Is it worth asking Mercedes-Benz to contribute to the repair of my C180's coil spring and steering arm?

Our 2001 Mercedes-Benz C180 Estate recently failed its MoT spectacularly due to a cracked coil spring and steering arm. The MoT inspector and our local dealer both say that they have never seen such a fault in a Mercedes-Benz. Could it be a manufacturing problem? Is it worth taking it up with Mercedes-Benz in the hope of some help with the bill?

Asked on 10 October 2010 by PM, Canvey Island

Answered by Honest John
It's always worth trying Mercedes-Benz, even though the car is nine years old. Coil springs commonly fail on every make and model of European built cars, but don't seem to fail regularly on Far Eastern-built cars. The steering arm probably fractured as a result of the broken spring.
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