What is covered by the Mercedes-Benz AMG SLC43 warranty?

 

Mercedes-Benz was at the forefront of the “small affordable sports roadster revolution" that happened in the mid-1990s. It launched its SLK two-seater at about the same time as the BMW Z3 and Porsche Boxster, and since then there have been two ensuing generations of the car, which featured a retractable hard-top roof.

In 2016 the SLK was renamed the SLC, and was also fitted with a wonderfully sonorous V6 twin-turbo engine. But unfortunately, as the whole world went SUV and Cross Over crazy, Mercedes decided to discontinue the SLC last year, and for now, only the potent AMG SLC43 remains on sale, in standard and so-called “Final Edition” form.

Of course, there is always a case for buying a good pre-owned Mercedes-Benz SLK or SLC. AutoTrader currently lists over 110 New and Used Mercedes-Benz SLK models for sale as well as a few SLC models.

We will miss the SLC (nee SLK) because it represents a curtain call on an optimistic era in car manufacturer that lasted a quarter of a century. For now, those with the wherewithal can still enjoy the AMG-fettled SLC43, content in the knowledge that buying a new one comes with a bullet-proof warranty and a 5-year/100 000 km maintenance plan.

The warranty and maintenance plan are inclusive in the price. The standard version of the Mercedes-Benz AMG SLC43 costs R1 164 223, while the AMG SLC43 Final Edition, with special trim features, costs R1 239 261.

The Warranty.

All manufacturer warranties from Mercedes-Benz (and its AMG division) have a duration of 2 years with unlimited km.  Mercedes-Benz cars are warranted against all defects and faulty workmanship for two years from date of sale, irrespective of distance covered.

This warranty period  appears minimal, but it is in fact superseded by the standard 5-year Maintenance Plan with a distance of up to 100 000 km.  As per the Maintenance Plan agreement, Mercedes-Benz undertakes to service, and/or replace  all parts that are required under the standard servicing schedules. These parts replacements and services are carried out at no extra charge, where the vehicle is operated in what  is stated as “normal wear and tear” conditions.

Quite logically, the Maintenance Plan agreement specifies that all servicing is carried out by an authorised Mercedes-Benz dealer, and that all parts and lubricants used in servicing carry Mercedes-Benz approval.

The Maintenance Plan and roadside assistance      

All Mercedes-Benz and Mercedes-AMG cars are sold with the Maintenance Plan forming part of the purchase agreement.  This contract also includes a 5-year/100 000 km roadside assistance benefit, with assistance or vehicle recovery from any roadside breakdowns that might occur. The scheme also provides for vehicle driver and passenger transport costs and accommodation costs for up to 5 people, should this be required if  the vehicle is being repaired at a distance of more than 100 km away from the owner’s home-base. A substitute car-provision scheme is also included, should the repair needed be of a lengthy nature. This offer is only applicable if the breakdown is due to a vehicle fault and not due to any outside influences, such as driver negligence.

Exclusions.

Some important exclusion clauses exist in the warranty and the Maintenance Plan and there are quite a few.   Owners are advised to familiarise themselves with their ownership contract and the Mercedes-Benz/AMG  booklet covering warranty and maintenance contract.

We have taken the following key exclusions directly from the standard Mercedes-Benz/Mercedes-AMG warranty and Maintenance Plan literature:

1. All work necessary as a direct, or indirect result of or arising from any (unauthorised)  alteration, modification or conversion of the vehicle of whatever nature including any consequential damage as a result thereof.

2. Any work necessitated as a result of staining, discolouring, paint damage, rust and corrosion arising from whatsoever cause during any of the Maintenance Plan periods after expiry of the warranty period. During the warranty period corrosion is limited to body panel perforation (edge corrosion excluded) and fasteners including screws, bolts, nuts, clamps etc. are excluded.

3. The repair or maintenance of any accessories, parts or components, which were not fitted to the vehicle as originally manufactured by the manufacturer or approved by Mercedes-Benz South Africa Ltd.

4. The repair or replacement of any windscreen, window glass, sunroofs, light reflectors and lenses, carpets, trim / upholstery, seat covers, soft-top canvas and body panels.

5. Any failure to adhere to measures stipulated by Mercedes-Benz South Africa Ltd. pertaining to the vehicle, to be carried out in preparing the vehicle for storage.

6. The repair of any damage caused to the vehicle as a result of storage of the vehicle.

7. Any work necessitated by or arising from your failure to comply with the conditions as contained herein or with the recommendations contained in the vehicle’s owner’s manual and / or service schedule pertaining to the vehicle .

8. The required daily or other regular inspections prescribed in respect of the maintenance of the vehicle, such as the inspection of coolant levels, tyre pressures, lubricant levels, anti-freeze additives, as specified  or recommended in the owner’s manual and/or service schedule pertaining to your vehicle.

9.  In the event of the vehicle having being towed or transported, the repair of any damage caused to the vehicle by the towing operator and / or the towing operator’s agents, employees or subcontractors whilst in transit, including any consequential damage as a result thereof.

10. The replacement and / or repair of tyres, wheel balancing and wheel rotation as a consequence thereof.

11. The repair of any damage of whatever nature caused as a result of or arising from:

* The vehicle being involved in any accident or incident.

* Accidental or intentional damage caused to the vehicle by any person or thing.

12.  The use in the vehicle of any parts, fuels, oils, lubricants and additives, which are not approved by Mercedes-Benz South Africa Ltd., or which are polluted or impure.

13. The vehicle being used in motorsport .

14.  Ignorance, neglect, misuse, abuse or improper treatment or use of the vehicle such as (but not limited to) excessive loads, excessive engine speeds, clutch riding, excessive gear changes, excessive braking, driving beyond the intended design limits of the vehicle, or in and / or over extreme environmental conditions and / or surfaces .

15. Any external influence causing damage to the vehicle.

16. Work performed on the vehicle by a workshop or persons other than a dealer and/ or approved paint and panel shop, unless Mercedes-Benz South Africa Ltd. agreed thereto  ( specific terms here need to be referred to in the Warranty-Maintenance Plan agreement).

It should be noted that there are additional exclusions, and more additional information, that owners need to refer to in their Maintenance Plan and roadside assistance agreement.

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