Spring Perch NHTSA Complaint - Help!
 

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W210 DANGEROUS FLAW please read (crosslinked in post #1 to all on topic data)
http://www.peachparts.com/shopforum/bodywork-repair-paint-tools-tips-tricks/147997-w210-dangerous-flaw-please-read-crosslinked-post-1-all-topic-data.html
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I have a 1997 E320. As many others have experienced the front driver’s side spring perch on this vehicle failed. As I see it this is a huge Safety issue. I have tried to get help with the repair from Mercedes Benz at the dealership, up to the corporate level with nothing to show for my efforts. At this point I have opened a complaint with the NHTSA, and I could use your help. If you have experienced the same problem please email me with any of the following information that you have available and are willing to release. I can assure you that any information you provide will be used for and only for the purpose of furthering this attempt to obtain a recall. If this is successful there is a possibility that you might be able to be refunded part or all monies you may have already spent to have this repair performed.

Please send any information you are willing to release to to:
springperch@yahoo.com

Name
Date of incident
Model of Vehicle
Year of Vehicle
Mileage at Failure
Details of property damage
Narrative of relevant info
Who performed repair
What assistance, if any, Mercedes Benz provided
Location of dealership
Any photos available
Copies of invoices (please blank out any home addresses, credit card info….)

Please note: I have received a number of messages from people suggesting where to go to find more info. While I greatly appreciate all of your help, at this point I have no problem with that. I have been combing this and other MB sites for a few weeks. what I really need at this point is to compile a database to provide to the NHTSA to establish that this is not an isolated case but in face a common safety issue that many have experienced. he more I can get the stronger the case for a recall. Unfortunately it appears that very few of the people with this problem actually contacted NHTSA and therefore it has not received the attention it deserves.



Thank you for your help, together maybe we can make a change.

-Todd McLaren

Try a search - there's all kinds of threads on the topic.

I have. I am trying to compile a database to provide to NHTSA with specific required info in order to make the case. It appears this is a real common problem, but one with an unfortunate few NHTSA complaints. I need to establish how large the problem really is in order for them o take it seriously.

Not to rain on your parade, but trust me there have been plenty of complaints. Evidently not enough, though. MBZ just closes their eyes and plugs their ears...

Mercedes has received many but I could hardly find any records with NHTSA. If I can get them to listen than Mercedes is SOL! they have no choice but to do what they are told. it is a long shot but it is worth a try. even if I fail, it puts the next guy that much closer.

Here is the mother of all Spring Perch threads:

http://www.peachparts.com/shopforum/tech-help/95120-w210-spring-perch-failure-please-read.html?highlight=spring+perch

Not true, at least in my experience. In 2006 my dealership repaired every 210 (about 10-15) that came in with a broken spring perch, and several more that we discovered while performing routine service or other unrelated repair work. MB has never had a problem paying for the work. Of course, we need to document everything. We include photographs to substantiate the warranty claim, and the work must be done by an MB approved body shop. Maybe the policy varies from dealer to dealer, but I don't think so. One thing MB won't do however, is pay to fix a car that's not broken.

which dealership is that? i will have my E420 towed there in the future :dizzy2:

Sounds VERY generous.

Todd, good luck !! I'll forward you my info. My local MB dealer told me to get lost when I asked them about the rusting spring perch problem.

ILUVMILS,
Is there a service bulletin number or something similar to reference at the dealership? I asked my service manager about this and he told me that he never heard of such a thing...he looked at me as though I were making it up.

ProV1, I thought that your perches were still attached.

I'd be more than happy to take care of any problems you have with your MB, but I think the towing bill from Michigan to New Jersey may be prohibitive.:eek:

Do you actually have a rust issue, or do you merely want to know what your dealer will do if a problem does arise? As I posted previously, MB won't fix what's not broken.

Your service manager is correct. There are no technical bulletins concerning rusted spring perches. In some parts of the U.S., rust is a non-issue. There are however, work instructions detailing the repair procedure. It's doubtful that he "never heard of such a thing" though. Unless it never snows where you live, or the service manager is new to MB, he has most certainly signed off on a repair or two. But really, what do you want him to say? Do you expect him to break down and confess? He doesn't work for MBUSA. He works for whoever owns the franchise. Give him a break. If you ever do have a rust problem, he'll be the guy you need help from.

good luck, hope your effort will work, most other complaints were treated with deaf ears by NHTSA, cause mercedes benz some how learn to sponsor for some of their events, or thru politiking. Majority of the 140 body had harness issue and look what happen after more than a thousand complaint have been lodge officially? NOTHING, they just turn their cheek around.

Add me to the list.

Here is my broken, rusty perch with pics.
http://www.peachparts.com/shopforum/showthread.php?t=177627