Roof blister motoring ombudsman decision.

[Mikewood]

Hi, I am one of the unfortunates who are now on the second replacement roof and out of warranty. MB refused to warranty the repair and as you will be aware the extended warranty doesn't cover the roof.

I made a complaint to the ombudsman just to have some type of warranty put onto the new roof. The response is as follows.

MB responded by saying that they won't provide a further warranty and the repair work has no guarantee on it. The make it clear that it would have a 2yr repair warranty only if the repair was carried out after the 3yr warranty period AND a customer contribution was made. This is contrary to some of the advice on this site.

It didn't come as a surprise to me that the ombudsman sided with MB. They did say that they would consider overturning the decision if I could provide a full technical report proving that the roofs were inherently defective which I obviously can't do or afford.

It would appear that we are alone on this and cut adrift by MB

 

[Grand Tourismo]

Hi, I am one of the unfortunates who are now on the second replacement roof and out of warranty. MB refused to warranty the repair and as you will be aware the extended warranty doesn't cover the roof.

I made a complaint to the ombudsman just to have some type of warranty put onto the new roof. The response is as follows.

MB responded by saying that they won't provide a further warranty and the repair work has no guarantee on it. The make it clear that it would have a 2yr repair warranty only if the repair was carried out after the 3yr warranty period AND a customer contribution was made. This is contrary to some of the advice on this site.

It didn't come as a surprise to me that the ombudsman sided with MB. They did say that they would consider overturning the decision if I could provide a full technical report proving that the roofs were inherently defective which I obviously can't do or afford.

It would appear that we are alone on this and cut adrift by MB

Hi Mike,
Very surprised and a little perplexed as to why you have received this response from MB UK. Here is a transcript of the email I received from MBUK in July talking of the very same issue:

"As the roof is classified as a part, if the roof is replaced outside of manufacturers warranty then you will be entitled to a 2 year parts warranty.

However, if the roof is replaced within the 3 year manufacturers warranty, like all parts this will not be extended and will only apply until the end of the 3 year manufacturer warranty period. "

I am also of the understanding that MBUK have now created a VIN number list of all affected UK vehicles, if your vehicle VIN is on that list then it should be covered as a recognised manufacturing defect, even outside of your 3 year vehicle warranty... (I have given up even discussing the insurance backed MB extended warranty as it covers nothing of the "camping" side of the MP. Although it has just paid out to fix my wonky door motor)

 

[Mikewood]

I think MB are not even sure of what they can and can't do. This is a cut and paste of the relevant part of the response from MB.

"If the customer’s roof was repaired before the warranty period ends, the warranty of this part will only be until this ends"

"If the roof is repaired outside of warranty with a customer contribution, as the roof is a Westfalia part, the customer will then have a 2 year parts warranty"

 

[Grand Tourismo]

I think MB are not even sure of what they can and can't do. This is a cut and paste of the relevant part of the response from MB.

"If the customer’s roof was repaired before the warranty period ends, the warranty of this part will only be until this ends"

"If the roof is repaired outside of warranty with a customer contribution, as the roof is a Westfalia part, the customer will then have a 2 year parts warranty"

I would seriously doubt you need to make a contribution in order for the parts to be warranted but the text they have sent you is clear enough I suppose.