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I found out about it on Facebook but we should have received a letter given that MB know the owner via the VIN
We have a 2007 ML500 that we bought second hand 6 years ago
I contacted the local dealer and their technicians came today to conduct an inspection
The problem is a design fault whereby there is a large rubber strip surrounding the join in the booster that is meant to keep water from the joint and prevent rust
However the seal keeps any water in and rust will develop and can lead to penetration into the booster and failure of the diaphragm leading to reduced braking
The technicians cut off the seal and conducted a test through the OBD and Xentry to determine whether the diaphragm had been affected. They indicated that our climate is not as likely to cause problems as, say Queensland, where humidity is much higher.
Our vehicle passed the test and they have provided a letter to say that the test should be conducted again within two years (copy attached). It's a bit vague as to whether the offer to replaced damaged units will be covered by the free replacement deal
The photo of the seal shows evidence of rust which would have been at the lower part of the booster.
The rust is still there and it's a bit of a concern that they have declined to replace something that will inevitably fail due to a design fault and put it down to "normal" wear and tear
I understand that the car is 14 years old and that stuff wears out but if they are so concerned as to recall the vehicle due to safety concerns that still exist it appears that they are back-pedalling
Hope this helps understand the issue
Cheers,
Peter
Last edited by cowiepeters; May 24, 2022 at 03:29 AM.
Reason: Additional image
Good explanation thanks Peter.
MB tech came out to my place (Sth Island New Zealand) today removed the seal mentioned above and inspected our ML320 brake booster - no sign of any corrosion. He took photos of the removed seal and the vin plate and said the seal with photograph had to be sent back to MB for review.
Cheers
Dave
After being told by my local MB Dealer's service dept. to call MB USA's Recall number (888) 548-8514, I was told that I could rent a vehicle for up to $80/day for up to 30 days (at my expense which will be reimbursed). I was also told that they didn't know when the letter would go out. Then I was redirected to MB's Emergency Roadside Assistance line and told to request a tow to the dealership (IT IS A DO NOT DRIVE RECALL). I WAS ON HOLD FOR 34 MIN and then told the dealer has to initiate the tow. I called the dealer back and they said they don't do that. I asked if I could just bring it in as the car had passed inspection four days earlier. He said, "No." After much to-and-froing I got him to agree to AAA towing it to them (AAA only pay for 7 miles [which will get you nowhere in Houston] and I paid $66.98 for the remaining 6 miles which I will try to reimburse) which I did and it arrived at MB at 9:30am on 6/6/2022. I had already told them that I needed to leave the next day at 4:00am to drive to Virginia (1200 miles) and he said he would see what he could do. I got a call from MB Sugarland at 4:00pm asking why my car had been towed here (by a different service tech). I was fuming especially when he started lying to me. I just wanted to get ahead of the 294,000+ recalls and safely make my trip. Now it's sitting in the dealership with a suggestion it's likely to be Wednesday at the earliest.
I also note that MB's Emergency recall notice letter is still not available: https://www.mbusa.com/content/dam/mb...2022050015.pdf
The NHTSA's recall letter is available: https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/rcl/202...2V315-3653.PDF
My brakes are spongy and do make the hissing noise when pressed.
Last edited by dwwaddell; Jun 7, 2022 at 07:30 AM.
I understand that the two year wait is to allow MB to manufacture enough replacement boosters. If your booster is still safe, they’ll leave it in for now. At the 2 year re-check, they’ll replace it.
Source: dealer rep in Aus
The rust is still there and it's a bit of a concern that they have declined to replace something that will inevitably fail due to a design fault and put it down to "normal" wear and tear
I understand that the car is 14 years old and that stuff wears out but if they are so concerned as to recall the vehicle due to safety concerns that still exist it appears that they are back-pedalling
I think the "design fault" is installation of the rubber band in the first place. I think it was solely designed for cosmetics .. but it is what traps water.
There are three stages of test results
No rust
Some rust
Too much rust.
You're in the middle ground and you are required to return at some time ... meanwhile the rubber band is gone. Being in this category (with removal of the rubber band) does not describe "will inevitably fail."
Those in category 3 get their vehicle impounded on the spot. This is the "will inevitably fail" category.
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