Least rusting MB models?

[Anders]

It seems that MB and rust are unfortunately very often associated - with the W210 and W202 probably some of the worst.

Has MB managed to break the curse with the W212 and W204 or are there examples (the w204 now pushing on for 4 years now) on rust on these too?

I used to think that the w124 was actually good too rust-wise, but obviously it is now so old that rust is a given.

So, is it fair to assume that as of the most recent E and C class the rust issue has effectively been solved?

 

[Dieselman]

Don't Smart cars use clip on plastic body panels...they should be OK...

 

[Justin1600]

Don't Smart cars use clip on plastic body panels...they should be OK...

Probably the only one's

 

[MOCAŠ]

My 2000 SLK200 (R170) was rust-free throughout my ownership (until 2005), as is my 2004 SLK 350 (R171), which is now in its eighth year.

 

[Deleted member 37751]

Over four years I've owned 6 Mercedes;
2000 638 V220 CDi- No Rust.
2003 W211 E320 IL6 CDi- No Rust.
2002 W211 E320 IL6 CDi- No Rust.
2005 W211 E270 CDi- No Rust.
2002 W220 S320 IL6 CDi- A little bubble on N/S/F arch
2005 W211 E320 V6 CDi- No Rust.

Or have I just been lucky not buying a Mercedes that suffered with rust?

 

[flt.eng]

My 03 E320 is rust free & is kept outside. I'm very pedantic, about keeping drain holes holes clear. Hence my recent posts about water, being retained. On the front underbody tray. I've solved this By drilling extra dain holes in the tray.
This obviously, would'nt effect a garage kept car.

 

[corned]

Isn't the SLR carbon fibre?

However, knowing MB, they have probably managed to find a way to make that rust too.

 

[grober]

It seems that MB and rust are unfortunately very often associated - with the W210 and W202 probably some of the worst.

Has MB managed to break the curse with the W212 and W204 or are there examples (the w204 now pushing on for 4 years now) on rust on these too?


So, is it fair to assume that as of the most recent E and C class the rust issue has effectively been solved?

Ask in 10 years time? The nano paint was supposed to be a breakthrough but got criticised for chipping too easily because it was too brittle? They do now employ more plastic body/bumper mouldings "fore and aft" in areas subjected to wear from road debris which helps too.Most modern MERCS have more galvanising now though they seem to be quite coy about telling us the extent of this protection? [ where are the body diagrams with the galvanised areas highlighted - I haven't seen any??] In the 80s their policy was that galvanising had a weight penalty and was only used on selected areas- which IIRC were more cosmetic rather than structural. I noted a big change in paintwork durability with the change from factory solvent based paint to water based paint systems in the early 90's The overall consensus would appear to be that the latest generation of Mercedes' do indeed have better body protection from rust than in the late 90s early 2000's . Whether this extends to all the electroplating on the myriad contacts in the complex electronic systems remains to be seen however since my impression is that this or the system components themselves may be their new long term Achilles heel.

 

[BTB 500]

M-B introduced galvanised body panels to try and mend the damage done to their reputation by the W638, W210 etc.

So current cars *should* be ok, but as mentioned nobody will know for sure for some time ...

 

[Highlnder]

Hi BTB 500, was wondering if you can help me. I am a fellow Sl owner and was wondering how to remove the windscreen pillar covers as mine need slight adjustment to sit flush against the wings?
Have searched everywhere but cannot find anything, even call to mb dealer has drawn a blank, so they say!
Thanks

 

[BTB 500]

Sorry, no idea. If you find out stick the solution in the other thread you started ... good luck!

 

[donubenz]

Hi as same type of body as my old S class you peel back the rubber touching the screen and screws are underneath? Common to most body types I think.
Don

 

[Peter DLM]

My 2004 S211 is rust free.

My 124 and 210 were riddled with it though.

 

[pete007]

My 115 was rust free - didn't charge a penny for it !!!

 

[ucr]

Least rusting MB models?

a new one

 

[CKLclive]

The problem started when MB got in bed with Chrysler and a cost cutting program
poor paint ie waterbourne,non anticorrosive primers,lack of coatings and DFT around sharp edges ie wheelarches and so no

 

[ss201]

My 22 year old W201 hasn't shown any signs of rusting yet. I'm not just talking exterior panels, it's absolutely sound as a bell underneath. I had it up on Druk's ramp during the summer and the car was given a thorough inspection and injection treatment with Mercedes cavity wax. Found one very small patch of minor surface rust tucked away on the underside near the diff - that was it. Considering it's done over 200k miles, I'd say that was a testament to Mercedes build quality during the 80s.

I bought it six years ago, it has lived outside the entire time, but it does get the wheel arches cleaned every time it's washed and has been lashed with waxoyl every year since I bought it. Look after the car properly and it should look after you.

Next time you use your car, run your hand under the lip of the wheel arches. How many owners ever clean this area regularly? It's amazing how much mud collects under there.

 

[steve333]

I haven't seen any rusting cls's yet although the oldest are only around 7 years old(2004) but i have seen other models of the same year or newer with rusting

 

[martyz]

The w201 was extremely well built, such a shame they did not carry this standard on to the
next line of models.why did such a technologically advanced car manufacturer get involved with a low standard mass crap producing company?. Another note on finish,whilst on a visit to a MB showroom to ogle the SLS I noticed mostly on the C classes they had what I would consider orange peel finish .is there still quality issues ?

 

[grober]

My 22 year old W201 hasn't shown any signs of rusting yet. I'm not just talking exterior panels, it's absolutely sound as a bell underneath. I had it up on Druk's ramp during the summer and the car was given a thorough inspection and injection treatment with Mercedes cavity wax. Found one very small patch of minor surface rust tucked away on the underside near the diff - that was it. Considering it's done over 200k miles, I'd say that was a testament to Mercedes build quality during the 80s.

I bought it six years ago, it has lived outside the entire time, but it does get the wheel arches cleaned every time it's washed and has been lashed with waxoyl every year since I bought it. Look after the car properly and it should look after you.

Next time you use your car, run your hand under the lip of the wheel arches. How many owners ever clean this area regularly? It's amazing how much mud collects under there.

Bet you have a solvent based factory paint system.