Issues with my Mercedes - advice please

pedrotheexile

Hi,
New ML owner of two months and what a two months it has been. Bought the car in August and within two weeks a turbo fault had become apparent. Diagnosed as a faulty sensor giving intermittent power loss. Replaced whole turbo, partly paid for by dealer. Three weeks later it rained. Not a big issue you would think as I do live in the UK. However the electrics started to go haywire, doors not locking, alarm sounding, no fuel gauge/wipers/indicators. Recovered to a specialist who diagnosed a soggy SAM unit. A hose pipe test revealed a leak on the rear offside 'sealed!' window around a clip. This flooded the alcove behind the light that houses the SAM unit. £745 later, the unit has been replaced and the window resealed. I have written extremely polite letters to both Mercedes and the car dealer I purchased the vehicle from.
My question is, has anyone suffered a similar issue and if so did you get any joy from either the manufacturer (manufacturing defect) or the dealer (Sale of Goods Act 1979). I have a basic knowledge of legislation but with other issues going on in the family (child health problems) I'm not sure I have the energy to really pursue this if I can't get anywhere with an initial enquiry.
Thanks

jaydeeuk1

Wow, an ML, you must have deep pockets.

So you had the car repaired elsewhere without taking it back to the supplying dealer? Think you're out of luck I'm afraid. And will probably be out of cash too in about 6 months. Was it from a merc dealer?

fivetide

I would definitely have sent it back to the dealer for repair, even better if it was a MB dealer. Only two months - both problems could easily have been there at the point of sale so it was up to you to bring both to the attention of the dealer.


You may still have the chance to reject the car if it still isn't right. I would have a look on the forums like MBclub to check for known faults and any other experiences.

forgotmyname

Some details would help...

How old is the car, Mileage value etc? Bought from a dealer? MB or small trader?

colino

Is this an early version?
Did you do any research before buying it?
Why then did you buy MBs worst car, even eclipsing the A Class?
If you buy from a retailer and the car has a fault (not wear) you take it back until there is a resolution.

Landvoigt

Maybe the dealer carry the repair costs for goodwill. The most dealers will do this for the customers loyalty. Just give the dealer a ring.

tykesi

Why would someone from Colorado be interested in a British money saving site? I'm guessing there'll be some spam soon!

forgotmyname

Maybe he is a mobile mechanic? Its only 4400 miles (ish) i do hope he started out already he is in for a shock when he hits the M25

Dealer goodwill? Has he heard of the UK before? Does he know where we are?

Why do i get the feeling that English is not their first language though?

pedrotheexile

It's 8 years old with 44000 miles, full service history. I bought it from an independent used car sales dealership. Whether or not it is the 'worst Mercedes ever', any car can have underlying faults that can cost to put right - that's the nature of mechanics and I fully accept that. My issue is the leak shouldn't have been there - you expect a vehicle in the UK to be able to cope with rain, but due to the age are Mercedes under obligation to assist.

colino

Unless you got it for a bargain basement price, the dealer should have covered your initial fault, never mind just a part payment and I'd be chasing him for full payment.
Unfortunately as it's eight years old and bought from an indie, MB wont be interested.
Water leaks are very common on this car and I'm surprised you haven't found more.