Do you know anything about the sludge problems in Mercedes Benz from 1998-2001?

Question

I have a 1999 E320 Mercedes and I am having problems getting them to make the repairs due sludge. Mercedes settled a suit for sludge in Mercedes Benz in cars built from1998 - 2001. I want to know if anyone had problems getting the repairs done and the process that they went through to resolve the problems. Please contact me ASAP because my extended warranty does not cover sludge. Thanks Anne

Answer 1

Unfortunately you have a problem. If you have sludge build up in an engine then it is your fault, sludge is due from 100% lack of PROPER service and care. I do not agree with the manufactures that oil can go as long as 10-15,000 Kilometers per oil and filter change, I advise all my customers to change oil every 5000 Kilometers or every 6 months, slightly longer if they are using full Synthetic oils.. your engine works hard and requires the proper lubrication and care etc, if it is neglected then you can expect trouble. That is why the dealer is turning you away, you obviously have not been regular on you oil changes. Best of luck, hopefully you will service your work horse more frequently.

Answer 2

Mercedes-Benz had big problem with sludge because they had a (back then, revolutionary) flexible schedule system built into the car BUT it was programmed for too long of period for oil change.

Using conventional oil, the system won't notify driver of needed oil change for something like 15000 miles. Initially, E class vehicle had this flexible oil change plan and it was using conventional oil. As a result, many owner had sludge problem. Later, MB required synthetic, so this problem did not happen.

The problem is, I think the problem with sludge was for earlier vehicles, excluding your year. You will have to call 1-800-mercedes and inquire.

If your car was using conventional oil with old programming (of the maintenance management system) then sluge and anything caused by sludge IS covered under warranty.

Good luck.

Answer 3

Did you buy the car new? If you did it may fall into the recall Mercedes did on some of the early V6 motors. Keep pushing your dealer if the say no ask to speak to the local factory rep. Every dealer in the US will give you his name and number you can call him and lodge your complaint.
When I worked at the MB dealer he came around every month or so to look at cars that where past the normal warranty and customers wanted help. Good Luck