Rear Subframe "Extended Warranty" Thread
#26
MBWorld Fanatic!
Totally true and a valid point. I suppose both the location and size of any perforation may make all the difference in the vehicle being safe or not safe to drive.
If there is any movement, tweaking, or perforation near seams, edges or suspension mounting points would be (at least to me) unsafe to drive.
If there is any movement, tweaking, or perforation near seams, edges or suspension mounting points would be (at least to me) unsafe to drive.
#27
I had the subframe on my 2011 GLK 350 w/ 148k miles inspected here in Maine this week. The inspection result is that the subframe needs to be replaced (and will be replaced under warranty) which is nice, however, they say that any parts that are attached that can't be reattached due to their condition need to be paid for by me. They're saying that all rear tie rods, thrust arms, and rear flex disk will need to be replaced to the tune of $1571. I'm fine with paying for ancillary part replacement, but think these parts should be provided at the dealers cost, not MSRP. I don't think they should be making a profit off parts installed as part of a warranty repair. I asked them if they can provide the parts at the dealer cost without markup, they said no. I also called MBUSA and who said they don't have control over what the dealer charges for the parts.
Curious if anyone has had experience with this or has any thoughts on how to go about this? Maybe I should ask to speak with the dealer's service manager or call MBUSA and see if they can provide the parts to the dealer at cost?
Couple other annoyances are that no loaner will be provided and the subframe parts are on a 3-4 month backorder, but they said the car is safe to drive for now since the rust isn't terrible yet. Just a small hole showing so far. I can live with these things though.
TIA!
Curious if anyone has had experience with this or has any thoughts on how to go about this? Maybe I should ask to speak with the dealer's service manager or call MBUSA and see if they can provide the parts to the dealer at cost?
Couple other annoyances are that no loaner will be provided and the subframe parts are on a 3-4 month backorder, but they said the car is safe to drive for now since the rust isn't terrible yet. Just a small hole showing so far. I can live with these things though.
TIA!
The following users liked this post:
100Pyatt (02-12-2024)
#28
MBWorld Fanatic!
My thoughts are about the same as yours.
There is also a difference between out of spec and unusable. My selling dealer always found $1500-$1700 of work that needed to be done on my C250 at every visit no matter what the car was in for. Tried another dealer who found nothing wrong until the camshaft phasers failed, fixed that under warranty, and didn’t find any non covered items to charge for.
I think some dealers see a car in for work as an opportunity to sell you anything you’ll buy. My current service advisor says that some dealers pressure SA’s to up-sell. Terrible practice.
There is also a difference between out of spec and unusable. My selling dealer always found $1500-$1700 of work that needed to be done on my C250 at every visit no matter what the car was in for. Tried another dealer who found nothing wrong until the camshaft phasers failed, fixed that under warranty, and didn’t find any non covered items to charge for.
I think some dealers see a car in for work as an opportunity to sell you anything you’ll buy. My current service advisor says that some dealers pressure SA’s to up-sell. Terrible practice.
#29
Senior Member
Join Date: Feb 2020
Location: Lac Ste. Marie, Quebec
Posts: 325
Received 87 Likes
on
68 Posts
2006 Alfa Romeo Brera, 2010 GLK350, 2018 BMW 640i GT, 1997 Subaru SVX, 2012 Moto Guzzi Norge GT8V
Can you provide the necessary parts? They are much cheaper from FCP Euro and have a lifetime warranty. Don't forget that the labor to replace all those parts is free with the subframe replacement. In the future you would be charged parts and labor which would at least double the cost.
#30
Super Member
Join Date: Jun 2021
Location: South Central Texas
Posts: 595
Received 148 Likes
on
122 Posts
2014 GLK350 base model (active) ; 2001 E320 base (retired); 2001 Wrangler soft-top
Back when I was a teen in high school (do I have to admit how many years ago?), I worked at a Flintstone tire store ... doesn't matter if a vehicle came in for a flat or oil change, etc - we did a "20 point inspection" on every one, to find anything rwong that we could sell on.
The following users liked this post:
100Pyatt (02-12-2024)
#31
MBWorld Fanatic!
That's typical with most all repair facilities.
Back when I was a teen in high school (do I have to admit how many years ago?), I worked at a Flintstone tire store ... doesn't matter if a vehicle came in for a flat or oil change, etc - we did a "20 point inspection" on every one, to find anything rwong that we could sell on.
Back when I was a teen in high school (do I have to admit how many years ago?), I worked at a Flintstone tire store ... doesn't matter if a vehicle came in for a flat or oil change, etc - we did a "20 point inspection" on every one, to find anything rwong that we could sell on.
It’s fine, and even good practice to inspect and recommend services that you provide.
It’s not okay to do the inspection and recommend services that are not needed, because the owner won’t know better.
It’s even worse to pretend to do the inspection and then tell the owner that his vehicle is unsafe to get him/her to buy an unnecessary service.
Two examples to point this out;
On the first service after the warranty ran out on my first Benz, the dealer said the left front strut had failed and needed replacement. I wasn’t happy but had never had a Benz before and wasn’t equipped at that time to do it myself. $2700 later I was back on the road. After switching to indie shops because of cost, it was pointed out to me that the factory strut was still on the car because the paint markings used at the factory were still on the upper mounting nuts. They charged me for a new strut that I didn’t need and did no service at all.
Just this week at a national tire dealer I brought my granddaughter’s new car in for a nail repair. The service writer used his electronic tire tread gauge and said the tire couldn’t be repaired because it had less than 3/32 tread. The car is brand new and has 3600 miles on it. I also know the manager personally. I texted him so not to create a scene. He met me at the car, looked at the tires, and I told him to stop that or we would stop coming to him for tires.
Last edited by Odd Piggy; 08-29-2023 at 11:08 PM. Reason: Typo
The following users liked this post:
calder-cay (08-26-2023)
#33
The dealer experiences noted are generally what I've encountered with the european vehicle dealers I've dealt with (Audi, Mercedes, Porsche). Replace, Replace, Replace, regardless of need and options, and that's why I try to avoid them at all costs. But this subframe situation is a different story, they should cover most of it. When I brought in the GLK before looking at the car the advisor started with "Mercedes issued the warranty prematurely, these cars are old with a lot of rust so if things break as we take them of it will probably cost you thousands of dollars, so a lot of people decide to get rid of the car and get something else." I did go take a look at what they had for new cars, particularly EVs, and when talking with the sales department they said that I should buy a mercedes EV over a Tesla since they have their service departments and Tesla doesn't. I told the service department they're not doing a very good job of supporting this argument, LOL. I will say that so far the subaru dealer has been reasonable with my outback.
Good suggestion Silver Shadow, I'll see if they will take parts I provide, but doubt they will. I love FCP euro! Looks like I can get a complete set of OEM rear control arms and links on there for just over $600. If this isn't an option, I'm going to keep pushing the argument of them providing the ancillary parts at cost or at least a discount. I'll report back with any updates!
Good suggestion Silver Shadow, I'll see if they will take parts I provide, but doubt they will. I love FCP euro! Looks like I can get a complete set of OEM rear control arms and links on there for just over $600. If this isn't an option, I'm going to keep pushing the argument of them providing the ancillary parts at cost or at least a discount. I'll report back with any updates!
The following users liked this post:
100Pyatt (02-12-2024)
#34
I just had my 2010 MB GLK subframe replaced by MB in the dealer shop at no cost under the extended warranty. While the car was at the dealer they told me I needed new brake lines at a cost of $6,300. This is not covered under any extended warranty yet. I am in the process of trying to elevate my request with no luck so far at MB customer service. I have talked to several mechanics and they all tell me that the brake line problem is as common as the subframe but obviously more dangerous. I do not know why MB would not recognize this as the same problem as the subframe. I have never encountered problem like this on any car I have owned. The car is garage kept and is only driven 3 miles to work and 3 miles back and has less than 60,000 miles. Gets little exposure to snow. We have kept the car pristine and have had serviced at MB dealers. This is a real disappointment in a car company I expected to be of higher quality.
Has anyone experienced this problem and, if so, can you tell me how it was resolved? If you had it repaired can you tell me how much and what type of shop did the work?
Thanks.
Has anyone experienced this problem and, if so, can you tell me how it was resolved? If you had it repaired can you tell me how much and what type of shop did the work?
Thanks.
#35
Senior Member
Join Date: Feb 2020
Location: Lac Ste. Marie, Quebec
Posts: 325
Received 87 Likes
on
68 Posts
2006 Alfa Romeo Brera, 2010 GLK350, 2018 BMW 640i GT, 1997 Subaru SVX, 2012 Moto Guzzi Norge GT8V
I have had brake line problems on several cars I've owned. GMC Sierra, Subaru SVX etc. On a 13 year old vehicle brake lines are a common rust area. It should be mandatory that they be made of SS or some other synthetic material. It's a danger on all older vehicles.
P.S. $6,300 is insane for brake lines.
P.S. $6,300 is insane for brake lines.
Last edited by Silver Shadow; 09-01-2023 at 03:51 PM.
#37
MBWorld Fanatic!
Instead of having the dealer stealer doing the brake lines, for his yacht payment , TOW it to an independent mechanic, if they won’t let you drive off . I’d guess 5-700.
The following users liked this post:
100Pyatt (02-12-2024)
The following users liked this post:
100Pyatt (02-12-2024)
The following 2 users liked this post by tomlande:
100Pyatt (02-12-2024),
Roadrashed (09-02-2023)
#40
Just received a letter from MBUSA stating that the rear subframes of our cars are being given an "extended warranty" to 20 years/unlimited miles. Reading up on the issue, it seems that they are susceptible to corrosion, rust, and cracking and were built to low standards. Due to this, a lawsuit is brewing and MBUSA is trying to get ahead of it. Believe the law firm representing the claimants sent a "notice of intent to sue". Notice how they didn't use the term "recall", simply extended warranty.
Now, I live in SoCal, so my GLK is not susceptible to rust/corrosion, but the integrity of the piece is now put into question. It is also susceptible to cracking from what I've seen, and seeing how this is such a critical safety item, I'm going to attempt to get the dealer to replace (new subframe bushings sound nice too Do not want to wait for it to fail catastrophically to justify replacement. I read that there are pockets where water can get trapped and start rusting/corroding, even if you live in a desert climate like me.
Wanted to start this thread to see who else got the letter, what their thoughts are, and their experience with their local dealer.
Now, I live in SoCal, so my GLK is not susceptible to rust/corrosion, but the integrity of the piece is now put into question. It is also susceptible to cracking from what I've seen, and seeing how this is such a critical safety item, I'm going to attempt to get the dealer to replace (new subframe bushings sound nice too Do not want to wait for it to fail catastrophically to justify replacement. I read that there are pockets where water can get trapped and start rusting/corroding, even if you live in a desert climate like me.
Wanted to start this thread to see who else got the letter, what their thoughts are, and their experience with their local dealer.
I drive a 2010 glk 350 4matic
#42
I wanted to follow up on my initial post #27.
I went ahead and had the dealer replace the subframe, and it was not a fun process at all. When I brought it in for inspection, they noted that the warranty would cover the $5,275 estimated cost of the rear subframe and hardware. Based on condition, they thought a handful of rear suspension components would need to be replaced at my expense (BOTH REAR TIE RODS, BOTH THRUST ARMS, REAR FLEX DISC AND HARDWARE) at an estimated parts cost of $1,571, full price. I argued that I shouldn't be paying full markup on parts that are only being replaced because of the warranty work, the service manager declined. When calling the parts department to get an update on the "backordered" subframe, I spoke with the manager who said he could give me a discount on the parts I needed to pay for, which ended up being about 10% for which I was grateful. Turns out the subframe wasn't backordered, but the service manager needed to approve the order, which he didn't, so I had to call parts again. After I finally got the car in for repair, after 2.5 weeks there they said the mid section of the exhaust needed to be replaced ($4,400) or repaired by welding at an exhaust shop ($1,200). I asked if they could provide the exhaust repair shop invoice, and they said they couldn't, it was a flat fee of $1,200. The first exhaust shop I called just so happened to be the one the dealer was sending all their cars after subframe replacement and they did the work for $700. The Mercedes dealer had the car for 3 weeks, luckily we had an extra car to drive. Most of this time the car was just sitting, I think they did the work in 2 days.
I'm happy the car is repaired and safe now, but I think this was the worst car ownership and repair experience I've ever had. Several instances of misinformation along the way that were only clarified once I pressured them, phone calls that were not answered, voicemails not responded to, etc. etc. but it's finally done.
I had my rear brake lines done at an independent mechanic a few years back, the cost was $1,200. I think the stealership quoted me about 4 times that.
I went ahead and had the dealer replace the subframe, and it was not a fun process at all. When I brought it in for inspection, they noted that the warranty would cover the $5,275 estimated cost of the rear subframe and hardware. Based on condition, they thought a handful of rear suspension components would need to be replaced at my expense (BOTH REAR TIE RODS, BOTH THRUST ARMS, REAR FLEX DISC AND HARDWARE) at an estimated parts cost of $1,571, full price. I argued that I shouldn't be paying full markup on parts that are only being replaced because of the warranty work, the service manager declined. When calling the parts department to get an update on the "backordered" subframe, I spoke with the manager who said he could give me a discount on the parts I needed to pay for, which ended up being about 10% for which I was grateful. Turns out the subframe wasn't backordered, but the service manager needed to approve the order, which he didn't, so I had to call parts again. After I finally got the car in for repair, after 2.5 weeks there they said the mid section of the exhaust needed to be replaced ($4,400) or repaired by welding at an exhaust shop ($1,200). I asked if they could provide the exhaust repair shop invoice, and they said they couldn't, it was a flat fee of $1,200. The first exhaust shop I called just so happened to be the one the dealer was sending all their cars after subframe replacement and they did the work for $700. The Mercedes dealer had the car for 3 weeks, luckily we had an extra car to drive. Most of this time the car was just sitting, I think they did the work in 2 days.
I'm happy the car is repaired and safe now, but I think this was the worst car ownership and repair experience I've ever had. Several instances of misinformation along the way that were only clarified once I pressured them, phone calls that were not answered, voicemails not responded to, etc. etc. but it's finally done.
I just had my 2010 MB GLK subframe replaced by MB in the dealer shop at no cost under the extended warranty. While the car was at the dealer they told me I needed new brake lines at a cost of $6,300. This is not covered under any extended warranty yet. I am in the process of trying to elevate my request with no luck so far at MB customer service. I have talked to several mechanics and they all tell me that the brake line problem is as common as the subframe but obviously more dangerous. I do not know why MB would not recognize this as the same problem as the subframe. I have never encountered problem like this on any car I have owned. The car is garage kept and is only driven 3 miles to work and 3 miles back and has less than 60,000 miles. Gets little exposure to snow. We have kept the car pristine and have had serviced at MB dealers. This is a real disappointment in a car company I expected to be of higher quality.
Has anyone experienced this problem and, if so, can you tell me how it was resolved? If you had it repaired can you tell me how much and what type of shop did the work?
Thanks.
Has anyone experienced this problem and, if so, can you tell me how it was resolved? If you had it repaired can you tell me how much and what type of shop did the work?
Thanks.
The following users liked this post:
100Pyatt (02-12-2024)
#43
Super Member
Join Date: Jun 2021
Location: South Central Texas
Posts: 595
Received 148 Likes
on
122 Posts
2014 GLK350 base model (active) ; 2001 E320 base (retired); 2001 Wrangler soft-top
I'm horribly shocked that a MB dealer repair would put someone thru all that torture. But I guess it shows that no matter the car maker, they all have the same mindset (sadly).
Good that's it's all now behind you! And thanks for that follow up!
Good that's it's all now behind you! And thanks for that follow up!
The following users liked this post:
100Pyatt (02-12-2024)
#45
Super Member
Join Date: Jun 2021
Location: South Central Texas
Posts: 595
Received 148 Likes
on
122 Posts
2014 GLK350 base model (active) ; 2001 E320 base (retired); 2001 Wrangler soft-top
See my post #15, which shows the notice sent to dealers. My reply #20 includes the actual document I received (scanned in) for extended warranty.
#46
Junior Member
Join Date: Jul 2023
Location: Katy, TX
Posts: 31
Likes: 0
Received 5 Likes
on
5 Posts
GLK 250 Bluetec
Thanks for the response. I was reading the l-o-n-g thread including the letter to owners. What made me inquire was the letter addressed specifically to a VIN #. Since I didn’t get a letter I assumed my model wasn’t applicable. The MBUSA letter to dealers confirms all GLK class are included. Thanks again.
The following users liked this post:
calder-cay (10-25-2023)
#47
MBWorld Fanatic!
Thanks for the response. I was reading the l-o-n-g thread including the letter to owners. What made me inquire was the letter addressed specifically to a VIN #. Since I didn’t get a letter I assumed my model wasn’t applicable. The MBUSA letter to dealers confirms all GLK class are included. Thanks again.
https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/tsbs/20...33780-0001.pdf
#48
The dealer did proactively call today saying that they want to redo the alignment free of charge since they got new software, and they're providing a loaner, so that's nice.
#49
My 2005 Sprinter had a brake line failure while stopping, very scary, fortunately nobody was in front of me or entering the intersection. I figured it was the rubber lines deteriorated but my guy actually found rusted metal lines and fabricated all new ones. $1,100.
#50
Junior Member
Mystic Man, This is not a 'Recall' but a warranty extension. This means you have to discover the sub frame perforation.
The dealer is not going to call you to come in to look for it. Toptick's 4-11-23 post sure outlines the issue well. Good luck, Eh.
Mystic Man, I just saw your later post- you nailed it.
The dealer is not going to call you to come in to look for it. Toptick's 4-11-23 post sure outlines the issue well. Good luck, Eh.
Mystic Man, I just saw your later post- you nailed it.