107 Subframe Recall

[Buttercup]

Found this tidbit online,(below)-thought it might be of interest to somebody... guess I'm outta luck with the increasing crack in my '81....Anyone know what the cost to have the subframe welded? thanks
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All U.S. Model 107 SL's up to 1980 are affected. This recall is still honored by Mercedes-Benz.

What is it: The subframe underneath the front end of the car can and may develop a crack that could cause the car to malfunction and cause injury.

How is it repaired? If the subframe has developed a crack the entire subframe will be replaced by Mercedes. If it has not cracked yet then a support will be welded in place to prevent the crack from occuring.

How to determine if your SL has had the repair done: Take your car to the nearest Mercedes Benz dealer and have them check the MBnet using your vehicles' VIN number. Ask about SIL 33/001 Subframe Modification dated 11/1/85.

How much does it cost? The entire repair is covered fully under the recall. The only item not covered is the rubber subframe mounts (about $40).

[Buttercup]

Hey everyone,

I have re-posted the info. I found on this a while back. Update: I called MB North America and gave them my vin #, they informed me I did not qualify under the recall....however, I have a crack in mine like alot of the similar models that needs replacing/repair in the near future. Mr. MB suggested I write them a letter and try and get them to inspect it, my former mechanic also sugeested that I try and set up an appt. for them to look at it- but I got no sympathy by phone. Next step is I need a contact to address this letter to (recall dept?) if anything...anyone have that?

Btw, Buttercup has new used engine but is still being fine tuned by Mr. MB, (lucky me) hope to have her by the New Year...BUT I need to get this subframe at least welded b/c I am aware of the dangers of driving it this way...I'll keep you guys posted...any feedback appreciated as always.

[RickM]

A fellow member of a Porsche board I'm on works for Mercedes. If you'd like I'll pass your letter onto him. Perhaps he can contact the appropriate people.

[benzaddict SG]

If your subframe is cracked already then it's too late for welding the plates. It's your safety...don't be cheap and compromise. That said, if it's not cracked the plate kit was cheap and the recall paid about 3.5 hours to weld in. Replacing the subframe was a little more labor intensive, but not much. It's been over 10 years since I've done one but we used to get them towed in broken all the time. I would recommend calling your local dealer and get the phone # for the local factory rep, that will be your best bet to get it covered by MBUSA. Keep in mind that your car is 25 years old now and they may not care. However, if any car company would help you out I think it would be MBUSA.

[Darrell Woods]

Since you used to see them towed in frequently, what typically happened? When one side broke, did the other break at the same time due to the increased stress? Do you lose complete steering control when one/both break? My '75 had not been repaired, and when I took it in there were no signs of cracks. As a result, they said they would weld the plates on. They did one side, but said the other was bent slightly and it wouldn't fit. I looked at it, and it is bent/curled right where they weld the plate on...looks like somebody hit something. So, I have one "safe" side and one not, so I'm not sure just how dangerous it is to be driving it since there are no signs of cracking.

[ericdee]

I had it happen, the A arm started to rip away from the sub-frame, only one mount was left on the A arm and that too started to go, pretty scary!!!

Sign: It was pulling very hard to that side.

[iwrock]

Interesting Recall. I will call my buddy (he is a service advisor for local MB dealer) and see if the recall is still being honored.

[Richard Wooldridge]

Hello again,
I called MBUSA, and they told me that '82s aren't included in the "campaign", (even though they have the problem.) So, I called the local dealer, the subframe price is $982, and the repair kit with new tabs is $87. I ordered the repair kit, will get out the mig welder and have at it, I guess. Seems like they would have included ALL the years that have the problem! Perhaps the newer cars hadn't shown the problem when the recall went into effect.

[Gilly]

The cars that were manufactured "post recall era" had reinforcement gussets already welded in, so it is a bit confusing why your car would have failed in the same manner as the "pre recall" cars. I wouldn't bother ordering the repair kit as all new subframes should have the gussets installed. I'd worry more about things that should be attended to, or may NEED to be attended to, like the control arm bushing, or actually for the labor involved in swapping out the control arm bushings, you may want to comapre what it would cost to just replace the control arms entirely (the arms also come with new ball joints, so you're all set there for a long time to come). Also new motor mounts since they're in there, and of course sub frame bushings and a bolt kit for those. I hate to just pile a whole bunch of new parts on you, but this is a golden opportunity to get this stuff all restored since it'll all be apart anyways.
Gilly

[Richard Wooldridge]

Hello again,
Thanks for the info! The car is still on the car dolly at the moment, so as soon as I get time, I'll pull the subframe off the car and check out all the stuff you've mentioned. I agree that it is a golden opportunity to refresh all the parts, and I will do whatever it needs, as it is a great little cruiser. In the meantime I still have the '79 450SL to drive when it's not raining, and my '82 300D/4.3L V6 for when it is, along with a bunch of other vehicles that aren't as much fun.