107 SL and SLC Subframe Recall

[Fotografa]

Hi All,

I have been following with interest a thread on the Benzworld 107 forum regarding the subframe recalls for early 107's.

see here: http://northernresource.com/mercedes/10 ... recall.htm

and here: http://www.benzworld.org/forums/r-c107- ... tened.html

Does anyone know if Australian MB dealers are still honouring this recall?

I'm guessing yes, as it is a global issue, but would love to hear from someone that has had the work done by their dealer under the recall.

Cheers

Foto.

[Greg in Oz]

You may have already read my reply in your thread at http://www.mbcnsw.org.au/forum/index.ph ... 884.0.html but for those who don't visit that forum, I had the additional gussets welded onto the subframe of my 350SLC back in 1986 at no cost to me (as part of the recall) and my 500SLC has had a replacement subframe fitted prior to my purchase. Hopefully someone has had the work done locally more recently than 21 years ago and can answer whether or not the recall still applies. For more discussion and photos see also http://mbca.cartama.net/showthread.php?t=17285

Greg

[Fotografa]

Greg,

You are nothing if not thorough in your replies!!

I now have 2 107's to check this on.

I guess I need to either get dirty, or get them up on a hoist.

I have heard that if the subframe is already cracked they replace, and if not they will weld in the gussets.

Thanks for the info Greg, and I'd also love to know if anyone has had more recent experience with this!

Shane

[flugelpom]

What great info from these forums ! I had no idea about sub frame recalls on 107's. My local MB trained mechanic will have my 450SL on the hoist tomorrow and hopefully, I'll know if there is a problem or not.
Will keep you informed.

[John Green]

From what I know the Australian dealer do not want to know about it. The details in the URL's that started the post were for the USA where the factory rcall rules are a lot stronger than here in little old Australia. We stock the gussets that you can weld in at a reasonable price (dont know what it is as I am at home), and we do quite afew of these still in out own workshop. We even strip all the subframes out of cars we dismantle, modify them and have them on the shelve read to sell with the gussets in them.


Have also seen quite a few that have been done else where and the quality of the welding is terrible, to the point that there is no real increase in strength. Have also seen the end result of them breaking, not good. I have even seen the W114's do it mainly witht he 280E engine and MB have never issued a recall on that model. These can only have the gusstes on the l/h side due to the exhaust system being on the r/h side.

Ring 1300 787 300 is you want to order a set.

[Chai]

The subframe on my 450SLC cracked where the lower A-suspension arms connect to the subframe in October 1996. Felt the car wandering around the road and located the cracks when I jacked the car up for a look.
Luckily I was subscribed to the US MB mailing list (these pre-date web-based forums) and learnt about the recall then.

I initially contacted the Warranty Manager of Mercedes-Benz Australia who subsequently authorised the supply of the subframe under warranty - my car was 22 years old then. I did send him copies of invoices associated with work performed by an authorised MB service agent related to suspension mount, steering and auto mount works. MB Australia would not match the USA recall "policy" as they would not cover the labour associated with the replacement.

Mercedes-Benz of Melbourne (then Lanes Motors) performed the work to replace the subframe.

Subframe.JPG

[AMG]

Significant post for the model.
Although many of us are aware of the issue, I would hazard a guess -not many of us have actually fixed the issue proactively.
Stickied permanently.

Below are US Service campaign bulletin details:

Service Campaign 851211 (1985120001) " Lower Control Arm
Inspection of Front Axle Carrier Welding Additional
Reinforcement Brackets to the Lower Rear Control Arm" for
Model 107.023/.043/.024/.044.
If the reinforcement brackets for this repair, part number A107 330 0068, are not available,
the repair option is to replace the subframe
and close the recall campaign. Please check with your PDC for part
availability of the reinforcement brackets prior to replacing the
subframe. Existing subframe bushings, motor mounts, etc. that are
worn out are not included as part of the campaign. If the customer
wants these worn parts replaced it is customer pay or the dealer is
instructed to remount these old parts onto the subframe if the
subframe is replaced.
This document supersedes document MBNA 33/1 in the legacy data
microfiche file.

I personally suggest for safety reasons, that all owners investigate their subframe for cracks and have the gussets installed, if only for your own piece of mind.

[Greg in Oz]

I'm amazed that so many cars were not rectified when the problem was first discovered in the mid 1980s. I can't remember whether back in 1986 MB Australia contacted me or whether I heard about the recall via another source (eg. the MB Club of NSW which I joined in 1985). I suspect it was the latter as my 350SLC was a "tourist delivery" car (ie. a "625" Aus version but delivered to the original owner in Germany). What I do remember is that there was no question as to who would cover the cost of the rectification. All I had to do was take the car to them in the morning and collect it after lunch. I definitely did not have to pay for anything. It was however only a 13 year old car at that time, albeit a well travelled one.

Greg

[flugelpom]

Had the 450 on the hoist yesterday. Mechanic called in sick, but a neighbour has his own hoist in his shed (He's a Mustang fanatic - but he's OK !) No signs of cracking or welded support pieces/gussets etc. So all seems in order ?- BUT how can I tell if the front subframe is original and therefore should be strengthed/replaced ? Or maybe it WAS replaced under the re call some 20 years ago. Would a sub frame fitted under the re call differ visually from the original ? If so, anyone know how ?

[John Green]

Greg, if yours has the full on replacement unit, can you take some pictures and post them? I dodn't have any at work at the moment, and i also dont even have a ready to go modified one to post pictures of, checked yesterday and it had been sold. Have a W114 280E that we are wrecking in a few weeks so will grab the subframe from that.

[Chai]

Here are photos of the subframe that was replaced under warranty.

[Greg in Oz]

Greg, if yours has the full on replacement unit, can you take some pictures and post them? I dodn't have any at work at the moment, and i also dont even have a ready to go modified one to post pictures of, checked yesterday and it had been sold. Have a W114 280E that we are wrecking in a few weeks so will grab the subframe from that.

John,

Chai has beaten me to it with photos of his new subframe. I posted a link above to the thread with photos on the MBCA 5.0 SLC forum however I now remember you need to be registered and logged in to view the photos. Here they are again.

Greg

These are of the original subframe on my 350SLC with the extra gussets welded in:

[Greg in Oz]

And these are of the updated replacement subframe on my 500SLC:

[Chai]

Here's another pic of the subframe crack on the left hand mount. I only took two photos in 1996 and cannot determine if gussets were installed prior to my purchasing it.

As I understand it, the V8s were the only ones affected by the recall due to the weight of the engine. That is, it was not relevant for the smaller and lighter engines.

[Fotografa]

For those that wonder what happens when the subframe fails.....

[AV]

I raised this issue with my high profile, prominent Adelaide MB Dealer. He was very polite and listened, offering to "followed it up", and got back to me a few days later saying that MB no longer deal with this as a warranty or manufacturer issue. I got the feeling he knew more than he was letting on, but was trying to see how much I knew.

AV

[AMG]

I think you'd be better off putting your concerns into a well versed letter to MB head office in Oz asking why your local dealer refused to honour a known product recall for a serious and potentially life-threatening safety issue.

See how far you get. "Deaf ears" is the response I assume you'd get, but it wouldn't hurt to circulate copies at the same time to the motor trades association, and the national transport safety unit. and your local federal MP too.

it never hurts to really get under the skin of people who shirk their responsibilities and refuse to do the right thing (morally) or avoid it because it might mean they have to actually do some real work.
:D

[NZ350SLC]

Looks like my '72 350SLC has not had any sort of remedial work.
Anyone here know of supply / install options here in NZ?
If the frame is not cracked I guess the gussets get welded in. Any idea of availibility / price for subframe?

72-350SLC.JPG

[AMG]

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[John Green]

Yep, have them at work, not that expensive, when compared to what can happen... I might not be in tomorrow, still trying to shake off a cold. Just ask for the W107 subframe repair kits, the number is 107 33? ?? ??

[supercharger]

oooh man thats really sad to see the car like that to bad :( faeces i hate when it comes up like this i hope you can fix it up and good luck to you .

[dingo_oz]

Thanks for this tip guys. as i was searching across this brown wide land for my love, about half the cars i inspected did not have it done (which i pointed out to those who hadn't). when i finaly settled on Astrid, barrie green in adelaide sorted it out and was able to get the part easily. luckily there was no fatigue showing, but thanks to your advice i drive with peace of mind.

[Beamer]

Has anyone had any more recent experience of getting some assistance from M-B Australia for this problem?

I have just found out that my subframe is cracked and I am looking at a hefty repair bill. My car has not had the gussets fitted previously (but will have them fitted now!). The response so far from M-B (through one of the local authorised service centres) has been that they are no longer providing any assistance for this issue.

[John Green]

Has anyone had any more recent experience of getting some assistance from M-B Australia for this problem?

I have just found out that my subframe is cracked and I am looking at a hefty repair bill. My car has not had the gussets fitted previously (but will have them fitted now!). The response so far from M-B (through one of the local authorised service centres) has been that they are no longer providing any assistance for this issue.

Is this the enquiry we had at work today?? I doubt you will get anywhere with MB, they stopped doing anything about it in the mid 90's, mind you if you put a deposit down on a SL63 they might entertain the idea....

We do have a subframe at work that is not cracked and can be reinforced to factory standards, ring Murray on 1300 787 300, it that wasn't you who rang this morning. There are a few version of the subframe with the differences being in how the engine mounts are mounted and accessed.

[Beamer]

Thanks John. I sent an email query this morning about the repair kit (or a replacement subframe). At this stage, I am looking at repairing (welding) the existing subframe and adding the factory fix.

And I was just about to put down a deposit on a SL63, but after the response on the subframe, I'm having second thoughts...

[John Green]

If the crack is small, yes you can just weld in the gussets and away you go, but if it has opened up at all you will never get the wheel alignment right.

[Beamer]

Forgive my ignorance, but I couldn't match this up precisely with the pictures below. Am I right in thinking that this subframe had not had the gussets added, or am I missing them?

[John Green]

It is the rear mount for the lower control arm that cracks not the front. Post up a picture looking form the front. If unsure have a look at this link:

http://www.mbspares.com.au/Service/W107 ... uilds.aspx

[berntd]

John, have you got those plates to reinforce the subframe?
I am just about ready to fix one I have here.
Regards
Bernt

[John Green]

Yes, give me a call on 02 6239 3236.

[AV]

John,

if you don't mind i will give you a call also

cheers

[John Green]

Last two sets wen't today. Have more in the production pipeline.

And for anyone who is wondering why I am selling parts again, this is a one off. I have the pattern for them and just get them made for our workshop. As MB don't sell them anymore I am happy to sell a few sets to help people out.

[Hart to Hart 450SL]

Hi All, I’ve just purchased a 1980 450sl and noticed driving home when I break the car steers to the right. I’m reading about the sub frame issue and thinking I need to have a look before going on any adventures. I have literally jumped in the deep end with my first classic car and have little machanical knowledge but I’m determined to learn as much as I can. If I get under the car am I looking for this sub frame point at the back of the car near suspension springs or is it the front end? Any responses will be appreciated by this ‘new MB apprentice’

[John Green]

Hello, and welcome. Read this:

https://www.mbspares.com.au/Service/W10 ... uilds.aspx

and then have a look at your car. You can't post pictures until you have made 5 posts, so make a few posts and then post up a picture of your subframe. The pulling right might be to do with the brakes, if the fluid is not changed reguarly they caliper pistons start to seize. Here is one I am repairing at the moment.,

[Hart to Hart 450SL]

Thanks John for the link, will get it out on Saturday and check it out. And gets some posts done so I can load pics.
The car I have is actually a customer order. Ordered in Adelaide with MB to be made right hand drive and US specs so has catalytic emission control fitted etc. big bumper and twin headlights etc. so not sure if US 450sl has different issues to euro/aus models. But I’ll start searching archives before asking to many newbie questions.

[John Green]

Thanks John for the link, will get it out on Saturday and check it out. And gets some posts done so I can load pics.
The car I have is actually a customer order. Ordered in Adelaide with MB to be made right hand drive and US specs so has catalytic emission control fitted etc. big bumper and twin headlights etc. so not sure if US 450sl has different issues to euro/aus models. But I’ll start searching archives before asking to many newbie questions.

Post the chassis number up as a new topic in the W107 section and we can help decode it? Also there is a small plate in front of the radiator with a bunch of 3 digit codes on it, either type it out or get the 5 posts done so you can post a picture of it.

[T-Modell]

...As MB don't sell them anymore I am happy to sell a few sets to help people out.

John,
has that changed ... two/three years ago they were still available at the classic centre ...
Thomas

[John Green]

...As MB don't sell them anymore I am happy to sell a few sets to help people out.

John,
has that changed ... two/three years ago they were still available at the classic centre ...
Thomas

Not even on the price list anymore. I presuem you are using the later 107 subframe in your 500E?

[T-Modell]

Nope John,
the frame is from the W115; even the donor car was 1983, so pre-facelift. However the donor car was already broken and badly welded, so we took the W115 frame to weld it in

Here's the 1983 SL frame, welded in Japan:

2017-02-23 - 11 - Achse SL.JPG

Regards
Thomas