help please - where do I find body panels

[paulblui]

Hi All,

I recently purchased a S320 2001 although I expected there to be a few minor niggles I was not expecting to find so much rust, I have done some reading and its a common flaw with the w220.

What I am finding a little difficult is to locate replacement body panels, the highest priority is the front wings (though I will probably be looking for rear-quarters and doors at a later stage)

Can anyone suggest somewhere where I can either purchase new panels, or refurbished panels from at a good price?

Any and all suggestions welcome.

Thanks Paul

 

[219]

Despite your original panels having rusted ( which was because of poor paint protection rather than anything wrong with the metal ) the best panels are still genuine Mercedes ones , obtainable from the dealer .

There are cheaper panels in the aftermarket , but they don't always fit so well or as easily .

Secondhand panels are an option , if you can find a car in a breakers with good , rust free ones . You could try MercMan - one of the best known specialist Mercedes breakers - try asking V12 on here as he is connected to them .

Oh , depending how badly gone your existing panels are - they may be repairable by cutting out rust and welding in new metal - if you can find someone suitably skilled it may work out cheaper - depends on how much rust you have .