2001 E Class Estate RUST !!?

[gazzab]

Just noticed today that my E Class estate has some rust. Am going to give it a better check eg underneath and other common areas for rust on these cars.
I found rust on the tailgate around where the boot catch release is mounted. I also found rust on the black panel at the side of the drivers door,
The car is a sept 2001 E320CDI. My father owned it from new (no accidents, 60K miles...). I took it off his hands 2 months ago. Has full MB service history.
Where do i go from here ? I live nr Guildford in Surrey. I am going to ask my wife to take it to the dealer in GFord. Ask them to get their bodyshop to do a full inspect of the common rust probs and to then submit a claim.
The car doesnt have a mechanical warranty anymore.
Any advices???
What are the chances of there being more rust?
What chances of MB paying out/fixing?
If I start using an indie garage then what happens re the rust warranty?
thanks
Gary

 

[johnmc]

Info Thread

Hi Gary,
This forum entry has a bunch of info about the problem and with
solutions, Mobilo etc. Have a read. The second link is from another
forum, good info there too. Good luck! You should be able to get it
fixed, but sadly you're likely to get more issues before you are done.

There's a lot of data around under "E-class rust".

John

http://forums.mercedesclub.org.uk/showthread.php?t=5824

http://mbclub.co.uk/forums/showthread.php?t=17687

 

[raycul]

You will get differing answers I think.

My wifes 98 300TD has just had all four doors done (2 replaced) and the tailgate.
Because 1 service (from supplying dealer) was not genuine mercedes benz I had to cough up £865 as my contribution. So my answer would be dont take it away from Mercedes for servicing!

There is a thread here somewhere that is about 15 pages (if not more) long!
Many differing experiences and different areas such as roof, floor panels, doors, boot, wings, engine cross members etc etc etc.

Get mercedes to thoroughly check it over (you have a six year warranty or maybe 30 year warranty if main dealer serviced). They will put the claim in. Approx 6 - 10 weeks later it will be taken in for repair and the repairs are re rust proofed.

Good luck. I'm sure someone else will make additions / corrections.

 

[jberks]

Basically agree. As you have full MB history, they should fix it for nothing. Yes you will continue to have bits break out, but they should continue to put it right. I'm on my 4th claim.
Been done : boot lock, under-seal edge of all 4 doors, F O/S wheelarch.
To do : Rear N/S door front corner, O/S sill (under plastic trim)

After having the last batch done, and being told that they only do each area once, I figured that most critical bits had been done and the warranty was fairly worthless now. So, I took the plunge and had mine serviced at a non franchised dealer (saving £300 in the process), then spotted some more new breakouts. They haven't said anything so hopefully as she was serviced by the dealer less than a year ago, they won't notice and will still do the work. (haven't said anything yet) If not, I'll have to blow some of the savings on bodywork or at least in contributions. Time will tell I guess.

 

[Morzine]

Fellow E class rust sufferers should also check the front cross member under the big plastic tray which is covering it. My 1998 car was wel rusty but unless you get it up in the air and remove the tray you won't see it.

Good luck.