sprins

Correct. There are mandatory recalls, and service bulletins which are probably an aide in bug tracking and fixing but only implemented when needed (i.e. you're stuck on the side of the road).

Case in point: I once had my SL55 lowered by AMG in affalterbach and they implemented a supercharger fix that they wouldn't let me leave without. But if I wanted it done at my dealership I should have asked for it explicitly as it wasn't mandatory.

david_101

well, within an hour of sending EM to my SA regarding the TSBs i believed hadn't been acted upon -- especially steering twitchiness while braking and rough downshifting while accelerating -- i received a call to schedule service.

i have to say that i really like my SA. i think she does the best job she's permitted to do. and i think that's about the best way to put it.

i should also say that i did indeed inform the selling dealer of the issues i'd noticed within a couple of days of purchasing. my recollection is that my observations were discounted to within-normal-limits or subjective perceptions. so much for that nonsense. i should remember to trust my instincts in such matters.

amer and sprins, thanks for the info and enlightenment. where would i be without you guys? :-)

thanks again guys!

bltserv

You are right on when it comes to what Dealers or S/M`s are supposed
to do and "will do" if pushed/asked firmly.

My 2005 SL55 had just been to a Dealer here in OC before I purchased it.
Seller/Dealer told me everything was up to date.
Well there was an open recall on Carfax. And when I took it to my
"Preferred Dealer here in OC" he told me there where 4 open TSB`s he would
correct for no charge. One was a software update too.

As said earlier in this thread. Arm yourself with data. Be firm but not rude.
Ask questions. Especially on a SPO car. You should be satisfied. And if not.
Tell them why.

csumt76

TSB's are aids for complaint related repairs. The client first has to complain about that issue. The TSB will help the tech resolve the problem and provide updated part information. Service campaigns, recall campaigns are mandatory or at least the customer is notified and invited to come in and have the problem corrected.

david_101

thank you for clarifying. you're very well-informed in MB service minutiae.

may i ask what CRS stands for?

csumt76

Ahhh, simply my initials.

david_101

it's hard to believe that the front-end creaking in turns remains evident. i had a young lady -- not the GF -- in the car tonight, and she heard it clearly as well. boy, am i ever irritated that it was supposed to have been resolved, but wasn't.

turns out that the cyclic harmonic at 1750 RPM is still humming. i'll have to get on 95 with a team leader if i can't reproduce it in neutral.

overall, the engine's performing far better than it was. earlier tonight, i was able to open it up a bit on 95 and elsewhere. it did 50-to-90 in about one breath, and slowed down just as quickly. it's sort of difficult to realize the ground speed while driving because it's very smooth and strains not a bit while accelerating.

hopefully, the bugs will be worked out soon enough and there'll be nothing left to do but drive and smile. hopefully...

JackStraw

David,

The front end on my 600 also creaks. It is especially noticeable when the top is down and I am making a k-turn or parallel parking. It sounds like it is coming from near the front wheel on the driver's side. When I took it in to have them check it out several months ago, they said that everything appeared normal.

I am bringing the car in for service next week and am going to have them check it out again. Did you say that there is a TSB covering this problem? If so, where can I find it?

david_101

another poster sent the TSBs to me via PM, so i cannot take credit for finding these:

Make: MERCEDES Model: SL CLASS Year: 2005
Manufacturer: MERCEDES-BENZ USA, LLC.
Service Bulletin Num: 322527 Date of Bulletin: MAY 13, 2005
NHTSA Item Number: 10015604
Component: STRUCTURE:BODY
Summary: THUMPING/RUMBLING NOISE FROM FRONT OF VEHICLE. MERCEDES-BENZ MODEL 230. MODEL YEAR 2003-2005. *TT
Check to Request Research. Submit below.

Make: MERCEDES Model: SL CLASS Year: 2005
Manufacturer: MERCEDES-BENZ USA, LLC.
Service Bulletin Num: 331516 Date of Bulletin: JAN 10, 2006
NHTSA Item Number: 10019128
Component: SUSPENSION
Summary: STEERING WHEEL TWITCH DURING BRAKE APPLICATION. VARIOUS MODELS INCLUDING MERCEDES BENZ 2006 MODEL 230. *TT

JackStraw

Thanks David, I am going to check this out. The noises I hear are creaking and clicking rather than thumping / rumbling though, but I am sure to learn something.

david_101

yes, i'd describe noises from my car similarly to yours. i also describe mine as sort of pops and crunches.

no matter the description, they're really out of place and annoying as heck.

please let me know what happens after your service visit.