Tifoso48

This afternoon we were coming back to town after a great 120 mile ride. I turned the setting back to “C-comfort”.

Next thing I know I have no power at all. Regardless of how much I stepped on the accelerator- no response - car changed at approx 1200 rpm - so I am driving at 30 miles in 7 th gear and at least to my ears the engine sounded a bit weird.

I waited for an hour after going home to take the car out again, and initially it did the same thing but after about a minute it snapped out of it and is back to its normal self.

No error messages - normal water temp.

Any thoughts?

California John

Never experienced it. If it happens again switch to S+ and see if it still happens. Just to see if it is related to mode setting.

Tifoso48

Took the car out today to run an errand about 8 miles mostly city traffic.
Bad roads, so all the time in C. - no changes in mode.

No problem getting there and ok for 3/4 of the way back then the same thing happened - no power, laboring to get to1500 rpm then gear change. It felt like the engine using molasses rather than oil.

i have an appointment for Wednesday but I am concerned that the shop will not be able to reproduce the problem. I am wondering if temperature build up has anything to do with this.

California John

Good luck with the service. I guess my question is when this happens (this time in C) what would happen at that time if you switch to S or S+ or Race? Still the same problem?

Wolfman

Sounds like the car is going into limp mode. Surprised nothing showed on the instrument panel but those conditions should normally store error codes. Good luck!

Tifoso48

I am not the world’s most patient person and dropped the vehicle at my dealership this afternoon and they very kindly agreed to deal with it right away.

And yes, limp mode was mentioned but also surprise that the “check engine light or any other error message” did not come on.

I am sure they will figure it out and I will report back.

Tifoso48

The dealer released the car back to me saying that they just did the latest software update which also addresses issues which potentially could cause the car into limp mode. They have not been able to identify any real issue which should have caused that to happen -- twice!.

I will keep my fingers crossed that they are right and that I will not experience a limp mode episode at exactly the wrong time - for example in the middle of an overtake.

ughc43

I've noticed this before -- did you try taking your foot off the accelerator entirely after switching the mode and then pressing it back down? That's always worked for me.

19Marco55

Purchased 2022 AMG SL 55 performance trim on Sept 2022; car was a joy to drive till last March. While on highway on C mode car lost power and went in limp mode. No warning lights. Car was drivable though slow
After stopping at home check engine light went on solid; car was taken to dealer and I was reassured it was "only" software needing update.
Next day car was fine and remained ok for few more weeks then lost power again (on S mode), went on limp mode and had to be towed to same dealer (this time was about 100 miles away).
Car remained there, no events were reproduced but additional software updates were installed. I was reassured "all will be fine now" except...it didn't.
Three weeks later same loss of power on highway, limp mode not allowing speed higher than 70 ml/hr or 2500-3000 rpm.
Towed again to dealer for the 3rd time where "some" event was finally found (battery drained over a weekend and was replaced). In the interim I contacted MBUSA (on 6/21) and told them I would like them to
consider a repurchase or replacement should the loss of power issue return.
They explained they would definitely consider but it would take about 4 weeks to assess my case.
On July 2nd the car had the 4th loss of power on highway, limp mode etc etc and had to be towed to dealer on 7/5 (no availability before).
As of today (8/5) no events were found or reproduced at dealer. I tried to contact the same person at MBUSA to discuss but I was declined any contact with him or any explanation about how to proceed or what o expect.
Passed all documentation to lemon attorney 2 days ago....
I am new to the forum and I thought I share my experience

BLAM

Sorry to hear you’re having such a bad experience. Hope they get you a replacement asap.

MalibuScott

Your Lemon Law lawyer should be able to help you. And once you have retained a lawyer you should not personally contact MBUSA again.

In California, as an example, if your car needs repair for the same defect 3 times, or if repairs take over 30 days, your car is presumptively a lemon. But California is the most liberal state. So depending on where you bought the car, whether it was new or used, and whether you bought it in state or out of state, your rights may vary.

If you remain unhappy with your lawyer, PM me and I will try to refer you to a responsive lawyer. But 2 days isn't very long and we're now into the weekend, so I'd give your lawyer a few more days.

19Marco55

Thanks MalibuScott for your advice and support.
The car was purchased brand new in CO but transported to AZ (where I currently reside). Lemon law in AZ is not that different from CA I reckon.
Attorney has already contacted MBUSA and suggested I no longer speak with MB mothership; he stated a response is required within 30-90 days and if MBUSA does not
reply then we’ll go to court. The attorney appears to be on top the issue so we’ll see how it goes. He stated that since it seems a straight forward case this matter should go expeditely. I am a patient person but I wish I had contacted attorney already back in June rather than relying in MB good reputation.
I will keep posting progress as things evolve

MalibuScott

In California there is a state Supreme Court case which holds that a vehicle purchased out-of-state and brought to California is not entitled to the benefits of the California Lemon Law. Cummins, Inc. v. Superior Court (***) (2005) 36 Cal.4th 478. In the Cummins case the vehicle was a Winnebago with a Cummins engine. The California Lemon Law (the Song-Beverly Consumer Warranty Act) makes no distinction between automobiles and other vehicles.

I have warned other posters here in the past about buying or registering their Mercedes-Benz vehicles out-of-state since that may compromise their rights under California's very liberal Lemon Law.

The Arizona Attorney General's website (https://www.azag.gov/consumer/auto) says this about Arizona's Lemon Law for new cars:
It sounds similar to California law except that it's four strikes rather than three that trigger the law.

Colorado Law is similar to Arizona's, except the two year limitation in Arizona is one year in Colorado. Colorado provides a PDF document when you go to the State's website on the subject: https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=...l&opi=89978449

Which state's law applies could be an interesting legal question. I don't know if there are any Arizona cases, and I haven't looked. The worst situation would be for each state (Arizona and Colorado) to say its Lemon Law doesn't apply. Then you're in no man's land.

19Marco55

The car is at its 4th shop visit + (attempted) repair and currently it is well over a total of 30 days spent there. I contacted BBB but MB does not have any “relation” with them. BBB suggested to contact NCDS (National Center for Dispute and Settlement) but MB has no relation with them either. I specifically asked the attorney if purchasing car in CO and registering in AZ may have an impact in the dispute. He said that since the car was never driven in CO (it was transported with a covered truck following the purchase) and then registered in AZ the AZ lemon law will (should) apply. As I said the car was purchased last September so 1 or 2 year limitation does not apply. While I don’t know what kind of legal twist(s) this situation may take, I obviously hope MB will admit the car’s poor function and either repurchase or replace. I will continue to post the development of this case although my attorney was brought into play only 3 days ago. I am certainly open to listen to to suggestions and opinions.
Again, thanks for intelligent observation and consideration

California John

It would seem Marco that you have Mercedes Benz by the short hairs. I am very thankful that we have people on this board like Malibu Scott, who offered to help those in need with their excellent expertise. How long it will take Mercedes-Benz to respond and resolve. It is certainly a? But your experience has hit all of the check boxes.

19Marco55

Hi California John,
Yes, I was pleasantly surprised and thankful as well about Malibu Scott reply; he seems to know quite a lot about lemon law in CA and other states.
I did some homework and went through the AZ lemon law. The AZ lemon law does not mention anything about cars purchased out of state; I realize though that this may be or become a sticky point for contentious
not to mention I may have missed the outcome of some similar previous disputes.
I don't know how long will it take to MBUSA to respond but my attorney said they must reply within 30-90 days. If they don't then we'll go to court.
As I said before this is the first time I post something in this (and any) forum as I wanted to share my experience as well as to see whether anyone has had same or similar problems and, hopefully, a solution.
I will continue to post all progress and updates.
Stay tuned and thanks for your support

MalibuScott

For the record -- I am not a Lemon Law specialist.

I am a trial lawyer with a business, entertainment and real estate practice. I've been practicing for almost 52 years.

I became interested in the California Lemon Law after my 1990 Mercedes 500SL spent too much time at the dealer with too many issues. My local Mercedes-Benz dealer accepted a return and exchanged it for a 1991, which was trouble-free. Since then I've used the Lemon Law to force a buyback by BMW of a troubled 2006 650i convertible, and a 2010 550i being driven by my ex-wife.

I also helped a neighbor who had a Mercedes E63 AMG whose transmission kept locking and refusing to allow a shift to first from reverse unless the ignition was first turned off. In the middle of that buyback transaction (which cost Mercedes a lot of money) I learned the vehicle had been purchased by my neighbor in Illinois and was licensed by his "trust" in Montana. Mercedes had hired a (clueless) company in Texas to effect the buyback, and while of course I had to disclose the Montana plate number and registration information, I otherwise kept very quiet while the transaction progressed and closed.

I also have an interest in the effect of the Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act on modified automobile drivetrains that become damaged, but I haven't had a case. I'd be interested in litigating one because the burden of proof (persuasion) is on the dealer to show the modification was the cause of the defect, and I enjoy beating up experts at depositions and on the witness stand.

19Marco55

well well, that explains a lot about your confidence and knowledge about Lemon Law. As I mentioned in a previous post I spent some time reading the AZ Lemon Law but I could not find any specific mention about cars purchased out of AZ State so this gives me some peace of mind even though it does not mean that a case of the sort has been already disputed.
I am glad you were able to help other customers with your expertise. Fifty-two years of practice is tough to beat. Congrats on that too.
On a different note, at this time nothing has happened yet with my case and I am waiting to hear from my attorney.
As promised, I will keep posting any development

MalibuScott

Marco before posting anything further check with your attorney to make sure you aren't compromising your case. I always assume Mercedes-Benz has people reading these sites, and as unlikely as that can be, you never know.

19Marco55

very wise tip; I will simply post the outcome of my case once it has fully resolved.
Thanks again for your kind advise and expertise

Streamliner

I have a feeling that MBUSA is currently dealing with a tsunami of repurchase requests, Lemon Law disputes, etc. We here on this site represent a tiny percentage of the MB buying public and in most newer model categories, over the past couple of years, complaints seemed to have risen to astounding levels. Go read about the current GLE & GLC models or even the forum on the S Class flagship sedans. I believe that during the CCP Virus fiasco, that many design & engineering issues with new models were ignored by MB. I also believe that new models did not receive the thorough testing and vetting that MB has been famous for over the past many decades. Off the record, MB SA’s will tell you that pretty much from 2021 on, product issues have jumped exponentially. I believe we are only seeing the tip of the iceberg at this point. As a long time, very loyal MB customer—I’ve had 17 brand new ones—writing this gives me absolutely no pleasure.

Tifoso48

Regretfully it happened again about an hour ago, and this time even worse. Last time the car was able to limp on. This time total stop. I did hear the engine sound change and then it stopped dead in its tracks.
And this time the “ check engine light” came on and stayed on even after we managed to restart the car.
I will be taking the vehicle to my dealer Monday morning, and frankly I am really quite worried that this could happen at exactly the wrong moment.

Streamliner

My 2022 S580 sedan, which has been approved for a repurchase by MBUSA—I’m awaiting actual surrender currently—completely died in the middle of an extremely busy highway. One second it’s operating normally as I sat in bumper to bumper traffic, next second I get a red message on the screen, saying something like “Battery low, park vehicle and charge battery,” and then before I could even change lanes, the car completely shut down, even the emergency flashers wouldn’t work. Car was towed to the dealer where it took them THIRTY DAYS to fix it and get it back to me.

If this had happened on the freeway, at night, I hate to think what might have happened. Best of luck to you with your issues.

19Marco55

Good morning you all. Sorry to hear about Streamliner and Tifoso48 troubles and, obviously, I hope they can have their car issues fully resolved asap.
I have an update from my side: MB has officially agreed (via email and snail mail) to proceed with repurchase via third party company; I was notified few days back and I referred them to my lemon attorney.
They said the whole process to proceed with an offer will take about 4-6 weeks (not so sure why this long).
On a different note the MB dealer has not been able to reproduce the event leading to loss of power which, somewhat, remains mysterious to me.

Vert_lover

I'm surprised no one has brought this up in this thread:

Mercedes Fuel Pump recall on 2022-2023 SL's