Mercedes Benz extended warranty

[1lieutenant]

Not sure if this has been covered. I just received a notification from Mercedes Benz extending the warranty on the M264 engine exhaust valve train failure to 15 years, 150K miles. Covers the years 2018-2023. I had read about this failure happening below 60K miles, but usually out of the original factory warranty. Failure requires replacing the head. Gives me a little peace of mind since we own a 2021 GLC 300 with this engine. I did a bit of research. It appears the failure rate is about 1%!

 

[KGMtech]

Does the warranty extension require maintenance at a Mercedes Benz dealer?

 

[1lieutenant]

No mention of this. It did note the work had to be completed at a MB dealer. My understanding is the engine is very susceptible to damage by incorrectly indexed spark plugs with warranty repairs denied.

 

[GMBoy]

Not sure if this has been covered. I just received a notification from Mercedes Benz extending the warranty on the M264 engine exhaust valve train failure to 15 years, 150K miles. Covers the years 2018-2023. I had read about this failure happening below 60K miles, but usually out of the original factory warranty. Failure requires replacing the head. Gives me a little peace of mind since we own a 2021 GLC 300 with this engine. I did a bit of research. It appears the failure rate is about 1%!

This is what will keep a MB owner loyal to the brand. A 1% failure rate, accepted responsibility and took action to protect the customer for a decent amount of time. GM won't do that for transmissions, Lifters and so on with a much larger failure rate.

 

[The Critic]

Does the warranty extension require maintenance at a Mercedes Benz dealer?

All maintenance must be performed at a licensed repair facility and maintenance receipts must match the requirements of the owners manual. DIY will not suffice.

Friend just had a cyl head failure on his 22 E350 at 38K. Service writer and warranty reviewed every since service record and even matched the listed oil to the MB Bevo list.

 

[1lieutenant]

All maintenance must be performed at a licensed repair facility and maintenance receipts must match the requirements of the owners manual. DIY will not suffice.

Friend just had a cyl head failure on his 22 E350 at 38K. Service writer and warranty reviewed ever since service record and even matched the listed oil to the MB Bevo list.

While I am not doubting your friend’s experience, this is not listed as a requirement for the extended warranty. I just reread the document completely. The underlying defect seems to involve worn valve guides and seats on the exhaust side. No other defect is included. It doesn’t seem the issue is with the oil (although I could see neglect as a reason for denial). If they open up the engine and find no other evidence of an oil related failure, should they deny the claim?

 

[The Critic]

While I am not doubting your friend’s experience, this is not listed as a requirement for the extended warranty. I just reread the document completely. The underlying defect seems to involve worn valve guides and seats on the exhaust side. No other defect is included. It doesn’t seem the issue is with the oil (although I could see neglect as a reason for denial). If they open up the engine and find no other evidence of an oil related failure, should they deny the claim?

I handled the matter from start to finish, happy to provide some additional detail and documentation for you to review via PM. The matter just happened around a month ago.

These extended warranties always default to the owner responsibilities listed in the maintenance booklet that came with your vehicle. If you refer to page 21 of the warranty guide, it is clear that “receipted invoices” are required to demonstrate required servicing.

https://www.mbusa.com/content/dam/mb-nafta/us/generic/2021-Warranty-Booklet.pdf

 

[loneryder]

Is this the turbo 4cyl engine?

 

[1lieutenant]

Is this the turbo 4cyl engine?

Yes

 

[1lieutenant]

I handled the matter from start to finish, happy to provide some additional detail and documentation for you to review via PM. The matter just happened around a month ago.

These extended warranties always default to the owner responsibilities listed in the maintenance booklet that came with your vehicle. If you refer to page 21 of the warranty guide, it is clear that “receipted invoices” are required to demonstrate required servicing.

View attachment 322698
https://www.mbusa.com/content/dam/mb-nafta/us/generic/2021-Warranty-Booklet.pdf

Touché. I should have read my manual more closely! Fortunately for me, I have had all required services completed at the Mercedes dealership since new.

 

[rstsco]

If a manufacturer requires specific service and/or parts, they must pay for it. Otherwise, the manufacturer must prove the lack of service or non-OEM parts caused the defect/failure. Not saying this wouldn't be a major PIA, as it will be the dealer making the first judgment call.

Does MB pay for your required maintenance?

 

[1lieutenant]

If a manufacturer requires specific service and/or parts, they must pay for it. Otherwise, the manufacturer must prove the lack of service or non-OEM parts caused the defect/failure. Not saying this wouldn't be a major PIA, as it will be the dealer making the first judgment call.

Does MB pay for your required maintenance?

Not a chance. lol. First three yearly required services were part of the purchase price. Second three are on me as I purchased a prepaid package by the dealership. By prepaying for the three services, the total was discounted about 50%.