What are the rules on Bodywork corrosion

[carnut13]

I have a Nov 2003 SL350 ( galvanised or not...who knows) and last summer I noted that there was rust around the welds in the engine bay and reported this to my local dealer; nothing heard for months and when I asked the person who had dealt with it had left and nothing had been done

Its a low priority sort of thing in the scope of all the other problems I have had so i only resurrected it with my dealer in Nov last year;chased today and they say MB have rejected the claim

"because corrosion is only covered for 3 yrs,or 8yrs on some parts, or not at all as they dont cover all the bodywork!"

when I queried the "30 yr warrantee" I was told that only applied if I took it into a MB bodywork shop every year!News to me.

Have I been misled when I bought the car and was told it had a 30 yr bodywork warrantee? Am I at fault for believing this? What is the truth and are MB giving me a teflon shoulder?

If I rubbed down the rust and sprayed it then do doubt MB will deny all liabilty;if I leave it to rust away they still dont seem to want to know...what do I do? damned if I do,damned if I dont.

It seems a small thing right now but if the welds are corroding and they all get worse then there is a clear and present danger.

Any comments from those with experience of this area please

 

[television]

The going to a body shop every year is a new one on me, and nothing in nay books or paper on this one.

The 230 cannot be galvanized as only the rear wings are steel, all of the rest is Alli.

The picture shows the cross panel I think, I would cover it with wax oil with no attempt to sand any. and do the under side also

 

[jberks]

That is the most rediculous thing I have ever heard.
There is some claim about them inspecting the car at every service though they neveractually do this - does it have FMBSH? but in any case, most have had repairs done without. There is absolutely NO requirement for the car to visit a bodyshop, merc or otherwise.
They do occasionally argue on a car older than 8 years without fmbsh but yours is younger than that.

The dealer is a useless incompetent moron that has no right calling themselves a mercedes dealer (Please feel free to quote me!)
The initial rejection isn't uncommon. It's just an automated thing on the computer that in my experience is wrong more often than it's right. I've had several things done on rejected warranty claims. What the dealer is supposed to do at that point is to call someone at MBUK and lodge an appear. Under normal circumstances like yours, the rejection is then overturned and you're none the wiser. Sadly you've got an idiot that takes the first answer.
So,
1) find yourself another dealer.
2) and /or call up MBUK customer service and ask them what the rules are.

 

[carnut13]

Thanks for the 2 replies. My dealer is not completely useless but I totaly agree that they just say what MB say and make up the rest of the excuse. My relationship with them is quite good but I obviously need to know whats what before pushing them ( Sun Zu and all that)

The rusty welds are in the engine bay just below the susspension strut housing.

I will pursue

 

[len_merclover]

Hi

I had a similar problem with my alloys. They were all having a 'bubling' affect (corrosion).... first time I took it down to MB I was refused. I didn't take this as acceptable so I was advised by our fellow members on here to get on to thr mb director. To my surprise, he personally replied, asked me to pop down for some more phots, same day it was all authorized!

Amazing arh!

So, the moral with this kind of story is never take no for an answer. The customer is always right!!!!

Hope all gets sorted, please update us.

Len