Yet more rust talk! Also looking for Durham area bodyshop

[jpbp200]

I've just been informed my my local MB bodyshop that a goodwill repair of the rust on my 1998 W202 is out of the question. He says that "goodwill" referred to was to extend the original 6 year corrosion warranty to 8 years. And although there is a recognised primer fault with cars from that era (mainly affecting E class but any that were built at using the 'bad' batch are affected) MB will not do anything about it 10 years later. He tells me the cost of doing the repairs will be around £2,000 and as I only paid £1850 for the car this is obviously not going to happen! I am going to try a few local bodyshops for alternative quotes naturally, does anyone know of any good ones in the Durham area? Thanks.

 

[dava]

Peterlee auto body repairs on the industrial est off the A19. Alan's the boss my last cabby was repaired there, truck swiped the side, most places wanted to fit a quater panel, I did not! He pulled it out and I was well pleased and I told him before he started it would have to be better than perfect, it was.

 

[jpbp200]

Thanks for that dava. I will give them a buzz.

 

[jpbp200]

Been to see Peterlee however they are only interested in replacing all the panels!!!!

 

[philharve]

Unloved examples

I've just been informed my my local MB bodyshop that a goodwill repair of the rust on my 1998 W202 is out of the question. He says that "goodwill" referred to was to extend the original 6 year corrosion warranty to 8 years. And although there is a recognised primer fault with cars from that era (mainly affecting E class but any that were built at using the 'bad' batch are affected) MB will not do anything about it 10 years later. He tells me the cost of doing the repairs will be around £2,000 and as I only paid £1850 for the car this is obviously not going to happen! I am going to try a few local bodyshops for alternative quotes naturally, does anyone know of any good ones in the Durham area? Thanks.

Hi jpbp200

The GBP2000.00 quote is pretty realistic. The cost of the repair work to my C230K was edging towards this figure. For that you can expect a first class repair that will last a long time.

GBP1850.00 is not a lot for a 1998 W202. I would have thought a half decent example would fetch more than that. It sounds as though corrosion may have been clearly evident for some time. If true, and no remedial action was taken, I can easily understand why MB would reject your claim. They might have assumed you wanted the car repaired for selling on.

I believe I am correct in stating that other forum members with 1998 W202s have had their cars repaired under warranty but, I suspect, they were probably more valuable examples.

How extensive was the corrosion and are there any other factors that would account for its low purchase price, such as the general condition of the motor?

REGARDS

Phil

 

[jpbp200]

Hi Phil

Thanks for your reply. The corrosion is not bad (in my opinion) ie some just visible blistering around the wheel arches and some evident blistering around the boot lock and rear door lower corner see attached pics! MB themselves haven't rejected my claim. The bodyshop refused to put one in! I guess I should talk to MB direct or find another MB bodyshop? I can understand them not wanting to finance repairs so I can profit from sellng the car on but this is not the case. Difficult to prove though.... Anyway, I would be interested on your thoughts on the corrosion and what is the best course of action? The car otherwise is in excellent condition. Everything electrical works except for the heating function of the drivers door mirror! It has a full apart from 1 year MBSH and 1 lady owner for the last 9 years. It has a scrape on the front bumper but nothing serious. The Alloys could do with a refurb though so I think £1850 was a good price although I have not seen many that sell for much more than that unless in outstanding condition. It was advertised for £2200 by the way.

Regards

 

[jberks]

The boot lock corrosion is almost standard. I am told it was cased by a poorly fitting seal and it affects most mercs of that era. Whilst it should be possible to repair without replacement, the long term success will be dependant on how deep it's gone. The earlier you catch it the better the results. That one has been ignored so yes, they're right the best solution is replacement, but then so are you - its not economic. From my own experiences I'd price a repair on that at around £200 for a decent job with no guarantee that it wont come back.
The door is less common and I suspect caused by neglected damage rather than manufacturing defect. It's not a known weak spot. I'd say £150 for that one with the same caveat.
The general rule of thumb (round here anyway) is £80 for a panel for repair and £60 per panel to blend the paint in.

It may be better to go in with a budget figure and ask what they can do for what you're willing to spend.

 

[jpbp200]

Thanks jberks, I have no idea how long the rust has been visible but I suspect the bodywork was neglected somewhat by the previous owner. I saw the rust when I bought the car so I knew all about it. I was just going to leave it and sell the car in 6 to 12 months but I really like the car now and want to keep it for a while so I want to fix it!

 

[bombs]

Fiberglass Panel

I my part its better to replace the sheetmetal body panel with a fiberglass one, to insure that no corrosion or visible blistering will appear on your car.