E300 turbodiesel (Rust bucket)

[petef]

I have read about the merc rust problems..I have commented on them ....but until today I never realised the situation was so bad. Today I saw the rustiest "newish" car since my old nissan cherry [circa 1977]..it was a silver E300 Turbodiesel.There was rust on the wheel arches, by the grill, all around the edges of the boot, doors, bonnet..I was gob smacked.The car had a private plate on so it could have been anything from a P reg onwards....

 

[GazCaff]

I saw a C class today that was identical to mine in colour and spec but 1 year older and it looked dreadful. One of the rear doors was actually perforated with rust and the rest of the body panels were covered in scabs.

 

[BlackC55]

I work on a S-class (220) It has terrible rust issues around the doors and front wings. Really shocking on a car that when new is £55,000 only 6 years ago!

 

[norfolk.enchanc]

I used to own a 98 E300 TD. I bought it when it was 2 years young, with very low miles. It had be cherised by its 1st owner and was given the same amount of attention to detail myself. It was waxed and polished weekly. After 4 years rust was developing around the headlights. Then the boot lock surround began to blister with rust. 6 months later the rear wheel arches began to drop off on the drive.
Needless to say I sold the car shortly afterwards. Great car, great engine, cr*p bodywork.