2001 E320 CDI, Rust Everywhere !! Warranty Claim?

[shadowfax2k]

My 2001 E320 CDI seems to have patches of rust appearing everywhere from underneath the paintwork! Wheel arches ect,

Can i claim from MB, and have the work done??

Cheers guys !!

 

[M6AJJ]

If you look back as a search, you will find all sorts of rules re the "Mobilo", "Good Will" warranty re rust.

My MB Dealer quoted yesterday" 3 years guaranteed repairs, 7 years for good will repairs, and after that you are on your own, unless the rust is coming from the inside out, and then you rely on the Mobilo warranty which says that you must have had the car serviced at the required intervals by an MB Service Center (Dealer), must not have been repaired before, and the car has been kept in reasonable condition. (whatever that means)

The best advice appears to be, try your local dealer, be firm but not abusive or threatening, and let them know just how this will effect your buying decisions in the future.

Don't forget that in many ways they are on your side, they would like to be paid by MB to carry out the repairs, and would welcolme the profit from your future purchases of MB cars.

With a 2001 car you should be OK but let us know how you get on.

Good Luck.

 

[shadowfax2k]

Will do, Thanks for the advice !

 

[shadowfax2k]

If you look back as a search, you will find all sorts of rules re the "Mobilo", "Good Will" warranty re rust.

My MB Dealer quoted yesterday" 3 years guaranteed repairs, 7 years for good will repairs, and after that you are on your own, unless the rust is coming from the inside out, and then you rely on the Mobilo warranty which says that you must have had the car serviced at the required intervals by an MB Service Center (Dealer), must not have been repaired before, and the car has been kept in reasonable condition. (whatever that means)

The best advice appears to be, try your local dealer, be firm but not abusive or threatening, and let them know just how this will effect your buying decisions in the future.

Don't forget that in many ways they are on your side, they would like to be paid by MB to carry out the repairs, and would welcolme the profit from your future purchases of MB cars.

With a 2001 car you should be OK but let us know how you get on.

Good Luck.

Hi there, Took the car to Chester MB, they are having it in the body shop in december to respray the affected parts, they were really good actually !! Thanks for the advice !!

 

[M6AJJ]

Great news, and thanks for letting us know. I have a claim in so hope I get as good a response.

 

[Dinnie]

Why are these cars notorious for rust? I thought Mercedes had a reputation for non rusty cars and it certainly shouldn't be happening in this day and age especially with E Classes costing in the region of £30k (and upwards!)

 

[jberks]

Why are these cars notorious for rust? I thought Mercedes had a reputation for non rusty cars and it certainly shouldn't be happening in this day and age especially with E Classes costing in the region of £30k (and upwards!)

Way back in 1998, someone accidentally left the workshop door ajar. It was only for a few seconds, but enough for and an accountant to creep in. It took until 2004 to clear up all the mess.

 

[Mr Teddy Bear]

HaHaHa
I think every accountant should be forced to keep his/her car for 12 years!!
instead of changing from new every two years!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[M6AJJ]

Way back in 1998, someone accidentally left the workshop door ajar. It was only for a few seconds, but enough for and an accountant to creep in. It took until 2004 to clear up all the mess.


Excellent explanation!!

 

[philharve]

Hi All

Does any member know what the production figures are for C and E-classes are between 1998 and 2004 as this might give an indication of how many Mercedes may be affected by the corrosion problem. Are we into 7-figure numbers, or even higher?

I wonder if the unnamed accountant is still with MB because the cost of repairs resulting from using less paint to save money must have dented profits.

I see that composites are all the rage and non-ferrous body panels are becoming quite popular, no doubt eliminating the corrosion problem altogether. But what about strucrural integrity and impact strength in the event of an accident? Where is the impact energy absorbed?

My indie demonstrated his concerns when he lent on his from wing (CL500) and it deformed a couple inches but quickly reverted to its former shape when he removed his hand. No damage was done but I was alarmed at how easily the wing deformed under moderately light pressure. What would happen in a serious collision?

My ferrous wing doesn't deflect if I lean on it and I tend to feel it will afford me better protection in an accident.

Composite panels may not corrode but they don't seem to have much strength either. Has the passenger shell been strengthened to offset the lack of real metal in the body panels?

REGARDS

Phil

 

[nijost]

Rust etc.

You can add my 2001 210 320 cdi to the list of the effected and (hopefully) repaired vehicles. Both front wings, all four wheelarches, tailgate handle and badge surround. When I had mine done there were 3 other E class estates, 2 saloons and an S class awaiting transport to the body shop, all with rust related problems. I have to say that the dealers (MB Peterborough) were very helpful, even though I had not purchased the car from them and that there had been 1 non-MB franchise service on the vehicle.

The repairs, now over 18 months old, seem to be holding. Lets hope that they have now solved the issue, and if I buy another MB it will not have this risk associated with it.

 

[jberks]

The repairs, now over 18 months old, seem to be holding. Lets hope that they have now solved the issue, and if I buy another MB it will not have this risk associated with it.

You'd be fine. As has ben discussed in some detail, it is model dependent but generally speaking, pre '98 and post 04 cars are fine. My 2000 210 rusted, my 2004 211 doesn't.

Interestingly I was talking to the chap that owns the bodyshop at the indie and commented that for a merc man, he seems to have quite a few newish ferraris in. (there were 3 parked up there). He told me that they're all in for rust problems!.

 

[M6AJJ]

Mine has been approved and gone in to day for seven days work. Just the smallest amount of paint falking from all four wheel arches, and the first signs of the dreaded rust. Not really that happy about having the car pulled about, but will keep you informed.

 

[shadowfax2k]

A massive " BIG UP " to Chester MB !!!!

They had my car in the bodyshop in December for various rust issues, ( 2001 E320 CDI )they replaced and resprayed both front wings, reprayed both rear wings and a few other bits and bobs. Didn't cost me a penny, they did a really good job.

Provided me with a brand new 07 plate MB C200 Avantgarde Auto, free of charge for 2 weeks, i only had to upgrade my insurance to cover the car, cost me £35 pound.

I am really impressed !!

 

[maddog]

You'd be fine. As has ben discussed in some detail, it is model dependent but generally speaking, pre '98 and post 04 cars are fine. My 2000 210 rusted, my 2004 211 doesn't.

It took 6 years for my W210 to rust so id still keep yopur fingers crossed

Last April there was no rust on my car at all , i had it professionally valetted and machine polished and it looked new , by September the rust was starting to show by December it was very noticable.

Its had both front wings replace , both rear arches , the drivers door and the tailgate repaired .

These repairs have a 3 yr warranty from the bodyshop so even if MB dont cover it i should be ok for a while