E-class mercs

[Taz]

I've just bought myself a late 1999 E200 classic (facelift model). Wish I'd found this site before I parted with my cash - but such is life! Anyway, what I'd like to ask is this - are there any e-class owners out there who's cars haven't turned into rust buckets? I gave my car a good look over when I bought it and after finding this site gave it a "really" good going over! In all honesty I can't find any rust except along the edges of the front sub-frame (nothing a wire brush and hammerite wouldn't sort out). The bodywork is immaculate. I'm now looking at however wondering if I've made a mistake and waiting for a rust rash to break out. Can anyone help put my mind at ease!! It's got 39K genuine miles and it's a kind of gold colour if that matters.

Cheers....

 

[television]

Hi Taz, and welcome, not all 210's rusted, plus it may have been done under the guarantee,, check on the inside of the doors, if you cant see any rust then enjoy the car,they are nice.

Malcolm

 

[Taz]

Malcolm, thanks for the reply. There's no rust visible anywhere at this time, not on the doors, wings, boot or wheel arches. Fingers crossed that I've been lucky and bought a good one! It's certainly a lovely car to drive so hope it stays rust free for a few years. Regards.

 

[Parrot of Doom]

Open the doors, and pull back the rubber seals around the frame around the window. There be rust ahoy cap'in!

Seriously though, if you're handy with a paintbrush get underneath and remove the plastic undertrays (there are 2). Clean up whatever you like and paint it with POR15 (best stuff I find). Its also worth drilling a couple of holes in the undertrays to allow standing water to drain out.

Also have a look at the ATF pipes, they run under the car and to the front nearside, near the light. Check they're all ok.

 

[robs-mbz]

I would'nt worry too much, if your car is pretty much rust free now then with a little TLC it should stay like that for a long time to come. Check all the usual places and give it a good dose of Waxoil or similair.
My 1997 E300TD had only light surface rust on the crossmember and around the front spring upper mounts which I have cleaned up and treated, other than that it is in A1 condition. I too was alarmed at some of the postings on this site but it's worth remembering that the majority of owners that start threads have had problems with their cars, there are many thousands of others that are perfectly happy and satisfied!
I just think back to all those cars that I owned in the late seventies and early eighties that rusted away before my very eyes, they were a lot younger than my present car!
Have to agree with Parrot of Doom about those transmission cooler pipes, mine were very rusty but at £36.00 the pair from the main agents you are not going to break the bank, easy to change too.
Keep a close eye on those potential problem areas and enjoy your new car!

 

[Taz]

Gents
Thanks for the replies. Had a good check behind rubber seals etc and found.....nothing, no rust anywhere. Feeling a bit more relaxed. Will give the underbody a good clean and waxoil treatment once I find somewhere local to get it done.
Regards.:grin:

 

[type49]

I've recently found a mint E430 for a customer. It is all original paint & no rust anywhere. They are out there & if you look thoroughly before buying, you should'nt have a problem.