Viano Tailgate rust

[Bilko]

My recently purchased 04 Viano has rust on either side of the chrome number plate cover. Taking it to MB - I was told it was out of bodywork warranty (by 3 months! ) anyway, rather than pay their exhorbitant costs I'll take it somewhere else to have the paint done but does anyone know the root cause ?

I had heard mention that the rear wiper seal leaks and should be replaced. Its just that I obviously want to stop the cause and having had the work done it not recurr again

Bilko

 

[Bilko]

For those interested - the tailgate rust problem is due to a leaky rear wiper seal.
Have had this replaced with what supposed to be a better seal.

However this doesn't say much for Mercedes internal rust protection !

Oh and 2 months outside of the warranty period Mercedes wont pay for the work even though its a known fault.

Bilko