Am I safe from rust with a 02 W210?

[js]

I must be mad!

I had my 97 w210 E300TD for 236k with no problems apart from wear and tear and the dreaded rust, four new doors, two wings and the boot as a goodwill gesture.

I then moved to the darkside and bought a five series which has been a nightmare, constantly misfiring and perplexing everybody who looks at it.

Enough of this, I though I'm going to get myself another Merc. Honest John reckons that there is only a rust problem with those cars upto June 2001. So I dashed out an put a desposit on an 02 W210.

I checked the boot lid and wings and it seems to be rust free.

I then remembered the Rust, how bad does it get thread, Jeez. It's up to 23 pages.

I've now got a sinking feeling. The question is, am I safe with an 02 or is it just a case of they haven't started to rust yet?

I'm waiting for the tails of woe, I don't pick it up till next Wednesday so I've got a few days to change my mind. I'm prepared to lose my deposit rather than saddle myself with another lemon.

Cheers guys, Jonathan

 

[Blobcat]

If you had your last 210 for 236K miles and MB replaced/repaired the rust what exactly was the problem?
If the 02 looks good then perhaps it is a good one, there has been mention of an 04 rusting on this site, however if the car is good then I would go for it. Which engine?
Whilst at my dealer yesterday I had a look under my 210 with the undersump tray off. I was actually happy that although there were a couple of small surface areas on the subframe it was in very good condition. I have only problems with stone chips on mine and I have treated all of those.

 

[big x]

I must be mad!

I had my 97 w210 E300TD for 236k with no problems apart from wear and tear and the dreaded rust, four new doors, two wings and the boot as a goodwill gesture.

I then moved to the darkside and bought a five series which has been a nightmare, constantly misfiring and perplexing everybody who looks at it.

Enough of this, I though I'm going to get myself another Merc. Honest John reckons that there is only a rust problem with those cars upto June 2001. So I dashed out an put a desposit on an 02 W210.

I checked the boot lid and wings and it seems to be rust free.

I then remembered the Rust, how bad does it get thread, Jeez. It's up to 23 pages.

I've now got a sinking feeling. The question is, am I safe with an 02 or is it just a case of they haven't started to rust yet?

I'm waiting for the tails of woe, I don't pick it up till next Wednesday so I've got a few days to change my mind. I'm prepared to lose my deposit rather than saddle myself with another lemon.

Cheers guys, Jonathan

Out of interest,what was the problem with the BMW E39 ? They are generally accepted to be better cars in almost every way than E-classes of the same year.
I'm talking about quality of wiring,resistance to rust and if you read the road tests of the time handling and engines too.
It wasn't until late 04 that MB started galvanising the E-class AFAIK.

adam

 

[television]

I put up on another thread today that the post 2002 E classes are going rusty under the back window, can be seen by opening the boot.

Malcolm

 

[jberks]

Some probably do. Most probably don't. Check it over and if happy, well worst case, MB will fix it. Some people have had entire shells replaced, wings, doors etc. I had a few blisters fixed here and there - really nothing serious - and a very nice respray that got rid of all the little annoying stone chips and scratches. Thanks MB!
OK - some have been real rot boxes - most haven't.

 

[OlafMaxwell]

I have seen end of line 2002 W210 with rust on the doors!!

 

[hawk20]

Enough of this, I though I'm going to get myself another Merc. Honest John reckons that there is only a rust problem with those cars upto June 2001. So I dashed out an put a desposit on an 02 W210.

I checked the boot lid and wings and it seems to be rust free.

I then remembered the Rust, how bad does it get thread, Jeez. It's up to 23 pages.

I've now got a sinking feeling. The question is, am I safe with an 02 or is it just a case of they haven't started to rust yet?

I'm waiting for the tails of woe, I don't pick it up till next Wednesday so I've got a few days to change my mind. I'm prepared to lose my deposit rather than saddle myself with another lemon.

Cheers guys, Jonathan

IMPORTANT THING is to make sure it has full MB service history then you have 30 year rust guarantee under MobiloLife but I think you must get serviced regularly, on time at a Merc dealer to keep it up to date. 'Terms and conditions apply! If not choose one with the FMBSH and be sure.

 

[johnmc]

Hmm,
If you like it take the car, but I'd make the Merc dealer jump through hoops on the rust checks, and in particular ensure that all panels are as they were when it left the factory. Most tails of rejected rust claims centre around cars where a previous owner had the car sprayed himself instead of going to Merc. Ask them to check out the paint thickness on all panels, inspect the entire underside and other documented known rust spots before you take delivery and give you a written report. If that report is not favourable it may give you scope for money off or a walk away with your cash. They should also be able to check the previous official rust repair history.

Bye!
John

 

[OlafMaxwell]

I agree with the last post regarding the rust issue. It can be expensive to fix. I do see bonnets and wings in Mercedes Enthusiast and if done right may not be too bad. The thing is, full MB Service History, make sure it has that and full Mobilo with no back street or unapproved body shop repairs.