Be careful if you're buying a used Mercedes.

[iono1]

Article on Mercedes subframes
www.repairerdrivennews.com/2023/02/21/new-lawsuit-highlights-hidden-dangers-of-auto-corrosion/
Corrosion is at the center of a class action lawsuit filed in Georgia this month. In the legal filing, Lieff Cabraser and Corpus Law Patel subframe issues have been identified in 2010 to 2022 Mercedes-Benz models. This includes:



2010-2022 Mercedes-Benz C-Class;

2010-2022 Mercedes-Benz E-Class;

2010-2015 Mercedes-Benz GLK-Class;

2010-2022 Mercedes-Benz G-Class;

2010-2022 Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class;

2010- 2020 Mercedes-Benz SLK/SLC-Class and;

2010-2022 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class.

“This is a serious safety concern,” said Keten A. Patel, firm partner. “Corrosion on the rear subframe makes the component and its attached suspension parts structurally unstable and prone to failure. And when the subframe fails while the vehicle is in motion, it can cause the rear of the vehicle to fishtail, the vehicle to suddenly veer to one side, or complete loss of control for the driver.

Message board replies
www.aboutautomobile.com/Consumer-Complaint/2012/Mercedes-Benz/C300/Suspension

There is a big problem with Mercedes models from 2010 on.  I have a 2011 C300 that required a new subframe & the brake lines at a cost of around $5,500 for both, over $3,500 just for the subframe.  I don't drive that much, but I'm in upstate NY where corrosion is a problem.  I had only 50,000 when my subframe needed replacement.  Fortunately, it was spotted during the state inspection before it caused me to lose control, as some have experienced.  I bought mine new.  Some have been buying used subframes to save $, but I'd be leery of having a used subframe considering the failures of the older models.  Some have gone the used route because their local dealers couldn't get the part in a reasonable timeframe.  I was fortunate it only took 8 days to fix.

So, if you want to buy any of the models shown above, do so only if the subframe has been replaced with a new part.  If you buy one with a used subframe replacement or one that has never been replaced, you could be in for a repair bill over $3,000.  

[iono1]

Update.  I was going through the internet on the topic & found the following announcement (attachment).  You may need to scroll down to see the announcement. I did not receive a letter as is described in the announcement. 

Basically, Mercedes extended the warranty to 20 years and if you have holes in the subframe it will be replaced under the new warranty & if you already replaced it, like I did, you are eligible for a reimbursement of the costs to replace the subframe.  

I called the dealer where I had the repair done & they're sending in the paperwork for my reimbursement.  

So now I have to change my conclusion to: If you want to buy a used Mercedes, check to see if the subframe work has been done and if it hasn't been, have the seller get the work done before finalizing the purchase.  However, if the subframe hasn't deteriorated to the point of having holes, Mercedes won't do the work, so don't buy it unless you plan on monitoring the subframe condition on a regular basis and as soon as the subframe gets any holes, schedule a replacement at a Mercedes dealer.  

mbworld.org/forums/extended-warranty-discussions/859431-rear-subframe-extended-warranty.html#&gid=1&pid=1

[Opti]

How old is your used Mercedes? I remember reading it affects every single model, correct?

[iono1]

May 15, 2023 14:01:06 GMT -5 Opti said:

How old is your used Mercedes? I remember reading it affects every single model, correct?

I bought it new in December 2010.  It's a 2011 C300 sports sedan.  I don't drive that much (I bought it as my retirement car knowing I no longer was going to put a lot of miles on it) and have a little over 51,000 miles in 12.5 years of driving it.  It's garaged, but I live in Upstate NY.  

The models are shown on the extended warranty announcement on the link I posted today. It looks like the extension of the warranty covers models from 2008-2017 but each model appears to have different applicable years.  

[jerseygirl]

So another crap thing that needs expensive repair by Mercedes

Under rust in cars is now almost unheard of
Mercedes has a ‘name’ but it’s coasting on years ago opinions

[Opti]

May 15, 2023 15:02:37 GMT -5 jerseygirl said:

So another crap thing that needs expensive repair by Mercedes

Under rust in cars is now almost unheard of
Mercedes has a ‘name’ but it’s coasting on years ago opinions

All cars need repairs. All cars will rust eventually unless they are not made of metal. 

[Opti]

May 15, 2023 14:33:49 GMT -5 iono1 said:

May 15, 2023 14:01:06 GMT -5 Opti said:

How old is your used Mercedes? I remember reading it affects every single model, correct?

I bought it new in December 2010.  It's a 2011 C300 sports sedan.  I don't drive that much (I bought it as my retirement car knowing I no longer was going to put a lot of miles on it) and have a little over 51,000 miles in 12.5 years of driving it.  It's garaged, but I live in Upstate NY.  

The models are shown on the extended warranty announcement on the link I posted today. It looks like the extension of the warranty covers models from 2008-2017 but each model appears to have different applicable years.  

They've probably adjusted frame coverage based on the pool of what they think is out there plus costs. I think the loaner cars at the garage I frequent are in the 2008 to 2010 range, but I'm going on memory.

Garages make a big difference but as you probably already know getting salt off your car and its under carriage is important as well. I'm still sitting on a airbag recall that affects many manufacturers and vehicles. I figured if after 20+ years the steering wheel airbag has not yet deployed it would be pretty unlikely in my current driving lifestyle which is almost all 50 mph or less, mostly city and almost no highway driving.

Do you have a mechanic or garage that gives you good advice on that vehicle? Your car is not even 12 years old really, so you should be fine for another eight years given what you have posted. But local conditions and your actual vehicle trump my guesstimates. 

[iono1]

The check came today: $3,805.08.  Exactly three weeks after my request for the refund.  

One more thing if you're buying a used Mercedes. Some people did not want to wait for a new subframe because some dealers were backlogged on the part for months (fortunately mine had the job finished in 8 days).  So, make sure you don't buy one with a used subframe since many of the originals rotted out and I wouldn't trust a used one.  I don't know what Mercedes policy is about replacing a used replacement subframe if it rots out within the 20 year warranty, since it came from a different vehicle.  

[Opti]

Jun 5, 2023 15:05:19 GMT -5 iono1 said:

The check came today: $3,805.08.  Exactly three weeks after my request for the refund.  

One more thing if you're buying a used Mercedes. Some people did not want to wait for a new subframe because some dealers were backlogged on the part for months (fortunately mine had the job finished in 8 days).  So, make sure you don't buy one with a used subframe since many of the originals rotted out and I wouldn't trust a used one.  I don't know what Mercedes policy is about replacing a used replacement subframe if it rots out within the 20 year warranty, since it came from a different vehicle.  

This should show up on car fax I would expect. Not sure how prevalent off books subframe replacement would be. For whatever it is worth, me personally, my goal is to replace my car with something younger and with better gas mileage.

My hope is it has at a good driver's seat, and I would like it to be cool. 
Now if someone wants to give me this or sell it for way less than it is worth, let me know.

[daisylu]

I would never buy one anyway. I have more important priorities than having a fancy car, especially one that costs too much money to repair.

[The Walk of the Penguin Mich]

Jun 5, 2023 18:09:51 GMT -5 daisylu said:

I would never buy one anyway. I have more important priorities than having a fancy car, especially one that costs too much money to repair.

Ditto.  

I love the new Audi SUV.  However, my mechanic told me how much pm costs for stupid things.  I don’t need a car that is not only going to cost me more to maintain, but is a magnet for harm too. 

[iono1]

Jun 6, 2023 5:40:45 GMT -5 The Walk of the Penguin Mich said:

Jun 5, 2023 18:09:51 GMT -5 daisylu said:

I would never buy one anyway. I have more important priorities than having a fancy car, especially one that costs too much money to repair.

Ditto.  

I love the new Audi SUV.  However, my mechanic told me how much pm costs for stupid things.  I don’t need a car that is not only going to cost me more to maintain, but is a magnet for harm too. 

I'm not sure what you mean by "magnet for harm".  Hyundais & Kias are being stolen at record rates.  I had VWs that were vandalized and had a Mazda stolen from an apartment complex parking lot.  Nobody has ever harmed my Mercedes in 12.5 years.