107 series Subframe Campaign

[schouboy]

I was reading a newsletter pertaining the subframe campaign.
"W107 front subframe modifications. One of the few bad design faults ever to come out of Stuttgart was the front suspension subframe for the W107 SL and SLC"---> I am looking for a second opinion, My dealer in the US says that as my mercedes does not have the W in front of the 107 on the Vehicle identification number. Therefore it is European production and because of that, Mercedes will not honor the recall and that I will have to cover all costs associated with the modification?? Has anyone herd of such a thing?? Thanks Happy Motoring!!!!

[tjohn]

Welcome. This issue has been covered here. The short version is the campaign is still honored for 450 SL/SLCs that haven't been updated. You pay the cost of new subframe bushings, but that's it (call it $60 or so). Your dealer is an idiot who can't figure out how to make your 14 digit VIN work in his 17 digit computer. (oh wait, that's my dealer. Well, maybe its contagious). If you get fed up dealing with them just write to MBUSA with your registration and VIN, and if your car needs to be doen they'll send you a voucher to do it.

[abe g]

As one who has gone through this headache, note that if you have a repair copy done by a mercedes dealer prior to discovery of subframe cracks, that dealer was supposed to repair same by first checking model 107s . There is an officcial recall from mercedes on this (only after you complain do you get this notice) Find out when the local mercedes rep visits your local dealer, try for appt with him but remeber you cant drive that car with subframe cracks (or in my case complete disconnect from one a framebolt!) You will have to put lots of pressure to get this resolved PS good time to repace front springs if needed) If you cant get anywhere with this !@#$% dealer, let me know I can dig up the recall notice from mercedes. Good luck Abe G

[jim16671836]

I have 2 SLC's..a 1974 and a 1980..Do either qualify for subframe rebuild...thanks Jim

[dpatterson]

Wow.... MB Australia must be a little more proactive than MBUSA. I dropped by the nearest dealer the other day to order an ignition key for one of my SL projects (at least it will be an SL... one day ....a few more dollars from now ). When they took the VIN they noted that it hadnt been repaired under the recall and suggested that when I get it running I bring it in. I was aware of the recall but wasnt going to do anything about it until the car was completed and ready for use. I was surprised when the dealer bought it up. Not bad on a car that was sold new in the UK, shipped to New Zealand and isnt even in Australia as yet.

Of course they then completely let me down by not being able to produce a data card for my other SL. So I dont know whether that car has had the subframe repair or not.

[autozen]

It has been years since I dealt with this issue, but as I recall, if you have minor cracks, they just weld gussets in. If the crack is serious, they install a subframe, but upsell everything connected to it. The all alluminum engines were not covered even though I did see one with cracks. Gilly might have more input on this.

Peter

[Djenka]

Does anyone have any scan of documents of a recent awarding of the recall.
I am struglling to get recall done on my C107 in South Africa

Thanx

djenka018@hotmail.com

[abe g]

I have official notices from Mercedes (afer complaint and repair) on subframe recall in USA (about 2-3 years ago. Still in effect I beleive. If you send me your post offce adress, I will be gad to send you copise of same (no facilites for sending via e-mail) After lost of pushing with factory rep they paid bout1/3rd the cost of several thousand US dollars Yougot to be tough. good luck Abe G

[jim16671836]

Does the SLC have the same problem with the sub-frame...Thanks for any replies....Jim

[autozen]

James,

It is a 107 and has the same subframe.

Peter

[erubin]

I had my subframe replaced (72 450SL) about 5 years ago. It's an open recall (because it's a safety issue). My friends '84 380SL was also done free of charge last year. It's up to the dealer (how good is their relationship with MBNA?) to push it through if it's a 107 outside the years normally covered and if the frame did not crack completely. Check www.alldata.com to see if your year and model is official.

It's great cause you can change the bushings for just the cost of the parts and while they are there you can do other stuff for just about the cost of the part (e.g. one of the motor mounts). Good time to consider changing tie rods since you're getting an alignment for free.

[autozen]

Unless MB has changed their position on the campaign, only models with the cast iron block were covered.

Peter

[jim16671836]

When did Mercedes go to Aluminum Blocks...thanks Jim

[dpatterson]

The 380, 420 and 560 are all alloy blocks. The 350 and 450 are cast iron.

[Djenka]

Originally posted by abe g
I have official notices from Mercedes (afer complaint and repair) on subframe recall in USA (about 2-3 years ago. Still in effect I beleive. If you send me your post offce adress, I will be gad to send you copise of same (no facilites for sending via e-mail) After lost of pushing with factory rep they paid bout1/3rd the cost of several thousand US dollars Yougot to be tough. good luck Abe G

abe g
here comes my postal address, thanks in advance for your effort. If possible in your country, mail it so that I pay for postage.

Djenka
P.O. Box 2861
Northriding 2162
Johannesburg
South Africa