Long time listener, first time caller
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Sep 2025
Posts: 56
Likes: 14
From: CT
2010 GLK350 4matic
Long time listener, first time caller
Hello all,
I have lurked on the forum for quite a while and decided to join. I have a 2010 GLK350 4matic with 79k on the clock. It’s a nice car. Recently I had to have service for a rusted rear subframe. Gather round for the story…
I went to the local MB dealer (I won’t name him but they are in North Haven, CT) and the confirmed the rear subframe had rusted and needed replacement. They also recommended replacing the resonator due to a whisp of black soot at the joint and the rear springs as they rusted and appeared to have broken in the spring pocket. Cost? 2,700.00. I inquired if that included labor and was told yes. Then I reviewed the rear subframe replacement method and pointed out that both of those parts had to be removed anyway. I let them know that the exhaust wasn’t bad and that a gasket would fix the soot. Then we concentrated on the springs. To replace them, parts were going to be $565.00. I looked on their online parts store and found that they sell them for $118.00 each. Haggling ensued as to why can they install springs I buy over the counter from them but they wouldn’t budge. Reluctantly I caved and let them change the springs as I’d have to buy the special spring compressor, change them on the ground, and then get an alignment. I figured my time was worth more than the $100.00 I’d save. Car is back, bad review left, and I’ve ordered parts to do the 80K service on my own.
Im a retired engineer and a former mechanic back when cars had carburetors.
I hope I didn’t bore you and look forward to learning and sharing.
I have lurked on the forum for quite a while and decided to join. I have a 2010 GLK350 4matic with 79k on the clock. It’s a nice car. Recently I had to have service for a rusted rear subframe. Gather round for the story…
I went to the local MB dealer (I won’t name him but they are in North Haven, CT) and the confirmed the rear subframe had rusted and needed replacement. They also recommended replacing the resonator due to a whisp of black soot at the joint and the rear springs as they rusted and appeared to have broken in the spring pocket. Cost? 2,700.00. I inquired if that included labor and was told yes. Then I reviewed the rear subframe replacement method and pointed out that both of those parts had to be removed anyway. I let them know that the exhaust wasn’t bad and that a gasket would fix the soot. Then we concentrated on the springs. To replace them, parts were going to be $565.00. I looked on their online parts store and found that they sell them for $118.00 each. Haggling ensued as to why can they install springs I buy over the counter from them but they wouldn’t budge. Reluctantly I caved and let them change the springs as I’d have to buy the special spring compressor, change them on the ground, and then get an alignment. I figured my time was worth more than the $100.00 I’d save. Car is back, bad review left, and I’ve ordered parts to do the 80K service on my own.
Im a retired engineer and a former mechanic back when cars had carburetors.
I hope I didn’t bore you and look forward to learning and sharing.
Super Member
Joined: Dec 2015
Posts: 599
Likes: 237
From: Suburban Maryland
2023 E 450 Sedan. 2018 GLC 300. 2013 E 350 Coupe (retired)
Sorry for your poor experience. They were just following their basic instinct by trying to extract money from someone they had not seen before and knew they would not see again. You did not follow standard Mercedes etiquette, as outlined in your car manual, by failing to say, 'sounds good, when will it be ready.'
Last edited by smiles201; Sep 23, 2025 at 10:03 PM.
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Sep 2025
Posts: 56
Likes: 14
From: CT
2010 GLK350 4matic
Funny that the car was purchased from them and serviced by them when my parents owned the car. They even had the repair order under my late father’s name. I suppose they are out to get as much as they can from every car thinking the owner isn’t going to notice.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jan 2024
Posts: 2,515
Likes: 900
From: DFW
SL63
If you are in Rio Linda, you might as well be there during Rush hour.
Since you are in MBWorld, welcome to it.
May your stay be long and prosperous.
As one of our forum members would say “This is the Way”.
Since you are in MBWorld, welcome to it.
May your stay be long and prosperous.
As one of our forum members would say “This is the Way”.
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