks


