Rusty roof

[R W]

I have been watching a patch of rust develop on the front lip of the roof of my 2001 E320, just above the windscreen for a while & it seems to be rapidly getting worse.I decided to call at the Local Dealer in Newcastle to ask if MB would help with the repair.The body shop manager looked at it & agreed it was unusual & was possably coming from under the seal or under the windscreen.So to repair it properly, the screen will need to be removed. But as the car is 3months past its 8year & does not have full dealer service history he said MB would not even consider repairing it or helping with the repair. Is the 8year & full dealer service history a strict requirement now, as maybe MB are tightening up on the amount of claims. I read on the forum other dealers may be more helpfull.Do you think its worth trying other Dealers or are they all taking the same approach now.

 

[teddycatkin]

Your insurance should cover damaged windsceen repair?--If the sreen is removed-it will probably get damaged and need renewing anyway-thats probably the best way to go with this ( while its out the rust patch can be repaired )

 

[Xtractorfan]

The 8yr. rule and the Mb service history is their way of dealing with the problem, they will make a contribution towards the rust repair, but it will be a ludicrous figure which means you will end up paying above the odds for having it done by MB..
I dont think the insurance will contribute unless the screen is cracked or damaged....and if you have the screen replaced, most reputable companies will sand and apply an anti rust primer to any bare metal or blemishes under the screen....

 

[teddycatkin]

Surely RW -is not so naive as to see the screen is cracked as well !?

I agree when replacing screens they do need a sound surface and will normally prep the rim where it sits before fitting a new one -but this blister is showing on the roof -?normally that means there will be a hole under it and need a much more substantial repair and painting too .( Glass insurance replacment will not normally cover that )

 

[R W]

Rusty Roof.

I have not removed the screen trim for closer inspection but the blister appears to be coming from under the trim or windscreen & up to the front lip of the roof. The MB body shop manager said it may be rusted through & require fabricating a small piece of metal & welding it in to get rid of the rust to make a permanent repair. I supose its also possible the car has had a screen fitted at some point in its life & maybe a scratch or some bare metal was not treated before fitting the new screen. I may be trying to fight a loosing battle trying to get MB involved to contribute to the cost of the repair as the car is 3 months past the 8yrs & not dealer service history. As Xtractorfan says they will come up with a ludicrous figure for me to contribute too.