Complaint Review: Mercedes Benz

Since 1985, I have enjoyed the pleasure of driving a series of superb Mercedes Benz coupes including my current CL55 AMG which I maintain in near showroom condition. I could mention the replacement of a replacement hidden wire harness that failed ($1200) or the replacement of an inoperable door handle ($600) but I want to stay on message.

Mercedes claims they have never experienced this situation before me.

Recently I noticed a small but expanding crack in both front fenders above each wheel; peculiarly, both cracks run perpendicular to the fender. That is from hood to wheel, not windshield to headlight. Each crack is adjacent to and emanates from an assembly (also cracked) just under the hood that bolts the fender to the frame. They are about 6 7 inches long and growing.

The Mercedes Benz collision centre general manager acknowledged that they were not impact related. He surmised that the damage was due to a structural flaw (assembly/stress) and not a sudden impact.

I wrote the president of MB Canada seeking consideration in the repair. No, was the response.

The decision on the part of Mercedes Benz to profit (thousands to repair) from the situation and offer no consideration whatsoever was disappointing.

Can you or anyone you know suggest a further course of action or put me in touch with someone who has experienced a similar situation.

Thank you very much.