We bought our Starmark ML from MB Knoxville on July 10. We were told by the dealer at the time of purchase that there was a vibration at highway speed, which was attributed to one of the tires being out of balance. Since we were travelling through Knoxville on our way home from vacation, we arranged to take the car, have the wheel balanced, and MB Knoxville would reimburse us. Sure enough, there was a pretty serious vibration at 65mph+. After driving the car for a couple of weeks, it became apparent that it needed an alignment as well. I had the car aligned and the wheel balanced, and MB Knoxville paid for both services.
On Monday, I noticed the driver's front was low on air, 20 PSI. I took it into the tire shop, and had it checked for leaks. Nothing was found, so they filled the tire up to 37 PSI and sent me on my way. I had an out of town meeting, and drove the car at highway speeds for the first time since having the wheel balanced. The vibration was still there. I arranged to go back to the tire shop today to check (again) my leaky tire (29 PSI this morning) and the vibration.
Turns out (1) my leaking tire had previously been filled with Fix a Flat, and (2) all four tires are flat spotted. The vehicle had been in stock since April, and apparently was not moved until the day I bought it. I've contacted the dealer, and am waiting for a response. I think I'm entitled to four new tires here. Am I wrong?
Jeff
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and only for defects by the manufacturer. The previous owner obviously cheaply and literally plugged the problem. Your only hope is dealer goodwill...and that would be very generous on their part. Explain the story to the dealer and see what you can get them to do. How many miles on the original tires? If you must eat the cost of new tires at least you know they will last! Previous owner must have visited a lot of new construction sites [nail] pop [/nail]
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The more important issue as I see it is that the dealer caused all four tires to be flat spotted by not moving the vehicle periodically. If it were just a problem with the one tire, I could excuse the dealer for not knowing the the previous owner was a cheapskate. However, when the dealer fails to take preventative care of a vehicle on its lot, that becomes the dealer's problem.
The more important issue as I see it is that the dealer caused all four tires to be flat spotted by not moving the vehicle periodically. If it were just a problem with the one tire, I could excuse the dealer for not knowing the the previous owner was a cheapskate. However, when the dealer fails to take preventative care of a vehicle on its lot, that becomes the dealer's problem.
Jeff
I misread your original post. I thought all four had been fixed a flat. I'm surprised that that they would remember after 3 months that it made that noise at highway speeds--it sounds like they know the vehicle fairly well. I think the most important thing to do is not start with an adversarial position with the dealer[even if you feel they have done so]. It's amazing how well a good dealer can work with you when you use honey instead of piss and vinegar[my experience with four different MB dealers]. I find that there are usually political solutions when dealing with someone who wants--and probably will take money from your pocket in the future. Do you have other feasible and convenient competitive dealer opportunities for MB in your area? Regardless, a good dealer wants and will build a positive relationship with you. If they have the beaten down eff you philosophy then get what you can from them and take your business elsewhere. I hope you can express your concerns in a reasonable manner and they don't fall on deaf ears.
I've heard back from the dealer. They offered at first to split the cost of new tires. I very politely told them that they should be responsible for the entire replacement cost. I guess I was persuasive enough, because they agreed to pay for everything!
I've heard back from the dealer. They offered at first to split the cost of new tires. I very politely told them that they should be responsible for the entire replacement cost. I guess I was persuasive enough, because they agreed to pay for everything!
Jeff
Jeff, full replacement was the right thing to do. Starmark means that it is readied for near factory condition. Tires in that condition clearly does not qualify. Recently bought a Certified BMW, - same deal - they replaced all 4 tires because they failed the Certified requirement for the tire to be at 80% treads. MB Starmark is near identical if not better.
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Jeff, full replacement was the right thing to do. Starmark means that it is readied for near factory condition. Tires in that condition clearly does not qualify. Recently bought a Certified BMW, - same deal - they replaced all 4 tires because they failed the Certified requirement for the tire to be at 80% treads. MB Starmark is near identical if not better.
Yes I was about to say the same thing. Normally when the dealer Star Marks a vehicle they usually install new tires.
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