Anyone been threatened with this?
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Newbie
Joined: Sep 2022
Posts: 9
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GLC 300, GLE 450
Anyone been threatened with this?
So we bought a new 2022 gle 450 at the MB dealer here in Mexico. We’ve had the dreaded car won’t start battery problem happen about three times. All three times, after letting the car sit for some time, it would start. Upon being worried that maybe one day it won’t start and we will be far from home we had it towed to Guadalajara MD dealer (we live in Puerto Vallarta).
They never really told us what they did, kinda said they couldn’t find anything wrong but they did do 2 updates on the car.
BUT, they have now told us, that because we don’t drive the car that often, they will not cover the battery on warranty now if anything happens to it, due to us not driving that car that offer??? Has anyone ever heard of this before? Is this not insane, or am I missing something?
They never really told us what they did, kinda said they couldn’t find anything wrong but they did do 2 updates on the car.
BUT, they have now told us, that because we don’t drive the car that often, they will not cover the battery on warranty now if anything happens to it, due to us not driving that car that offer??? Has anyone ever heard of this before? Is this not insane, or am I missing something?
Super Member
Joined: Feb 2013
Posts: 533
Likes: 240
From: Pennsylvania
2021 GLE450
Sounds like complete BS to me. I'd be contacting MB if I were told something so ridiculous. I know battery health can be impacted by usage, but somebody needs to show you the fine print that says the factory warranty can be voided if the car is driven too little.
Super Member
Joined: Apr 2020
Posts: 777
Likes: 415
From: Pennsylvania
2024 GLE 450 4matic
While it's correct that your battery is still covered, you really do need to maintain it. If not driving the car often enough, do yourself a favor and keep a battery tender on it.
Out Of Control!!
Joined: Nov 2018
Posts: 11,464
Likes: 5,354
From: San Francisco Bay Area
2019 C63CS
I have never heard something specific like that, but getting a battery replaced under warranty has become very difficult with MB. Dealerships are required to perform a very specific battery test and a warranty claim is only authorized if it fails that test. I've been told by my service advisor, that it is very difficult to fail the test. They've had cars come in on flatbeds with dead batteries that still passed the test, so all they were able to do is charge it and send the customer on their way.
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Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 6,771
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From: Lake Oswego, OR
2020 GLE 450; 2023 BMW M2 Coupe
I have never heard something specific like that, but getting a battery replaced under warranty has become very difficult with MB. Dealerships are required to perform a very specific battery test and a warranty claim is only authorized if it fails that test. I've been told by my service advisor, that it is very difficult to fail the test. They've had cars come in on flatbeds with dead batteries that still passed the test, so all they were able to do is charge it and send the customer on their way.
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Senior Member
Joined: Oct 2023
Posts: 360
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From: MA
MY2024 GLE 450
What battery are talking about here? 12V?
What does your Mercedes.Me app tell you about its charging state? I found it pretty annoying but accurate as it starts reporting "Partially Charged" when it hits 12.5V. Again, if I were to guess, the dealer told you about potential warranty issues as it's not good for the battery to get to a low or a fully discharged state. As people suggested above, use a battery charger if you don't drive it often, it may prevent issues like the one you describe.
I rarely drive my second car these days and its parked outside, so I ended up sticking a solar panel on top of it to maintain its battery.
What does your Mercedes.Me app tell you about its charging state? I found it pretty annoying but accurate as it starts reporting "Partially Charged" when it hits 12.5V. Again, if I were to guess, the dealer told you about potential warranty issues as it's not good for the battery to get to a low or a fully discharged state. As people suggested above, use a battery charger if you don't drive it often, it may prevent issues like the one you describe.
I rarely drive my second car these days and its parked outside, so I ended up sticking a solar panel on top of it to maintain its battery.
