Urgent help E320 CDI with signs of rust?

[mattsurf]

Am I crazy to be considering an E320CDI with signs of rust? I am factoring about £1500 into the cost of repair

Service history is non mercedes for the past 2 services, so don't recon much to my chances of a warranty claim

My rational is that all W210s rust, therefore get one at a good price where I know that the rust hasn't just been hidden by a cowboy dealer

Any advice please help

Matt

 

[alexspurs61]

If it's less than eight years old and has at least some MB service history it's still worth trying for a warranty claim....BUT (and note that's a big but) only once you've had it for six months

 

[jberks]

It greatly depends on where the rust is. I have seen wrecks and I have seen some with a few spots. It's always worth trying a claim but to be honest, a dent bodyshop normally charges less than £100 per panel so logically speaking, you shopuld be looking at a few hundred to tidy up a couple of wheelarches.
If the wings are falling off however, its a bad one so walk away.

 

[Blobcat]

Buy it, keep it for at least 6 months, get an A service done at the dealer then ask

 

[mattsurf]

It greatly depends on where the rust is. I have seen wrecks and I have seen some with a few spots. It's always worth trying a claim but to be honest, a dent bodyshop normally charges less than £100 per panel so logically speaking, you shopuld be looking at a few hundred to tidy up a couple of wheelarches.
If the wings are falling off however, its a bad one so walk away.

Both front wings have "spots" of rust definately not falling off, one rear wing has a small spot of rust, the worst spot is on the rear door which I think has rusted through on the botton corner.

The car has FMBSH to 70k miles, and the last 3 have been at an independent, so I will try for a waranty claim. The car will be 8 years old in November, so I can get 6 months ownership within the 8 year period

Matt

Matt

 

[Parrot of Doom]

Pull the front doors open, and look under the rubber seal at the top. Thar be rust ahoy!

I've just repaired those bits on mine today, fortunately only the driver's door was affected. Pulled the seal out, degreased the area, sanded the rust off, then treated it with por15 rust primer, and then painted it with silver por15. Once dry, the seal will pop back on and hopefully it'll be rust free for a good few years.

 

[Blobcat]

Pull the front doors open, and look under the rubber seal at the top. Thar be rust ahoy!

I've just repaired those bits on mine today, fortunately only the driver's door was affected. Pulled the seal out, degreased the area, sanded the rust off, then treated it with por15 rust primer, and then painted it with silver por15. Once dry, the seal will pop back on and hopefully it'll be rust free for a good few years.

When MB repair the door tops they stick the rubber seals down to prevent water ingress. Or at least that's the theory.

 

[alexspurs61]

When MB repair the door tops they stick the rubber seals down to prevent water ingress. Or at least that's the theory.

Yep - the approved MB repairer (WMK in north Coventry) from whom I'm awaiting a quote has a new-ish method he's been using. Involves cutting the metal beneath the rubber seal right back and then using sealant/wax/whatever.

IF I go with this I'll post full before/after pics.

 

[Daeths]

Yep - the approved MB repairer (WMK in north Coventry) from whom I'm awaiting a quote has a new-ish method he's been using. Involves cutting the metal beneath the rubber seal right back and then using sealant/wax/whatever.

IF I go with this I'll post full before/after pics.

When I had my three doors done under warranty (2001 W210) they did exactly that. My new "bestest mate" Bob, the warranty man at my dealership asked if I intended keeping the car long term, which I am. His recommendation is now the rust is out you have to keep outr the water or it will haunt you again in years to come. Interestingly he advised it is not just rainwater but under the rubbers is a real condensation trap.

He recommended buying a high quality silicon (like the bathroom stuff) in black, liberally apply clean up and shut the doors to ensure the seals are pushed and 'glued' onto the frames. The reason for a high quality silicon as opposed to cheapy own brand sealant is that it is much easier to wipe off the oozed out stuff when the seal is pushed back down ensuring an invsible finish.

Did mine last weekend, the rubbers are solid on the door and you cannot see a thing. I suppose the secret is to ensure it is absolutely watertight otherwise you could create a bigger problem by trapping the water/damp in. ?? I spent 30 minutes per door (i'm only doing it once, so do it proper !) and dead chuffed.

Adam

 

[OlafMaxwell]

There are a few other rust areas....front suspension strut mountings....front cross members.......keep an eye out on them.