trying to bluff their way out?

[jimmymack]

After reading the posts on this site regarding rust issues, I took the time to check behind the door rubbers and too my horror found several spots of rust bubbling up under the paintwork.
I took it into the local Dealer yesterday (the same one who fitted my brake light switch at some cost a few weeks ago) and let them have a look at it. The bodywork chap had a look around and had to ask me where the rust actually was, I peeled back the rubbers and showed him, he told me that none of it would be covered under the mobilo warrantee as "these cars never rust from the inside out". But he might, as a measure of goodwill, submit the details to DC for their opinion.
I asked him that if they don't rust as he said, why the paint was bubbling with no apparent breaks, he said that it was caused by water ingress from elsewhere?????????
He asked me how long I had owned the vehicle, and when I told him that I had had it a little over a month, he asked me had I bought it in that condition knowingly.
I pointed out to him that as I had had to show him where it was and he was the bodywork expert, being no expert myself, how was I to know, and that I hadn't anticipated a top marque vehicle like this to be in poor shape behind the scenes after only 5 years when the rest of the vehicle was pristine.
So I have now booked it in to be done at the end of this month pending them OK'ing everything, but at the end, I had the bodywork guy agreeing with me on several points.
Fingers crossed for a swift resolution.

 

[philharve]

Hi jimmymack

The 'rust under door seals' is a very common problem and DC are fully aware of it.

As for Mercedes never rusting from the inside out ... this I doubt. You will doubtless receive many replies from highly experienced members confirming my belief. Recent Mercedes vehicles are not as well built as earlier ones.

The problem you describe suggests to me 'thin paint' may be the cause, another well known Mercedes problem. Moisture collects underneath the rubber seals and because of uneven paint application the moisture breaks through the coating and attacks the surface of the metal, whereupon corrosion spreads along under the seal. I believe a coating of Waxoyl, if applied early enough, prevents the moisture attacking the metal but I have my doubts as to whether it's a permanent solution. It should not happen in the first place to an expensive luxury car.

I reported a rear door window channel 'thin paint' issue to my dealer in January 05. Eight months later, after referral to DC, the repair was done. Whilst in the bodyshop - MB approved - I pointed out a couple other rust spots appearing on the surface, under the paint (external panels). The repairer reported the spots were due to 'thin paint'. Sooner or later I will have to return to the bodyshop to have them treated. I must therefore lock horns with the dealer once again OR have the repairs performed at my expense. Corrosion is an all too familiar experience for many MB owners. Older cars are built like tanks and their paintwork is thicker and more even.

I, too, received the 'cold shoulder' from the dealer but I persisted and the repair was done. It may take many months and you may have to write to DC UK (address in this Forum) to press your claim. However, it's ultimately worth it.

REGARDS Phil

 

[Steve-O]

Old cars seem to rust less than new ones... I work at BMW and even some cars that are 2 - 3 years old have started to rust more than my 1991 190E !!! ....

 

[jberks]

I have had the following done under mb warranty.
All 4 doors under the seal
F O/S wheelarch (full wing respray)
Book lock (boot and rear wing respray to blend)
Side of sill by driver's door.

On all these things, I have never had so much as a question. 2 of the doors were actually mentioned to me by the dealer as I hadn't noticed them. So, the very question "where is it" would have been met by me with sarcasm. I visited the dealer and only mentioned slight bubbles on the sill, the bodyshop guy walked over to the car, checked all 4 wheel arches, then glanced at the boot (had already been done at this point) and finally opened each door in turn and lifted the seals, all without me saying a word. It took a while to get the ok but the work was done to a very high standard and nothing re-occurred.

 

[Smith]

Jberks what MB dealer did you use, I think it all depends from dealer to dealer on the rust warrenty claim. Do you think a francised dealer would be better than a MB owned dealer.