[den458]

I'm at my local dealership for my recall appointment. I spoke with the service writer here about what exactly will be done. I noted part of the paragraph describing "What will your DEALER DO?" After describing replacement of the rear insulation mat, the last sentence in the paragraph reads "As a matter of normal service process, an authorized smart dealer will also check for other repair measures which might be applicable to your vehicle and this may increase the required working time." I asked if that included the diagnostic which would show, for instance, outstanding transmission firmware "measures which might be applicable to my vehicle"? He said a diagnostic would cost $175, which would include any applicable firmware updates. My recall letter says a check will be done. The verbage boldly reads "This service will be provided free of charge". Can my dealer fully and competently check for other repair measures while NOT running a diagnostic? Or may they simply visually glance around, and note only repair concerns observed visually? I suggested an included diagnostic would be an appreciated, good-will gesture, he countered that even if he ran the diagnostic, he'd have to charge me $175 to apply any firmware update. What are the experiences of others on this included "check for other repair measures" ?? BTW, I called the Mercedes Customer Service toll-free # 800-367-6372 several times from the waiting area, get Voicemail, LOL.

 

[den458]

I'll add my amusement at the hypocrisy of how Daimler worded the background for the recall (although it's puzzling that neither "smart" nor "fortwo" are capitalized. No proof-reader to capitalize YOUR BRAND & MODEL? If one didn't know better, you'd think Daimler was all white-knight & proactively protecting us from a potential safety defect.... And the letter appears to be on Mercedes letterhead, 3-point star, signed by a Christian Treiber, Vice President, Customer Services.

Note to Christian: Really? I reached voicemail 2X on the Customer Service line today @ 1pm midwest time on a Friday? And still no call back 4 hours later? Is there a sub when he/she goes on lunch or vacation?

"Daimler AG (DAG), the manufacturer of smart vehicles, has decided that a defect which relates to vehicle safety exists in certain 2008-2009 smart fortwo vehicles".

Honest? In fact, NHTSA DECIDED that a defect which relates to vehicle safety exists.... Daimler is COMPLYING with the NHTSA recall directive. Everything I've read indicated DAG examined several burnt 451 remains and could come to no conclusion as to fire origin.

 

[MB DNA]

I'll add my amusement at the hypocrisy of how Daimler worded the background for the recall (although it's puzzling that neither "smart" nor "fortwo" are capitalized. No proof-reader to capitalize YOUR BRAND & MODEL?

History lesson - neither smart (brand) nor fortwo (model) have ever been capitalized.

Side note, smart is not a smart CAR but simply a smart.

After describing replacement of the rear insulation mat, the last sentence in the paragraph reads "As a matter of normal service process, an authorized smart dealer will also check for other repair measures which might be applicable to your vehicle and this may increase the required working time." I asked if that included the diagnostic which would show, for instance, outstanding transmission firmware "measures which might be applicable to my vehicle"? He said a diagnostic would cost $175, which would include any applicable firmware updates. My recall letter says a check will be done. The verbage boldly reads "This service will be provided free of charge".

Yes, they will provide a FREE check under the guise of safety but they are really looking for chargeable repairs on MY08/09 smarts.

NO diagnostics or software updates (beyond warranty) are FREE from Daimler/M-B/smart USA.

 

[den458]

Provide a free check? I didn't receive a free check of anything. I was told the tech visually didn't notice any other issues of concern. I just received a survey by email from the dealership, noting they strive to exceed my expectations. Their effort was sadly short. They made a minimal effort to do the minimal required work, with no real effort to truly evaluate what other attentions my Smart may need. We're treated like unloved step-children. My dealer stopped selling the Smart brand. They made no effort to expect me to ever return. Opportunity to dazzle me lost. Oh, well.

 

[smark]

When I type in the vin number of my 2008 smart car. The information comes up, about it now.

 

[Mike T]

Another 451 burnt up in BC a couple of weeks back....

 

[bobarb]

My wife took our '08 passion in for the recall last month. Our dealer is the Madison, WI. MB dealer. After the insulation replacement the car got the Multi-Point Inspection, a check of 22 basic items on a nice form. It stated that the front tires needed replacement, front brake pads were close to needing replacement, and at some point two of the tires had been mounted on the wrong rims. No hard sell, just the facts, and very professional. No charge.
We were very satisfied.

 

[Pete000]

I have checked my 2009 Smart engine rear mat and it looks as good as new.

I do not trust the dealers to do competent work and this sounds like more reasons they ARE attempting to pull money out of our pockets for unnecessary work. I think I am going to bypass the recall on my 09 Brabus...

Firmware update is the new hype to charge us for nothing needed.

 

[1983JZR3W]

I agree with you, Pete. My rear mat also looks like new in my '09, but it still has a little less than 5,000 miles since I bought it new. I just don't trust the dealers to really care if they do a proper job or not.

 

[mightyss]

ive tried to get my dealer to replace my mat for the recall. they put me off, so i called the gov, agency on the recall notice and started a claim notice......my car has 146,000.....

 

[MB DNA]

ive tried to get my dealer to replace my mat for the recall. they put me off . . .

And your dealer is a smart Center???

What does "put you off" mean, and their rationale??? :shrug:

 

[Miss Mercedes]

Yep, only authorized smart centers can repair these things. If it was just a normal MB dealership or your car isn't a 2008 or 2009, then there's nothing they can do.

 

[jimvw57]

Mine was replaced and they did a good job , even dropped it off at my work afterwards, but they didn't do anything about the mat on the front side of the motor compartment that hangs down. They didn't even mention it, or the fact that the flex pipe is cracked and leaking.

 

[JDoggery]

Anyone have or take pictures of the recall/mat before/after? Would be curious to see what the difference is in material, etc.

 

[atikovi]

Is this a mat inside the engine compartment or the one on the cargo compartment floor. I've been driving around with a missing metal engine cover but it's a 2011.

 

[1983JZR3W]

It is the one on the back side of the engine compartment. The one closest to the rear bumper. The one in front of the engine tends to sag also, but it is not on the recall list.

 

[ca smartone]

I've been driving around with a missing metal engine cover.

Bad idea...

 

[JDoggery]

So, is it this one? Is it different than what was there? In material or thickness?

It is the one on the back side of the engine compartment. The one closest to the rear bumper. The one in front of the engine tends to sag also, but it is not on the recall list.

 

[1983JZR3W]

So, is it this one? Is it different than what was there? In material or thickness?

You can not see it in that picture. You need to hold a mirror over the engine with the glass facing you. Look into the mirror, may have to adjust position, and you should see the insulation mat against the rear bulkhead. Good luck.

 

[1983JZR3W]

I should add, it is not under the engine cover. The grey foam cover really takes a beating, but it is not under the recall notice.