I recently responded to the Mercedes M Class web site, where they request feedback on the M Class. My letter and their reply follows: xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

COMMENTS:.....I purchased my new ML-320 in July 1998, VIN4JGAB54E3WA050388.
I now have 60,000 miles and am due for a fuel filter replacement. I am told
the original fuel filter is no longer available, and extensive changes are
required to install the replacement filter. If the original filter was
inadequate why were the trucks not recalled and fitted with the properly
specified filter? If the original filter was adequate to not require a
recall, why aren't they still available for these early models? How can
Mercedes, in good conscience, make the purchaser of these vehicles pay to
correct a design defect?



Dear Mr. Hock:

Thank you for your recent email regarding the fuel filter replacement in
your ML320.

While we recognize your disappointment, we seek your understanding that
modifications to previous designs are not an indication of a design defect.
Additionally, as stated on page 21 of the Owner's Service and Warranty
Information manual that accompanied your vehicle, "the manufacturer has
reserved the right to make any changes in design or to make additions to,
or upon its products without incurring any obligations to install the same
equipment on trucks previously built."

We regret this may not be the response you anticipated, and solicit your
understanding. If you have further technical questions, please ask to
speak to our Product Advice Specialists at 1 (800) FOR-MERCedes
(800-367-6372). Best wishes for safe and pleasant driving.

Sincerely,



Christine Dingler
Customer Relations
1-800-FOR-MERCedes x6361

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

They miss the point, or they didn't want to address it. I wasn't asking for my vehicle to be brought up to later specifications. All I wanted to know is why can't I buy the replacement fuel filter that will replace the one that came with my vehicle without having to pay for extensive changes to bring the vehicle up to current specifications.If this filter was good enough for 60,000 miles, why can't I buy the same one for its replacement? I should not be forced to update the vehicle design either if I chose not to. On the other hand, if the original filter is so bad that it should not be used, Mercedes should pay for any modification required to fix their design problem. I would have expected more from Mercedes.

__________________
Tom H.

Another reason to never buy another Mercedes-Benz. World Class vehicle.............. I don't think so. The Mercedes Experience, Unlike Any Other

Hold on there a second.
As far as I know (and I can reconfirm this info as it is just a bit dated) MB will, for the original purchaser, update the fuel filter (free).
You have to do it at the appropriate time (either 60,000 mi or 4 years), and have to be the original owner. you're past the 4 years, which is when it should have been done, but if it hasn't been updated, I believe they'll replace it for you and replace the lines all free.

Gilly

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I have a '99 ML320 73K miles. I purchased the truck in '00, not original owner.

At 60K I went through the same issue, I asked for fuel filter replacement.

They came back with the same answer and a quote of $750. I told them I will ask again, all I need is the fuel filter replaced, I have no problems with my fuel pump system, if the filter I need is not available, then I don't think it is my problem.

If the design is changed and the filter new filter do not work with the current system, they must have available the original part for a number of years by law. If the part is not available at all because a design change, then there may be a flaw in the original design and must be replaced for free. Specially when it is not just one part, but almost the whole system. This is almost like saying, the oil filter design changed, the new one do not fit in your engine, and the old one is not available, so you need a new engine!!! This is definitely against the law of marketing practice.

They said that ahhhh!, so you don't have a problem with your fuel pump system? So now we understand, all you need is the filter replaced at 60K. I said EXACTLY.

The whole system was replaced for free, as the receipt says, pump, aux pump, filter and hoses.

Just my story, hope it helps.

Rene

Like rrodz indicated, there is a federal law which states that the manufacturer of an automobile make available for 10 years all replacement parts. I do not understand how Mercedes can get around this law either by making the old fuel filter available or offering to update the old fuel filter at no cost to the owner, no matter if you are the original owner or not.

If Mercedes does not make this part available, you would think the original manufacturer of the part would still crank out enough of these to satisfy the replacement market and market them through aftermarket parts suppliers.

You guys sure know how to get my heart rate up.

I am the original owner of a 99 ML320. We had a problem in Nov 2002. The truck wouldn't run. Local dealer diagnosed and replaced fuel pump, lines, filter, etc. Total bill was $863. I thought it was unfair at the time, but I didn't have the right argument to make them pay.

BTW -- the truck had 77K miles on it at the time so it was out of warranty.

Gilly -- Can you give me anything more definitive about dealers doing this repair for free? Do you think I have any chance of going back for a refund 15 months after the service was performed? Can anyone cite a specific reference to this federal law on replacement parts?

Thanks in advance.

Tom,

The answer she gave you is completely out of line and does not apply to your well stated complaint. Take a close look at her answer again:

"the manufacturer has reserved the right to make any changes in design or to make additions to, or upon its products without incurring any obligations to install the same equipment on trucks previously built."

This refers to, as an example, if MB produces the truck with a BOSE sound system on the first half of a given year, and then improves the design or get a better deal from a supplier or any other reason, and produces the truck with a SUPER BOSE sound system the second part of the year. If you own a truck produced the first half of the year, MB is not obligated to upgrade your sound system. I think I understand and agree with this one. But this is completely unrelated to what your well stated complaint.

Her statement does not address the fuel filter wear item issue.
In my opinion, you should re-send your e-mail to her, stating that her answer is unrelated to your issue. In other words, ask her for another try.

Good Luck,

Rene

sunedog:

I can try to ask my old contact at the dealer if he can offer any info on what I remember to be the MB policy on the ML filter update......

Gilly

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Thanks, Gilly. I appreciate anything you can provide.

I talked to him, he didn't sound very positive about it now. He said there was a "window of opportunity" to get this done. If the filter would have been done at about 60,000 miles on schedule, the shop could have done the new lines at no extra charge and installed the big filter. At the time of failure of your pump, 77,000 I think you said, that would have been too late for MB to help, and it sounds like they're not doing that at all anymore, by now the earlier models that need this mod done should have all had the filters replaced by now.

Gilly

__________________
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Bummer. Thanks for checking.