Who is responsible
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Joined: Mar 2018
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2001 E430
Who is responsible
I took my car in to get serviced today. They said that the upper oil pan cracked when removing the drain screw. They said that this is a common issue that Mercedes knows about but has not issued a recall on. This is a 2013 GLK 350 with 140k miles, well out of warranty. I was told it would have to pay to replace it if jb weld doesn't work. Should I be responsible or the garage?
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jun 2021
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From: New Hampsha
'17 GLS450, '14 GLK250, Grandpa's Roadster
If it's true that it is a common issue, and Mercedes hasn't issued any service bulletin on how to avoid it, and those instructions were not followed by the shop, and the shop did nothing that wouldn't be considered standard practice while removing it, then it's either your responsibility, or Mercedes, but not the shop. It could be the shop's responsibility if, for example, they used an air chisel or something similar on it.
I would contact Mercedes and see what sorts of practices contribute to the failure, if any, and whether there is any good will repair assistance available. Go from there.
(Sounds like a good argument for sucking the oil out the dip stick tube...)
I would contact Mercedes and see what sorts of practices contribute to the failure, if any, and whether there is any good will repair assistance available. Go from there.
(Sounds like a good argument for sucking the oil out the dip stick tube...)
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jun 2021
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From: New Hampsha
'17 GLS450, '14 GLK250, Grandpa's Roadster
Should be pretty easy to tell if the crack was from tightening vs. loosening it. Any one with a rudimentary knowledge of stress analysis should be able to give you an answer.
If they used an air gun for tires on it that doesn't qualify as standard practice.
Can you take it down and have it welded?
If they used an air gun for tires on it that doesn't qualify as standard practice.
Can you take it down and have it welded?
Senior Member
Joined: Feb 2020
Posts: 499
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From: Lac Ste. Marie, Quebec
2006 Alfa Romeo Brera, 2010 GLK350, 2018 BMW 640i GT, 1997 Subaru SVX, 2012 Moto Guzzi Norge GT8V
You should not have to pay. That's ridiculous. If it's a known issue, MB should compensate the shop for the replacement. If it's negligence, the shop should pay. Why should you be responsible for a big $$$ repair when you were just having an oil change done. If the pan cracked and the drain bolt fell out while you were driving would you be the one paying for a new engine?
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Sep 2015
Posts: 2,606
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2013 glk 350
Who changed your oil the time before? They likely overtightened it and it cracked , or this mb mechanic lied and overtightened it and then it leaked. Tell them to prove to you mb pans fail when loosening, because it’s the other way. They only crack when overtightened. There are Plenty of documents on the web you can get. They need to pay for their screw up . But since they are a bunch of liars you probably won’t get anything.
Junior Member
Joined: Apr 2021
Posts: 60
Likes: 15
I say try to make the shop fix it. Most Mercedes specialists and DIYers vacuum pump the oil out of the dipstick because it is a lot easier and still empties the pan. Your shop chose to change oil the hard way instead and now you have an expensive repair.
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MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jul 2012
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From: Orbiting the planet
This place is a joke.
I've changed oil on thousands of GLK's and never heard of or experienced such a thing. Also, why didn't they suck the oil from the top? Sounds like their negligence, not yours.
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