Hey all,

First off, I searched the forum and found next to nothing regarding my question. So, I politely would like to ask a potentially redundant one in hopes of relief.

MBZ of El Paso is a terrible dealership. I have a 2008 ML320 CDI that I bought in DFW from Park Place. It has blown wheel bearings and needs work covered by warranty that MBZ ELP refuses to do. They claim it's my tires.

Anyone know of a reputable indie shop that does warranty work here in ELP?

Any leads would be most appreciated.

Cheers,
John

__________________
1966 200D Fintail. "Flossie" 151k Dying a slow death.
2008 ML320 CDI 32k "Waiting for a name"

what is the reason that they gave you about the tires.

Unless I am missing something I do not see how a tires can cause a bad bearing. Is it just 1 bearing?

Unfortunately, no indy shop does warranty repairs. Dealer only has ability to bill MB for the work.

I would ask you if you have aftermarket wheels on your car. An incorrect offset can put stress on wheel bearings causing premature failure.

__________________
"Life is tough...it's even tougher if you're stupid." John Wayne


Dave
Pawleys Island, SC

'79 300CD

I think you should take the problem one level higher. Contact MB direct about the problem and the dealership's refusal to help. Let them direct you on where to take the vehicle.

__________________
Charles
1983 300D, bought new, 215k+ miles, donated to Purple Hearts veterans charity but I have parts for sale: http://www.peachparts.com/shopforum/mercedes-benz-cars-sale/296386-fs-1-owner-83-mb-300d-turbo-rebuild-parts.html

The right front wheel bearing was replaced under warranty in Dec 2010 in DFW where the car was purchased.

Identical noise is now coming from the left side of the car. I took the truck in and gave history on the December repair. Apparently the ELP tech who diagnosed the problem has 35 years of experience and claimed the tires (which have about 5k miles left on them) are so severely cupped that they are causing the noise.

I had a reputable shop inspect the tires, balance, and rotate them and the noise is still present. The noise is there from 14mph up to 80mph and increases in pitch, but not volume when accelerating. There is no vibration or feeling of distress through the steering wheel. The tires, while almost out of their service life, are without damage and round (according to the tire shop). Further, MBZ ELP didn't suggest a new set of OEM tires which leads me to believe they know that new shoes won't make the noise go away. WHy wouldn't they suggest a 1500 dollar set of tires and make some money? It just doesn't add up.

The service advisor wouldn't show me the tech's notes on the assessment of the problem.

Can anyone recommend approach/tactics when dealing with obstinate dealers? I am considering taking the car back to DFW to get it repaired.

This is a frustrating experience and I have never been treated so poorly by a Benz dealer.

I couldn't find the MBZ USA HQ phone number...does anyone have it handy?

Many thanks,
John

__________________
1966 200D Fintail. "Flossie" 151k Dying a slow death.
2008 ML320 CDI 32k "Waiting for a name"

Call Us
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Send Us
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Ask for Customer Relations. They should take care of you.

__________________
-Justin

91 560 SEC AMG - other dogs dd
01 Honda S2000 - dogs dd
07 MB ML320 CDI - dd
16 Lexus IS250 - wifes dd

it's automatic.

I'd think it would be a simple diagnosis... just lift the front end and spin the wheels - listen for grinding noise (hopefully, brake pads aren't worn or binding). No noise... inspect the bearing and repack if no damage. Elementary stuff for a competent tech - he could at least show you if the bearings were good or not.

Maybe they're just mad you didn't buy the car at their dealership.

__________________
Codifex
1981 240D ChinaBlue (Got her running with a donor engine.)
1983 300DTurbo w/sunroof.
1984 300TD manual sunroof. (Electrical Gremlins)

If your tires are so cupped after only 5K, it would seem that there might possibly be a suspension/steering/alignment issue.

__________________
"Life is tough...it's even tougher if you're stupid." John Wayne


Dave
Pawleys Island, SC

'79 300CD

no, he said there are 5K left on the tread... and the tires are out of their service life.
old tires can certainly cause noise without vibrations being transmitted to the steering wheel.
are the back tires in the same shape? rotation should move the noise to the back if it's the tires.

__________________
John HAUL AWAY, OR CRUSHED CARS!!! HELP ME keep the cars out of the crusher! A/C Thread
"as I ride with my a/c on... I have fond memories of sweaty oily saturdays and spewing R12 into the air. THANKS for all you do!

My drivers:
1987 190D 2.5Turbo
1987 190D 2.5Turbo
1987 190D 2.5-5SPEED!!!

1987 300TD
1987 300TD
1994GMC 2500 6.5Turbo truck... I had to put the ladder somewhere!

If it is the wheel bearing you will not be able to drive it to DFW area . . . your wheel will probably fall off!

You could have it towed or put on a transport . . . but by that time you could just buy new tires (MB ain't gonna pay a 600 mi tow bill!)

Has the noise been getting worse in the last hundred miles, or has it been there for a while . . . ?

__________________
82 240D Manual 277K and still rolling!
02 Volvo S60 AWD For Sale

This is a sealed, pressed in bearing.




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