Tag: Mercedes Benz

Mercedes Benz seat bleeding or color problem

Make: Mercedes Benz                                                                                                                                                                          Problems: Seat Bleeding or Color

Summary: Actually, Mark, the TSB was issued 12/19/2014, so they must have known about this problem for quite some time. Since not a word was even mentioned about this on any online forum before that 1/4 post, I’d bet the first reports of a problem were from dealers seeing it on cars in their lots. Cold nights, warm days, bleeding seats. Some very puzzled customers must have also brought their cars in, wondering what was happening to the seats in their new cars. On my car, an August build, the seats were normal until December, even though we have had below freezing temperatures since I picked up the car on 9/22.

I think my post on 1/4 was the first online report, and I got a call from MB-USA almost immediately after posting that … and the rep specifically referred to that post. I was also asked about damage to clothing several times, and that’s one of the issues addressed by this newest MB letter. The current response is a reaction to the seat issue now being publicly exposed by online media, and is a much needed attempt to calm owners who are seeing this disfigurement of their interiors. It’s my understanding that new supplies of MB-Tex are being imported from Germany and will be retrofitted to all affected vehicles.

One question I have is about the Mb-world claim that this is caused by the glue that attaches the cover to the foam. On the main page article, this claim is made … and it goes against everything we’ve postulated here, as well as the MB explanation of a bad sealant. Where did that come from? Also, if the covers are glued, how will they be replaced without damaging the foam underneath?

Regarding compensation from MB … that’s a question that remains open. Even after pressing the issue, I have received no specific responses other than “we want you to have a good experience with your new car.” That means MB is still dealing with that issue and has reached no decision yet. I’m sure many of the phone calls they must be getting from irate owners are raising that question and want some commitment from them. They’re not going to be handing out new cars for a fixable problem … if that’s the only issue with the car. My guess is that they’ll offer free service coupons or extended warranties, but no vehicle replacements except in extraordinary circumstances that reach or border on Lemon Law status.

Source: “http://mbworld.org/forums/c-class-w205/570522-official-mercedes-benz-q-re-bleeding-seats.html”

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MERCEDES BENZ SETTLEMENT PROCEDURES

 

Mercedes Benz cases can be difficult and frustrating, with Mercedes having among the most unusual settlement policies.
Most manufacturers do not like to repurchase vehicles, but at least with attorneys, plainly set forth their position in particular cases    Mercedes tends to immerse even lawyers with fluff, with its people prattling on about tremendous concern for customer satisfaction and their willingness to repurchase or exchange a defective  vehicle, while they take a tough position regarding the claim..  With most manufacturers, a statement that the car will be purchased or exchanged can be accepted, with Mercedes, that may mean only that the case is being evaluated and when an offer is presented it may well be far less than what the lemon law provides. With Mercedes, one should get each promise or suggestion in writing and not postpone legal action based upon vague promises.

Mercedes’ stonewalling is combined with sometimes unrealistic expectations by purchasers. Ten years ago, Mercedes
was an finely manufactured car.  Today, the vehicles are mass-produced with customer satisfaction roughly equivalent to some better American cars, and below that of manufactures like Acura.   Unfortunately the lemon law is not tied to consumer satisfaction; one does not simply get a refund because he or she is dissatisfied with the performance or functionality of an expensive new vehicle. Most lemon laws require proof that a defect exists which substantially impairs use, value, or safety.   Lights coming on or the occasional malfunction  of some parts may not meet lemon law criteria even as it leaves a consumer dissatisfied.  Twenty years ago, Mercedes was an expensive vehicle; today the cost of a $60,000 vehicle does not seem that high, when compared with GM Yukons and Ford Expeditions in the 40-50 range.  A housewife who worries about transmission malfunction with two small children in the car, is more likely to secure a refund that a Mercedes owner worried about a check engine or other light that occasionally comes on.

The lessons are be realistic about your claim, assume that Mercedes will take a tough position, document your problems and present nonconformities.

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