Blisters

[Jensen]

I've noticed on my 98 C250 TD that there seems to be blistering:-

-on the lower part of the door panel
-one of the doors this seems to have expanded and has signs of a very light rust
- in the grooves on the doors
-by the boot(saloon version)

By blistering I mean like a bubble under the paintwork

My question

What causes this?
Is this much to worry about?
Is it expensive?
How common is this?

 

[philharve]

Hi Jensen

What you are describing is corrosion which afflicts certain models of a certain age range.

How common is it? Very! If you review other threads in this section concerning either corrosion or rust you will see what I mean. It's one of the biggest, if not the biggest issue in this Forum.

Is it expensive? It can be if the extent of the corrosion is widespread and left untreated. You need to lodge a corrosion claim for consideration ASAP. If you are lucky the repair costs will be met by the maker. If you are unlucky you will have a fight on your hands and possibly a big bill at the end of it.

What causes it? Given the age of your car it sounds like one of those models unlucky enough to get caught by the maker attempting to cut costs by reducing paint coverage (thin paint). The result is that rust breaks through from below the paint (bubbling) as a result of moisture (rain) breaking through the paint barrier and reaching the metal surface. Fe and H2O are mortal enemies. Electrolytic action ensues with the inevitable result that rust forms which eventually perforates the metal forming holes. Once rust gets a hold it's very difficult to stop.

Your vehicle seems to be one of the very few that is very badly affected. If the corrosion is not the result of neglect, you ought to see your dealership immediately and lodge a claim. You should expect the dealer to say it's the
result of neglect arising from stone chip damage. This is a common ploy to avoid repair costs.

If you study the other threads you'll find a wealth of experience and advice from learned senior members. Follow their directions if you want to save your car from the tin worm.

REGARDS Phil