What is covered by the Mercedes-Benz V-Class warranty?

Mercedes-Benz’s V-Class was introduced in late 2015, replacing the Viano as the three-pointed star brand’s ultimate luxury people mover. From mid-2019, the range was re-configured and now consists of 5 models, all of them diesel-powered.

Prices for the V-Class range from R1 321 609 for the V220d to R2 303 001 for the V250d Avantgarde.

Related: Top 3 Mercedes-Benz V-Class articles on AutoTrader

The Warranty

The manufacturer’s warranty from Mercedes-Benz lasts 2 years with unlimited km. Mercedes-Benz says of this warranty: “ Mercedes-Benz vehicles are warranted against defects and faulty workmanship for two years from the date of sale, regardless of the distance covered.”

At first glance, this is quite a short warranty period compared to other manufacturers. However, as part of the purchase agreement, the Mercedes-Benz V-Class is covered by a 5-year Maintenance Plan with a distance of up to 100,000 km.  As part of the Maintenance Plan agreement, Mercedes-Benz undertakes to service and replace all required parts under the stipulated servicing schedules if necessary. These parts are subject to a stipulation that they require replacement under “normal wear and tear” conditions.

The Maintenance Plan also stipulates that an authorised Mercedes-Benz dealer carries out all servicing and that all parts and lubricants carry Mercedes-Benz approval.

Related: Shop for new & used Mercedes-Benz V-Class cars for sale here

The Maintenance Plan and roadside assistance      

The Maintenance Plan is part of the purchase agreement.  Also offered a 5-year/100 000 km roadside assistance benefit, with assistance and/or vehicle recovery from any possible breakdowns. The scheme also provides transport and accommodation costs for up to 5 people, should this be necessary while the vehicle is being repaired more than 100 km from the owner’s home base. An alternative car-provision scheme is also included, should the repair needed be lengthy. This applies only if the repair is due to a vehicle fault and not caused by outside influences.

Exclusions

There are natural exclusion clauses in the warranty and the Maintenance plan, and these are numerous. Owners should refer to their ownership contract and the Mercedes-Benz booklet on warranty and maintenance.

However, we list them here for your interest, tabulated under Mercedes-Benz South Africa’s  “General Exclusions” heading:

• 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.
  
  
• 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 the 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.
  
  
• The repair or maintenance of any accessories, parts or components not fitted to the vehicle as originally manufactured by the manufacturer or approved by Mercedes-Benz South Africa Ltd.
  
  
• 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.
  
  
• Any failure to adhere to measures stipulated by Mercedes-Benz South Africa Ltd. about the vehicle, to be carried out in preparing the vehicle for storage.
  
  
• Repair any damage caused to the vehicle due to storage of the vehicle.
  
  
• 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 about the vehicle.
  
  
• The required daily or other regular inspections are prescribed for the vehicle's maintenance, such as the inspection of coolant levels, tyre pressures, lubricant levels, and anti-freeze additives, as specified or recommended in the owner’s manual and/or service schedule on your vehicle.
  
  
• If the vehicle has been 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.
  
  
• Consequently, the replacement and/or repair of tyres, wheel balancing and wheel rotation.
  
  
• The repair of any damage of whatever nature caused as a result of or arising from:
  • The vehicle is involved in any accident or incident.
  • Accidental or intentional damage caused to the vehicle by any person or thing.
    
    
• 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.
  
  
• The vehicle being used in motorsport.
  
  
• 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.
  
  
• Any external influence causing damage to the vehicle.
  
  
• 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).

There are additional exclusions and information that owners need to refer to in their Maintenance Plan and roadside assistance agreement.