Insulation Problems with New M Class
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: May 2014
Posts: 2
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2014 ML-350
Insulation Problems with New M Class
The insulation on the ML class attracts squirrels (rodents) and Mercedes Benz DOESN'T want to acknowledge or take responsibility for this problem...
I have a brand new 2014 ML-350 with 2,300 miles...This vehicle was parked at the local hospital's parking lot for the day. A squirrel was inside the engine compartment and got out in a hurry when I started the vehicle at 4:00 PM.
I then opened the hood to see what was going on and noticed that the insulation was destroyed by this rodent...
The next day another squirrel came out from underneath the ML as I approached the vehicle, this rodent got into more of this insulation.
Please note that this was short term parking (8 Hrs. in both instances)
I contacted Mercedes at Customer Satisfaction and spoke to SUSAN (1-800-367-6372 ext.6324)...
Customer Service was a TOTAL DISAPOINTMENT and not customer oriented as I would expect it to be at MB. Her position is that this issue IS NOT covered under the warranty, refuses to acknowledge the fact that the insulation attracting rodents is a problem and Susan also states that this problem is because rodents in the Northwest may like the ML's insulation but this is not a factory's problem!...
Bottom line: Mercedes using the wrong materials is a customer's problem!!
I never considered that MB owners should have to babysit our cars...I have parked a Toyota Land Cruiser, a Range Rover, a Chevy pick up and a Porsche 911 Cabriolet at the very same parking spot over the last 14 years and never ever had an issue with rodents attacking insulation or anything for that matter.
Is it time to reassess my loyalty to this Mercedes brand?...Definitely, please read a second thread of the ML Class becoming the TOWING CLASS.
Regards to all members,
Current Driver
I have a brand new 2014 ML-350 with 2,300 miles...This vehicle was parked at the local hospital's parking lot for the day. A squirrel was inside the engine compartment and got out in a hurry when I started the vehicle at 4:00 PM.
I then opened the hood to see what was going on and noticed that the insulation was destroyed by this rodent...
The next day another squirrel came out from underneath the ML as I approached the vehicle, this rodent got into more of this insulation.
Please note that this was short term parking (8 Hrs. in both instances)
I contacted Mercedes at Customer Satisfaction and spoke to SUSAN (1-800-367-6372 ext.6324)...
Customer Service was a TOTAL DISAPOINTMENT and not customer oriented as I would expect it to be at MB. Her position is that this issue IS NOT covered under the warranty, refuses to acknowledge the fact that the insulation attracting rodents is a problem and Susan also states that this problem is because rodents in the Northwest may like the ML's insulation but this is not a factory's problem!...
Bottom line: Mercedes using the wrong materials is a customer's problem!!
I never considered that MB owners should have to babysit our cars...I have parked a Toyota Land Cruiser, a Range Rover, a Chevy pick up and a Porsche 911 Cabriolet at the very same parking spot over the last 14 years and never ever had an issue with rodents attacking insulation or anything for that matter.
Is it time to reassess my loyalty to this Mercedes brand?...Definitely, please read a second thread of the ML Class becoming the TOWING CLASS.
Regards to all members,
Current Driver
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Nov 2012
Posts: 6,130
Likes: 1,117
A gaggle of MB's
I will try to offer some clarity... and I get you have a squirrel problem, and to be straight forward there was another member here that had a mouse problem..
That said .... insulation can mean insulation like hood pad - however $450 sounds like a panel like that - or mean electrical insulation around wiring... and you have had some electrical issue on another post.
This has been a issue with vehicles from many manufacturers - since in "plastics" including temperature insulation and for wiring insulation - have all gone towards "green"/non-toxic and away from old-school/petroleum based plastics.
Squirrels, rodents of all types... nibble because they have to to keep back teeth growth.. there is no "food" value in your Mercedes... at all.. again, no one is eating your Mercedes to get fat ....
Spray repellents are the best way to eliminate the problem that you have at a particular place like your parking spot.. fortunately, local rodents are "bright" and quickly identify what is not a gmawing fest after encountering repellent..
Here are two of the MANY spray repellents others have used:
http://www.stoptherodent.com/
This not a warranty issue for MB - however, your dealer could consider helping you out under goodwill - and may be more willing to help if the dealer knows you have effectively addressed the original/source issue - which is the squirrels..
That said .... insulation can mean insulation like hood pad - however $450 sounds like a panel like that - or mean electrical insulation around wiring... and you have had some electrical issue on another post.
This has been a issue with vehicles from many manufacturers - since in "plastics" including temperature insulation and for wiring insulation - have all gone towards "green"/non-toxic and away from old-school/petroleum based plastics.
Squirrels, rodents of all types... nibble because they have to to keep back teeth growth.. there is no "food" value in your Mercedes... at all.. again, no one is eating your Mercedes to get fat ....
Spray repellents are the best way to eliminate the problem that you have at a particular place like your parking spot.. fortunately, local rodents are "bright" and quickly identify what is not a gmawing fest after encountering repellent..
Here are two of the MANY spray repellents others have used:
http://www.stoptherodent.com/
This not a warranty issue for MB - however, your dealer could consider helping you out under goodwill - and may be more willing to help if the dealer knows you have effectively addressed the original/source issue - which is the squirrels..
Senior Member
Joined: Mar 2014
Posts: 387
Likes: 2
2014 ML350 BlueTec
I will have to agree with the others and side with MB. I know of many who have had their wiring attacked by these little rodents and they do not prefer Mercedes. It was also at an office parks and it got so bad they had to hire a pest control company to capture and release the little buggers.
Sorry about your problem but Mercedes is not at fault.
Sorry about your problem but Mercedes is not at fault.
