CLK 320 new to Merc's

[wacomuk]

Hi all im new!
i have been looking at a 1999 CLK 320 sport today the car has 60k miles on it and 3 service stamps in the book.
The car looks in good condition and everything works as it should, The only thing that is stopping me buying this lovely car is all 4 arches have rust on them. i didn't really expect rust on a Merc then again i have never owned one before. Is this normal or should i walk away?

 

[carlsson20]

I had a 2000 320 CLK in 2002 that had rust coming through on one front wing, had the boot replaced and all the alloy wheels replaced, was this when Mercedes swapped over to the much softer water based paints?

 

[David Nock]

I think its true to say that 1999 was in the dark period for MB build quality. If you can afford it then go to 2004 or later when quality efforts were taking effect.
A friend swopped out a 1998 C class a few months ago which he'd had from new. The new owner has put new wings on since then but the roof's still a mess!

 

[rapide]

rust

a work colleague has clk drop head 2001 from new and its just starting to rust away! top of front windscreen frame . all wheel arches . bottom of doors need i go on! Also another guy has 2001 S class bottom of all doors red rust. paint had just fallen off, I have E230 210 . 1997. must have been lucky , but have re-coted wheel arch edges with rust proofer just in case and put spacers on under tray at front to give space between it and cross member! after treating the cross member to good clean and rust proofing! otherwise it will rot out. it seems you have to exercise all cautions that are posted on here or the car will disappear under you! but mine is going well 117 k no visible rust drives lovely have driven lots of cars but these drive great if looked after. all the best!