A Mercedes-Benz S450L owner in Fuzhou, China, is facing a dilemma after his six-month-old vehicle experienced a catastrophic engine failure. Mr. Lei, the owner, is demanding compensation, but the 4S dealership has failed to provide a satisfactory solution.
According to Lei's account, on February 14th, while driving his Mercedes-Benz S450L, the vehicle's dashboard warning lights illuminated, followed by a sudden loss of power. Upon inspecting the engine compartment, Lei discovered a loud metallic screeching sound and engine shuddering.
The vehicle was towed to the dealership, where technicians removed the oil pan and found metal fragments at the bottom. Lei believes that the engine failure, occurring within just six months of ownership, is unacceptable for a luxury vehicle of this caliber.
Automotive experts speculate that the engine failure may have resulted from a collision between internal components within the crankcase, potentially due to lubrication issues or a malfunctioning air distribution system.
Despite the severity of the issue, the dealership has not provided Lei with a clear explanation of the cause of the failure. Lei has requested a replacement vehicle or a full refund, but the dealership has declined, citing a lack of eligibility under the warranty conditions.
The dealership has offered to replace the engine and provide two free maintenance services, which Lei has rejected. He contends that replacing the engine would significantly affect the vehicle's resale value, resulting in a financial loss of approximately $30,000 USD.
Lei is now demanding a new vehicle or a full refund. Negotiations between Lei, the dealership, and the manufacturer are ongoing.
