**************** by Mercedes Benz SA

I bought a brand new C180 CGI in 2011 which I drove for over eight years without any major issues. Few months ago the transmission oil cooler packed up causing transmission oil and engine coolant to mix resulting to a serious damage to the gearbox. I had to pay over R20k for an overhauled gearbox and new radiator. Last month the water pump started leaking and took the car back to Franken Auto in Durban. When an order for a new pump was placed with Mercedes Benz it was established that it was still under warranty as it was last replaced in January this year. Mercedes Benz advised that the pump will be replaced by them free of charge and booked the car in for a week later. I waited for a week without a car as I could not drive the car with a leaking water pump. When the car was eventually taken to Mercedes Benz a week later they informed Franken Auto Services that the claim has been rejected by Mercedes Benz SA as the water pump was full of rust. They even charged Franken Auto Services more than R2000 for the 'diagnosis'. Franken Auto Services produced all the invoices with part numbers and dates as evidence that failed water pump was bought from Mercedes Benz Durban in January to no avail. Franken Auto Services had to pay Mercedes Benz Durban more than R2k for this 'diagnosis' that I do not understand as it was well known that the water pump was faulty. They (Franken Auto Services) eventually replaced the faulty pump for me free of charge (had to pay for the part only), and also covered Mercedes Benz's 'diagnosis' fee which I am very grateful for but very unfair of Mercedes Benz SA. I am quite certain now that my next car won't be a Mercedes Benz.