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Car Forum / Mercedes-Benz Cars / September 2005

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w140 gearbox mystery

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number14 - 13 Sep 2005 19:53 GMT
I have a beautiful 1995 W140 S420 with the five speed auto box. Nine
months ago I had a "totally reconditioned gearbox supplied and fitted.
In June the gearbox went into safe mode and wouldn't change gear.

The car spent the last two months back at the Autobox specialist. Every
day I have heard different excuses. The guy claims to have rebuilt the
box twice, next it was the gearbox ECU, that was changed. Next the
computer was reset. Then a second gearbox was bought.

I got in a strop because the guy went on Holiday when he had promised
me the car back. The I found the car had been sent ot a third garage
for electrical tests. I spoke to this new garage who told me that there
were no electrical problems.

I am now a bit confused as what to do. I paid £1700 for the
reconditioned box, have twelve month warranty, but the garage seems
unable or unwilling to fix the problem. Any advice?
Martin Joseph - 13 Sep 2005 20:27 GMT
> I have a beautiful 1995 W140 S420 with the five speed auto box. Nine
> months ago I had a "totally reconditioned gearbox supplied and fitted.
[quoted text clipped - 13 lines]
> reconditioned box, have twelve month warranty, but the garage seems
> unable or unwilling to fix the problem. Any advice?

Make it clear to them they have two choices.  They can fix your car, or
they can give you your money back.

That is there obligation.  be nice about.  If they don't come across,
then unfortunately seeking legal advice is probably your next move...

Marty
Dori A Schmetterling - 13 Sep 2005 21:27 GMT
I agree with that.

In addition:  I realise the car is 10 years old, but if this kind of job is
being carried out, would it not have been sensible to at least get a quote
from a Merc dealer?

They don't neglect old cars.

DAS

For direct contact replace nospam with schmetterling
---

[...]

> Make it clear to them they have two choices.  They can fix your car, or
> they can give you your money back.
[quoted text clipped - 3 lines]
>
> Marty
Tiger - 14 Sep 2005 20:08 GMT
Agreed... tell them to fix it or give money back or see you in court.
T.G. Lambach - 14 Sep 2005 00:31 GMT
This shop is dragging this out in the hope that you get discouraged (and
their problem) fades away. Their warranty is no longer 12 months, only
three months remain - unless there's been an agreement to extend it.
1,700 UK Pounds was no bargain, IMHO, yet their follow-up effort to
ensure performance appears to be half hearted at best.

You've lost use of the car for two months - or was a free loaner offered?

If this were my car I'd put this written proposal on the shop's table:

The warranty be extended to add the car's "down time" since the June
failure.
The shop has two weeks to fix it or refund your money.

If it's not fixed or money refunded it will be taken to a M-B dealer for
repair and the shop sued for the repair cost.

Unfortunately such knotty problems are like quicksand, the longer they
go on the worst it gets. It's now time to be firm and extricate
yourself. Remember, this shop was willing to take on this complicated
repair - they weren't doing you a favor - it was business. They failed -
so far - and don't have the ability or willingness to perform at this
level. They don't like it either, looking at your car laying there day
after day, and would also like it to be gone - one way or another.
T.G. Lambach - 14 Sep 2005 04:13 GMT
Excuse my English - the line should have read:  "the longer they go on
the worse it gets"

Back to grammar school!
 
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